Waha Nui
Congratulations to Le Jardin Academy middle school science teachers Kim Strong and Andrea McDonald and their students who took first place Jan. 19 at the Regional Science Olympiad Tournament at Windward Community College. “I am so proud of our team,” Kim said. “It is a pleasure to coach such a wonderful, dedicated group of kids.” Next up for the brainy group is the state competition March 2 at Leeward Community College …
Laie’s Katrell Plunkett, a Kahuku Intermediate student, will represent Hawaii as a national youth correspondent to the 2013 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University in July in Washington, D.C. Ahead of her is an intensive week of hands-on media work and learning the “ethical tensions” of the job …
Richard Dickens (Kalaheo 2009) has graduated with distinction from Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas … Polynesian Cultural Center has chosen its new president, Alfred Grace – its second leader of Polynesian descent – to mark its golden anniversary. Alfred started at the park as a sound operator and dancer in the evening show, and over more than 20 years worked his way up through sales to COO. For good measure, as a PCC employee in 1999, he won the BYU-Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award …
On Jan. 17, the Honolulu Fire Department presented a Certificate of Commendation to Johnny Antonio and Samuel Hultz, who rescued an unresponsive kite boarder last summer off Kailua beach, brought the victim to shore and called 911 … Kaneohe’s popular music group Kapena performed last Friday for the Global Peace Concert, along with Anuhea, at the Hawaii Convention Center for Rotary International’s global peace forum for 900 delegates. Local Rotarians, said spokeswoman Linda Coble, are “extremely proud that they lent their talents to inspire us all to promote world peace and understanding” …
Santa has come and gone, and public school wish lists still remain unfilled. If you have items to spare, call wish-granter Kathie Wells in Kailua (263-6703), or go to her group’s website communityhelpingschools.org. Latest needs: CD players for Kahuku El., DVD players for Kainalu El.; pots, pans and a big toaster oven for Kailua High; 8-by-10-foot rug, large zabuton-type pillows and one baby gate for Mokapu El.
