Page 12 - MidWeek Honolulu - June 7, 2023

12 JUNE 7, 2023
Kupu Celebrates Graduates
Honolulu-based conser- vation and youth nonprofit Kupu recently celebrated a first-of-its-kind high school graduation in partnership with the state Department of Education.
Adults, the expanded part- nership at the district’s first off-campus ALO allows both organizations to students pri- or to dropping out of high school,” states Kaulana Mc- Cabe, senior program manag- er for Ho‘okupu Center pro- grams. “Students can remain at their respective high school in the Honolulu district, but instead attend a normal school schedule at Kupu’s Ho‘okupu Center. HIDOE staff lead the classes while Kupu provide the services.
the same space.”
Adds 17-year-old ALO
Eight students participat- ing in Honolulu’s only Alter- native Learning Opportunity program received their high school diplomas earlier this month.
graduate Hopra Betiru, “At Kupu, I became more inde- pendent and motivated. I felt like people cared at Kupu and they also fed me really well all the time. We did a lot of learning outside the class- room and it felt good because the staff was always so en- gaged with us.”
The students attended courses at The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Ho‘oku- pu Center, which is located at Kewalo Basin and home to Kupu’s Culinary Social Enterprise and Community program.
“We know that there is no single model of education that will fit every student’s preferred way of learning, so it’s exciting to support our youth in reaching their education goals by pro- viding both GED and high school diploma options in
Concludes McCabe, “When ALO students gradu- ate on time with a high school diploma, they preserve their lifetime earning potential. According to Georgetown University’s Center on Ed- ucation and Workforce, the difference in lifetime earning potential between someone with a high school diplo- ma and someone without is $400,000.”
(From left) Coldwell Banker Realty agents Clarissa Claire Agliam Mori, Laurie Chang Murphy, Sam Paltikian, Colette Nishimura, Kim Bardon and Patrick Graham collect clothing for Honolulu-based YWCA Oahu’s Dress for Success program. Agents from the company donated gently used clothing, footwear, accessories and jewelry, and $100 to the program, which helps disadvantaged women gain access to professional attire to gain the confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. PHOTO COURTESY COLDWELL BANKER REALTY
“While Kupu has adminis- tered GED classes in partner- ship with HIDOE’s McKin- ley Community School for
GRADUATION CATERING MENU
$300 – Feeds 10-12 people
Includes the following:
Pupu Style Sausages • Teriyaki Beef
Fried Korean Chicken Wings • Mixed Green Salad Fried Noodles • White Rice
MADE IN HAWAII
Call (808) 888-0509
Waterfront Plaza 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Open M-F, 11am-6pm
Free 2.5 hrs. parking w/purchase
Something to Smile About
A dentist who can schedule you on weekdays, evenings or Saturdays
Prevention • Restorative • Orthodontics Periodontics • Implants • Cosmetics
Vanessa Choy, DDS
• We welcome children and adults of all ages
• Invisalign® Provider
• Most major insurance accepted
• Free validated parking
New Patients
Welcomed
808-943-0288 • vanessachoydds.com 1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 844 (Located near Don Quijote - Honolulu)