KCS News & Happenings
Mrs. Spearing retires after 36 fruitful years
May 23, 2025
"This is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it." This joyful declaration to begin the school day, along with prayer, the flag pledge, and patriotic songs, have been a constant in Mei-Ling Spearing's preschool classes throughout her time at KCS. Today marks Mrs. Spearing's last day, concluding 36 years of faithful service to our youngest learners and their families. This year's P4A Maluhia class is her last preschool class, adding to the thousands of lives she has already touched. During her career, Mrs. Spearing's skills and talents often led her to work with older students, as she taught German (20 years) and Drama (25 years) to middle schoolers. She also helped with the Pep Squad in the 90s, coordinated the school's involvement in the ACSI Spelling Bee, and assisted with the past two Spring Drama Productions.
As a member of KCC since 1976, Mrs. Spearing's heart has always been to bridge the activities and ministries of the church and school. Guided by her strong faith, Mrs. Spearing says the most rewarding part of her work was teaching and sharing the gospel with students, families, and the community. She has many highlights from working with preschool and middle school students, including teaching her daughters (Mishalla and Betsy) and three of her grandchildren. Her tenure has spanned generations, as she has had the unique opportunity to teach the children of her former students. Through introducing academic skills, concepts, literature, languages, or cultural activities, Mrs. Spearing hoped to point others to the Lord in all she did.
On May 20, KCC/KCS staff honored Mrs. Spearing with a surprise retirement party, celebrating her legacy and lasting contributions to the KCS 'ohana. Her heart is filled with gratitude as this season comes to a close, expressing, "It has been an honor, privilege, and blessing to serve at KCS these years." She plans to continue volunteering for KCC ministries (VBS and Harvest Celebration) and looks forward to relaxing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends in retirement. Danke Schoen, Frau Spearing!
Alice in Wonderland spring production delights audiences
April 17, 2025
From the opening refrain of "row, row, row your boat," the KCS spring production of Alice in Wonderland immediately transported the audience to a world that indeed felt as if "life is but a dream." The classic children's novel by British mathematician Lewis Carroll was brought to life by the 42-member cast and crew, comprised of 4th to 12th grade students. Students invested months into this production, working for hours after school and on weekends under the guidance of Director Mark Branner, UH Professor of Theatre. His team included Mrs. Branner (Assistant Director), Kanoho Koko (Tech Director and Set Designer), Iris Kim (Costumes), Maseeh Ganjali (Shadow Puppets), Mrs. Spearing (Assistant Shadow Puppets), and Paige Hamada '25 (Choreographer).
On April 11-12, the actors and crew showcased their talent, delighting peers with an in-school performance last Friday and then performing for family and friends in a sold-out show on Saturday. The ensemble cast captured the audience's imagination, portraying the playful, strange, and often illogical characters of Wonderland. Imaginative set design, clever & interactive props, impressive costumes (with a local flair!), special effects, and shadow puppets all served to enhance Alice's journey through a "curiouser and curiouser" world. Bravo to our students for embracing their roles and working together to produce such an entertaining show!
A memorable evening in Manoa for the KCS 'ohana
March 28, 2025
In front of a televised audience and a Stan Sheriff crowd of 6,800 fans, KCS students took center court for several memorable performances during the UH Men's Volleyball game against UC San Diego on March 28. Mr. Ganiron's Ukulele School students from KCS (as well as Hawaii Kai United Church of Christ) and his high school music class opened the match with a stirring instrumental version of the national anthem and Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī. Between sets, our dancers and musicians entertained the crowd, which included 350 fans from the KCS 'ohana in attendance. Keala Kanakanui ‘26 and Tatum Wise ‘28 danced a hula to “Hanalei Moon," followed by a hula to "Kaimana Hila" performed by Ryah Hamamoto '32, Luxe Ikeda '34, and Reece Hamamoto '34. Both songs were sung by Emma Oliveros '27, accompanied by Mr. Ganiron, Tytus Ahn '26, and Marisa Bunao '26.
KCS was honored to be a part of this Prince Kuhio Day tribute and is grateful for the opportunity for our talented students to share the gift of music and dance on such a large stage. Bravo to Mr. Ganiron and Miss Mele for preparing our students to shine and proudly represent KCS. Check out their impressive performances in the video linked below!
Mathlete advances to State competition
February 14, 2025
Congratulations to our middle school MathCounts team, coached by Dr. Kwong! After months of weekly practices during lunch periods and competing in two interscholastic competitions during the fall, KCS mathletes were poised for a strong performance at the annual MathCounts Honolulu Chapter Competition. Held at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama on Saturday, February 8, they worked together to place 10th in the team competition. In the individual (target & sprint) rounds, Danae Hsia ‘30 earned Top Scorer for KCS. As Danae's score landed her in the top 25% of competitors, she advanced to the MathCounts State Competition on March 8. This is the first time KCS will send a mathlete to States; way to go, Danae!