Eighteen Kaʻū High School students who were part of an agricultural entrepreneurship program received certificates of achievement from Hawaiʻi Community College on Friday, May 13, during the college’s 81st commencement ceremony.
Students earned the certificates through the Academy for Agribusiness at Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School. The academy is part of the Kaʻū Global Learning Lab, a school-centric strategy to revitalize the Kaʻū region, preparing students to be eco-friendly members of the community and independent entrepreneurs who practice mālama ‘āina and contribute to the socio-economic resilience of Ka’ū and the world.
“As a former teacher, I have witnessed how access to a hands-on, hands-on education can change a student’s life,” said Hawaii First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige. chair of the Kaʻū Dream Community Advisory Board, in a press release. . “Supporting our youth is the first step in revitalizing Kaʻū, as empowered students are essential to the success of their community. Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of these students and what their accomplishments mean to the community as a whole.
Kaʻū Dream is a community initiative committed to transforming Kaʻū into a vibrant place to live, work and play while preserving the authenticity of its people and culture.
Certificates of Competency in Agriculture/Landscaping (12 credits) were awarded to:
- Stephen Adler
- Laci Ah Yee
- Elaina Akiu
- Jinia Jackson
- Fred Kauwe
- Kamamalu Kauwe
- Eline Ling
- Charlotte Ross
- Joaquin Ross
- Stephen’s Throne
- Torres of the Trinity
- Kamalani Tuifagou
- Kainalu Wanzer
Certificates of Achievement in Agriculture (24 credits) were awarded to:
- Cody Ah Yee
- Cyrus Eder
- Kelson Gallano
- Collin Hanshew
- Amelia Uribe Bounos
“I never thought I could get a college certificate while still in high school and it feels really good to already have credits that I can use towards a college degree,” Cody Ah Yee said. , a graduate of Kaʻū High, in the press release. “My sister is also participating in the program and she is also getting a certificate today. My mom is really happy that we both have college credits now.
The Kaʻū Global Learning Lab was created as part of a community revitalization project known as Kaʻū Dream, a community resilience model aimed at building a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable Kaʻū through education and economic development . Students as young as 14 can earn college credits and proficiency certificates in agriculture, entrepreneurship, creative media, and culinary arts through the Academy for Agribusiness.
Before attending the opening ceremony on Friday, the 18 Kaʻū students and their families attended a celebratory lunch and received gift bags, enjoyed live music from 14-time Nā award winner Mark Yamanaka Hōkū Hanohano, and heard a keynote address from Derek Kurisu, Executive Vice President. KTA supermarkets.
“At the Kaʻū Global Learning Lab, our youth thrive at the intersection of education, agriculture, sustainability, and the Hawaiian value of mālama ʻāina,” said ʻĀina Akamu, teacher and director of Kaʻū Global Learning Lab, in the press release. “Not only does the academy provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers, but it also fosters community resilience by addressing food insecurity in Kaʻū. Our vision is bold – we are here to transform our entire community for the better.
“The accomplishments of these young people are a testament to the hard work of teachers, parents and community members who came together to make dreams a reality,” Kurisu said in the press release.
Comments are closed.