KCS News & Happenings
KCS partners with Aloha Harvest to send love and support to Maui
August 25, 2023
As hearts continue to grieve with the Maui community, KCS is grateful for the opportunity to actively help those suffering from the recent wildfires that devastated Lahaina and parts of Kula and Kihei. In response to last week's relief drive, the KCS 'ohana collectively donated 30 boxes filled with non-perishable food, hygiene supplies, and baby items. On August 18, fourth graders, with the help of volunteer Aunty Chit, pitched in to finish sorting, packing, and labeling boxes to prepare the items for pick-up by Aloha Harvest. Mr. Nakamura and his students also took time to pray over the items and the people of Maui. Earlier this week, these supplies made their way to Maui as Aloha Harvest shipped out a container full of food and supplies from KCS and other partner businesses and organizations. Through this outreach effort, we pray for God's light to bring hope and healing to Maui.
Introducing the Bill and Annie Yamada Scholarship Fund
May 26, 2023
What makes KCS such a special school are the people who love this place and wholeheartedly believe in our mission. Bill and Annie Yamada, long-time members of Kaimuki Christian Church, are two such people who have supported KCS for decades. As shared last fall during the Flagpole Dedication Ceremony, Bill was instrumental in expanding KCS to a middle school in 1995-96. In February, Bill and Annie were discussing how to steward their funds when God led them to donate over half a million dollars to KCS to start a scholarship fund. Mrs. Ahn was floored by the generosity and heart behind this gift of $566,715.43, which allows KCS to start its first perpetual scholarship fund! With this amount invested, a maximum of 5% will be withdrawn each year to award in scholarships.
Parents of K-12th grade students are eligible to apply for the Bill and Annie Yamada Scholarship. Applicants should demonstrate financial need and hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent for elementary). A completed application via FACTS Grant & Aid must also be submitted. Our first round of scholarships will be awarded this year to families who have submitted financial aid applications. The FACTS Grant & Aid application opens again in January 2024 for the 2024-25 school year. The Yamadas hope this gift enables generations of students to attend KCS while inspiring others to give generously as well!
Five students recognized in special edition Keiki Day paper
May 12, 2023
KCS is pleased to announce that the Keiki Day edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, published on Tuesday, May 9, features the work of five of its students! This special newspaper supports Parents and Children Together (PACT), a local non-profit that has helped Hawaii families in the areas of “early childhood education, domestic violence, family strengthening, behavioral health support, and community building” since 1968.
For this year's contest, students submitted entries centered on the theme "Inspire Hawai'i's Future." Congratulations to grade-level winners Kainoa Kanakanui '34, Noa Termini '34, Makena Holm '26, Noah Sumikawa '25, and Aliyah Kurian '24. The Keiki Day paper published Kainoa and Noa's drawings and Makena, Noah, and Aliyah's poems. According to Leigh Morrison, PACT’s Community Engagement Director, the contest received “hundreds of entries from over thirty-five schools." With five winners from KCS, she also shared the following: “The judges were very impressed with all the entries from Kaimuki Christian School and wanted to pass on that you have a fantastic writing program.” Way to go, Keiki Day creative contest winners!
KCS featured in Star-Advertiser column on mathletics
April 28, 2023
Did you catch KCS mentioned in the Sports section of Monday's Honolulu Star-Advertiser? Written by Sjarif Goldstein, the column explores the ever-growing definition of sports in relation to the competitive nature of math leagues. Goldstein interviews math team coach Dr. Kwong and Oahu Math League (OML) team captain Amanda Feldmann '23, as they share their perspective on the similarities between math and athletics. The article also highlights how a small school like KCS can provide personal instruction for Amanda in her coursework. As alluded to in the column, KCS competes in the Newton Division of OML, which allows schools with fewer entrants to participate. At the final meet of the season held on April 15, KCS placed 4th. This article caps off a strong season for our high school mathletes!