Waimea Country hosts open house
Waimea Country School welcomes interested children and their families to an admission open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Attendees will tour the campus and hear from faculty, students and parents about the school’s fully accredited learning program. Priority deadline for new applicants is Feb. 27.
The campus is located at St. James’ Circle in Waimea. For more information, call 885-0067, visit waimeacountryschool.org or facebook.com/waimeacountryschool.
Kona Elks taking scholarship applications
The 2015 Kona Elks Lodge Most Valuable Student award applications are due by Dec. 5. Applications may be submitted to the Kona Elks Lodge or the lodge closest to the applicant’s home. Applicants are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen upon signing their application is eligible; permanent legal resident status does not qualify. Male and female students compete separately. College students and relatives of Elk members are ineligible.
In late April, 20 finalists will be vying for two $50,000 first-place awards; two $40,000 second-place awards and two $30,000 third-place awards. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.
There are also 500 national scholarships available from $1,000 to $12,500 as part of the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student awards. These funds are in the form of certificates of award and are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis in a U.S. college or university.
In addition, there are up to 250 Legacy Awards, which are $4,000 scholarships paid out at $1,000 per year for four years for children and grandchildren of Elks members. And two, one-year Emergency Educational Grants for children of deceased or totally disabled Elks wishing to obtain or further their college education. Grant amounts are based on information submitted and range up to $4,000. Eligible students may submit up to three annual renewal applications for succeeding years. Applicants cannot accept more than one scholarship or grant in any one academic year. Renewal applications should be filed by Dec. 31. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. The grant is for educational assistance only and cannot be extended beyond four years.
For an application or list of frequently asked questions, visit elks.org/enf/scholars/mvsfaq.cfm. For more information, call Joe Reynolds at 334-0077.
College 101 seminar offered Saturday
Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union will host a free seminar, “College 101,” from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 22 at the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center training room, Kaloko facility.
The seminar will feature presentations by Kolby Santiago, assistant director of financial aid, and Mahealani Jones, interim assistant director of admissions, both at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Topics include what is FAFSA, the general eligibility requirements, how to apply for it, the financial aid application process and financial aid issues for 2014.
For more information, call 930-7700 or email marketing@hicommfcu.com. Seating is limited.
Mele Murals project returns to island
Mele Murals, the public art movement inspired by traditional mele, is returning to Hawaii Island. The Estria Foundation will collaborate with Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino in Kealakekua for its 20-mural series in its youth empowerment, cultural preservation and community building mural project.
Local artists, cultural advisers and students collaborate to create a large-scale, outdoor mural that focuses on the Hawaiian lyrics (mele), mool elo aina (stories of place), cultural and historical heritage of Keauhou.
The students of the Hawaiian language immersion school will begin their two-week workshop today. Estria Miyashiro, founder of The Estria Foundation, and John Prime Hina will mentor the students through the process. The public is invited to join the paint party at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Keauhou Shopping Center. The mural will conclude with a community unveiling celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 29, followed by the Hui Kakoo Benefit Concert Series with Hawane Rios at the center.
For more information, visit estria.org., call 557-5700 or email mahea@estria.org.
Outstanding teachers honored by state
David Huitt of Kealakehe High School was one of six Hawaii District Teachers of the Year recognized Friday at the State Capitol auditorium in Honolulu. At this event, Waikiki Elementary teacher Catherine Caine was named Hawaii’s 2015 State Teacher of the Year. Caine is a national board certified educator who challenges students to address real-life issues through hands-on lessons.
The others honored were Richard Arase of Maui Waena Intermediate, Elizabeth Frilles of Olomana School, Marly Madayag of Kalaheo Elementary, Jamie Takamura of Red Hill Elementary and Masaru Uchino of Momilani Elementary.
Each District Teacher of the Year received a $500 award from The Polynesian Cultural Center and instructional software from SMART Technologies. Caine, as the State Teacher of the Year, received $1,500 from the Polynesian Cultural Center, a one-year lease of a new car courtesy of the Hawaii Automobile Dealers’ Association, instructional software from SMART Technologies and other classroom technology.
Mentor teacher program seeks votes for grant
The West Hawaii Teacher Induction and Mentoring Program has been entered in a grant contest through Farmers Insurance. The “Thank a Million Teachers” initiative allows educators from across the country to submit grant proposals for $2,500 to support programming for teachers and students in K-12 schools. The program supports mentor teachers who in turn support beginning teachers in West Hawaii schools through professional development and tablet technology projects.
To vote for the proposal, visit thankamillionteachers.com and enter an email address. Votes may be submitted every 24 hours. For more information, contact Sandy_Cameli@notes.k12.hi.us.
Parker announces scholarship deadlines
Parker School will again offer the Richard Smart Scholars program for ninth-grade students and middle school Ulu Pono Scholarships for student in sixth through eighth grades for the 2014-15 school year. Two new students and one current student will be selected to receive $8,500 toward tuition for each year of their Parker career provided they maintain appropriate academic and behavioral standing.
Ulu Pono scholars are selected based on financial need, academic promise, strong character and passion for an area of interest. Smart scholars are selected on the basis of financial need, merit and exceptional academic potential.
For prospective students, applications are currently being accepted; admissions, financial aid and scholarship applications are due Feb. 2. Returning students deadline for financial aid and scholarships applications is Jan. 23. For more information, visit parkerschoolhawaii.org or contact admissions director Emily Pagliaro at 885-7933, ext. 7107, or epagliaro@parkerschoolhawaii.org.
HPA’s spelling bee winners announced
Thirty-eight students in fifth through eighth grades participated in the Hawaii Preparatory Academy spelling bee Nov. 4. Eighth-graders Hayley Emmons and Kealia Haitsuka were co-champions.
Emmons and Haitsuka now advance to the Hawaii Island District Spelling Bee Jan. 10 at HPA’s Gates Performing Arts Center. The winner of the district competition will represent Hawaii Island at the state spelling bee.