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Volleyball teams make history this season

October 11, 2024
By KCS Staff

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!

Senior earns recognition from National Merit Scholarship Program

September 27, 2024
By KCS Staff

KCS is pleased to announce that Noah Sumikawa '25 has been named as a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Recognition is based on Selection Index scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is taken during students' junior year. On September 27, Mrs. Ahn and Mr. Kanakanui presented Noah with a Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). He is the eighth KCS high school student to be recognized for this honor.

Noah's Selection Index score on the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT test placed him among the top 50,000 students who took the test. According to an NMSC spokesperson, "Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success." Congratulations, Noah, for your scholastic recognition and commendation! 
 

The power of praying moms

September 06, 2024
By KCS Staff

For Kris Tokioka (Christian ‘24, Taylor Ann ‘30), whose parents own Fukuda Seed Store, drawing a comparison between gardening and prayer comes naturally. Just as a seed can sprout unexpectedly, after seasons of faithful care or even forgetfulness, prayers are answered through God working, often in ways unseen, through the soil and weeds. This understanding and heart for prayer prompted Kris to step out in faith to lead the Moms in Prayer group in 2020. By offering her time, presence, and focus to the group these past four years, she has seen an overflow of blessings result from these bi-weekly gatherings centered on prayer.

Coming together to pray for KCS has been a desire of moms for nearly two decades. Children’s Chaplain Sandy Simmons led a Mothers Prayer Group in the early 2000s, and Renee Mola revitalized the group in 2010 under Moms in Touch. Since then, a handful of dedicated moms (Lei Voss, Linda Lee, and Kris) have humbly answered the call to carry on the legacy under Moms in Prayer, which provides resources and support for groups internationally. Meetings are kept to one hour, following a structured time outlined on prayer sheets provided; each meeting focuses on an attribute of God and flows from praise and scripture reading to praying for students and staff members by name. The group also prays for requests shared by Principal Mrs. Ahn and intercedes on behalf of schools across the state, country, and world.

From starting with four moms meeting via FaceTime during the height of the pandemic, Kris has seen the group grow through the years as this special ministry has drawn more moms. Tracy Fujinaka (Sanoe ‘30), who joined Moms in Prayer in 2019, said she put aside her initial hesitancy to join other moms in “laying [their] hearts out on the line” in prayer for their children. The group has led Tracy to “develop a deep connection and bond with… other moms in Christ.” Kris also acknowledges a similar impact of seeing God’s faithfulness at work, encouraged by Mrs. Ahn’s praise reports, the increase of moms attending the group, and answered prayer in her own family’s life.

With a willingness to show up during their lunch break or join virtually, this year’s group has given Kris a deep feeling of excitement and expectancy for the school year. Her big prayers are for the next generation and seeing “more miracles” and “more coming to Christ.” Kris also hopes to reach more moms (and grandmothers) and invites those with a heart for prayer to experience the sweet blessing of Moms in Prayer!
 

Ukulele School shines in summer performances

August 16, 2024
By KCS Staff

Bravo to Mr. Ganiron and his KCS Ukulele School students and singers! These talented musicians had a busy summer, as they were invited to perform at several community events. On July 1, students welcomed guests, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi and other city officials, with music at a groundbreaking ceremony for an affordable housing project in McCully. Later that week, on Friday, July 5, musicians were a part of the entertainment lineup at the 50th State Fair.

A select group also made a television appearance, as HI Now Daily interviewed Mr. Ganiron for a segment on their July 17 show. Jacob Nguyen '29, Daven Hamamoto '29, Joenn Palisbo, and Kawika Morioka '29 accompanied Mr. Ganiron to close out the show, playing his original song, "Let Me Sing." Check out the video linked below to check out Mr. Ganiron's interview. He shares his ukulele journey, an upcoming single release, and his passion for music & teaching the next generation!
 

Tags: music, ukulele