KCS News & Happenings
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!
New adventures for middle school students
November 27, 2024
KCS continues to provide memorable trip experiences for 7th and 8th graders! From November 17-21, 32 students and 12 parent & staff chaperones spent five days on the Garden Isle. The group stayed at the picturesque accommodations of Makanalani Kids Camp on the North Shore of Kauai, surrounded by open fields, gardens, orchards, and farm animals. During the week, students enjoyed several of the island's best cultural, historic, and adventure activities, including a train excursion at the Grove Farm Museum, learning coconut leaf weaving at the Kauai Museum, and ziplining at Outfitters Kauai. The trip also incorporated a service component. Students worked the lo'i at the Waipa Foundation and served joyfully at the Kauai Humane Society, completing a variety of tasks, from folding laundry to unloading pallets and washing crates.
This is the third neighbor island trip for our middle school department in recent years, allowing students to take advantage of our beautiful island home. In the spring of 2023, the Class of 2028 explored the island of Maui, while they were joined that fall by the Class of 2029 on Molokai. KCS hopes these trips strengthen friendships and bonds between students, helping them to look forward to more opportunities to travel to the mainland and overseas destinations in high school.
Volleyball teams make history this season
October 11, 2024
The HSF volleyball teams took fans on an exciting ride this fall, with comeback victories and close wins, resulting in the best overall performances since KCS joined the Hawaii Sports Fellowship (HSF) league in 2012. This year, KCS competes in the East division of the newly expanded eight-member league.
Finishing the regular season at 6-4, the girls' team entered the post-season tournament as the #4 seed. Last Thursday and Saturday, they dropped their two tournament games, ending a successful season of strong performances by upperclassmen and younger players gaining valuable game experience. For Elisha Kurian '25, her season was highlighted by celebrating with her younger teammates after they made key plays. These plays "encouraged [her] to play better and want to win for the team."
The boys' team earned the #1 seed in tournament play with an impressive 9-1 record, which included going undefeated until the last game of the regular season. On Saturday afternoon, KCS played in a championship game for the first time, facing Calvary Chapel Christian School in their home gym. Despite rallying from deficits in both sets, KCS lost the match 19-25, 20-25. Nevertheless, the boys bring home the second-place trophy and groundbreaking moments from which to build in future seasons. Nicholas Kao '25 highlights the group huddle cheer during the final game as his memorable moment. In reflecting on the season, he also shares, "We all grew not just as a team, but as a family."
Coaches Dr. Kwong, Zachary Kao '22, and Curren Kong '22 guided the teams throughout the season. Dr. Kwong acknowledges that players who have been a part of the KCS program for multiple years and players gaining outside club experience contributed to the success of this year's teams. He also credits the parent support of the athletes. The senior leadership of Nicholas Kao, Elisha Kurian, Kamryn Nguyen, Terra Shinbo, and Sean Yuen will be missed next year!