KAPAAU — The Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture shared Monday that the Mahiai Scholarship Award is available for Kapaau-based Kohala High School and Waimea-based Kanu O Ka Aina high school students.
The award will also be given to Kohala High School sports teams for their laulima (many hands/cooperation) in their school garden. HIP Ag will give $5,000 to high school students and sports teams during the 2017-18 school year. All awards will be distributed in May 2018.
The word mahiai traditionally means a “planter” and “someone who is responsible for cultivation of soil and growing of food.” Mahiai understood seasons, soil, water and weather. They also knew about planting and raising of various crops. Mahiai were rooted to the aina, just as plants were rooted to the earth. Mahiai thought of the plants as their kuleana.
The award stems from the need and desire to grow farmers and food in the local community, which coincides with goals from Kohala’s Community Development Plan of producing 50 percent of locally grown food by 2018. By offering this award, HIP Ag hopes to inspire and engage high school students on the land, encouraging them to step forward and take initiative through caring for the aina. They also want the award to stimulate young adults’ passion for growing food and working with plants. Ultimately, their goal is to grow local schools’ gardens and promote interest in career fields in agriculture.
The award will be given for most hours logged and best quality of effort levels of participation in each of the school’s garden plots. High schoolers will be encouraged to put in thoughtful efforts to growing and caring for their garden. School gardens allow students the opportunity to learn about the process of getting fresh produce from the garden to their plate, and the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.
KHS and Kanu high school students can win $1,000 first place prizes, $500 second place and $250 third place prizes. The KHS sports teams are also eligible for $1,000 first place and $500 second place prizes.
KHS and Kanu high school students are encouraged to participate in agriculture classes at school to log participation hours. Additionally, students can find out from garden coordinators when they can get involved during study periods or after school.
The contact who will be leading the KHS effort is Payton, available at 209-0842. At Kanu, Kiteya will be the contact, available at 937-7024. Coaches or participants of a KHS sports team who want to be involved can request more information by emailing hipagriculture@gmail.com.
General info: Contact HIP Ag’s Program Manager Lauren at 333-8664