KCS News & Happenings
Alaska Mission Trip team reflects on an unforgettable experience
On Missions Emphasis Day, sandwiched between speakers focused on local and global missions, our high school mission trip team shared about their recent experience in Delta Junction, Alaska. From March 7-16, twenty-eight high school students and six chaperones, working with Pastors Caleb and Shayna Bialik of Summit Church, served in various capacities in a small town outside of Fairbanks. While the majority of their time was spent leading a weeklong Vacation Bible School (VBS), the team also led Sunday worship for two local churches and partnered with YoungLives to prepare meals and write cards for teen moms & dads.
Tytus Ahn '26, Paige Hamada '25, and Skye Fowler '24 spoke on behalf of the team, sharing highlights and takeaways from this opportunity to serve in the 49th state. All three mentioned relationship building as an impactful part of the trip. VBS provided ample time for students to connect with the fifty children who participated in the all-day activities. Students were stretched in their faith as they learned to share the gospel message and answer questions about God. Tearful goodbyes, hugs, and words of gratitude marked the last day of VBS, evidence of the meaningful experience for both our students and the children they interacted with. Skye reflected in awe of the team being "able to love people so much and so deeply," realizing the depth of God's love for us, which overflows to share with others through words and actions.
Despite the logistical and personal challenges the team faced during the trip, they saw God work through every situation. They braved freezing temperatures to enjoy the unique sights that Alaska has to offer, from a visit to the Santa Claus House to a glacier hike and tour of an ice museum. Special thanks to chaperone Miss Villanueva for putting together the highlight video below. Watch to the end to see how supporting the Alaska Mission Trip team has made a tangible difference to the people of Delta Junction!
Building new bridges through American Sign Language
Driven by her faith and for every person, regardless of language or abilities, to know God’s love and salvation, Mrs. Aimee Hsia approaches her teaching with that same passion. What initially started as curiosity as she enrolled in her first American Sign Language (ASL) class in college has led her to pioneering the ASL program at KCS last fall. ASL is offered as a one-credit elective during senior year, and adding an ASL course to the high school curriculum provides KCS with an exciting and meaningful opportunity. Principal Mrs. Ahn not only sees learning ASL as a way to equip students with practical skills they can use across the country and in various professions but also as another way to build relationships and reach a different population in the community.
As communication is the foundation of relationships, Mrs. Hsia integrates fellowship events with the Deaf community into her class. Last school year, she coordinated several potlucks for conversation practice, and in September, she invited a deaf friend to join the seniors on their excursion to Sea Life Park. For the eight students currently enrolled in ASL, this was their first opportunity to interact with a deaf person as well as catch a glimpse of accessibility challenges. When encountering a deaf or hard-of-hearing person, Mrs. Hsia simply encourages a willing attitude to have a conversation, whether it be through signing, texting, writing, or gesturing. This is often the first step in bridging the gap between these two worlds. Two students have already shared how they successfully utilized this new mode of expression at their respective jobs, opening doors to impactful exchanges with deaf customers.
Last Friday, the class introduced middle and high school students to the world of ASL during upper chapel, presenting an ASL poem on the familiar Bible story of the Israelites entering the Promised Land. Originally composed in ASL, their presentation of “The Fall of Jericho” showcased the unique features of ASL poetry, which differs from spoken language poetry. Facial expressions, speed, and roughness of gestures convey meaning in addition to the signs. As students grow in their understanding of ASL and deaf culture, Mrs. Hsia hopes they continue their journey of building bridges, “not only... bridges of languages, but of cultures, and of heart."
Five students recognized in special edition Keiki Day paper
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!
Student artwork recognized in Mayor's Memorial Day Poster Contest
Every Memorial Day, the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Parks & Recreation coordinates the effort to place lei upon each gravesite within Punchbowl. To promote the "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" project, students were challenged to submit original artwork for this poster contest, reflecting the "unique depiction of lei-making activities or ceremonial actions of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific." With one hundred entries submitted from public and private schools statewide, judges selected junior Grace Hart's "Remember and Honor" piece as the 2nd place winner in the grades 9-12 division.
Grace and Mrs. Fong attended an awards ceremony held at Honolulu Hale on April 19. Winners received a framed certificate, lei, and acknowledgment from the City Council. They also received art supplies and recognition from Mayor Blangiardi. Grace's award-winning poster, as well as 7th grader Addy Shelverton's poster (honorable mention), are displayed on the 3rd floor of Honolulu Hale. Congratulations, Grace and Addy!
New club makes its debut at cubing competition
The recent phenomenon of "speedcubing" has made its way to campus this year, as the KCS Cubing Club officially launched last fall. Focused on solving the iconic Rubik's cube invented in 1974, the Cubing Club meets weekly for members to learn algorithms, memorize steps, and build their muscle memory to increase their speed in solving these puzzles. Club president, Caleb Yoshioka '24, began cubing in 5th grade and started the club to share his passion with students in 5th-12th grade.
On January 28, Cubing Club members had the opportunity to compete in the Oahu 'Ohana Cubing competition, an official event sponsored by the World Cube Association. Held at the UH Manoa Ballroom, KCS participants competed in a range of events, from the traditional 3x3x3 cube to cubes of other dimensions (2x2x2 or 4x4x4) and shapes ("Skewb" or "Pyraminx"). The younger team members represented KCS well in their first competition experience. Congratulations to Callen Miyata '30 and Caleb, who advanced to the 2nd round in the 3x3x3 event, finishing 26th and 29th, respectively.
Looking ahead to the rest of this semester, Caleb is contemplating sharing "a more expansive view" of cubing with club members, shifting from cubing competitively to exploring the collection aspect. He also plans to focus on solving different types of cubes, not just the traditional 3x3 cubes. Way to go, Caleb and KCS cubers!