KCS News & Happenings

On October 28, the Hawaii Pro Bono Celebration livestream event not only celebrated the generosity of attorneys who ensure that access to justice is achieved but also the valuable volunteer efforts of seven Hawaii high school students. This year’s Hawaii Access to Justice Commission essay contest centered on the theme “Many hands make light work: How my work as a volunteer helped to build and/or strengthen my community.”

Senior Zachary Kao’s essay was selected by the Access to Justice Commission, and he was awarded $500 by Tamashiro Sogi & Bonner, A Law Corporation. During the ceremony, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald recognized Zach’s essay titled “The Power of ‘Insignificant.’” In Zach’s reflective piece, he shares how his interactions with patients, as a volunteer for Queen's Medical Center, made a profound impact on him. Despite being tasked with seemingly mundane work, Zach realizes the joy that comes from “tiny but powerful actions.” His concluding thought highlights the power of volunteer work as he writes, “Although we don’t always expect it, what feels like the most insignificant of actions could create the most extraordinary of outcomes.”

Congratulations, Zach, for making a difference in the community! Special thanks to high school literature teacher, Mrs. Fong, for working with Zach to craft such an excellent essay!

On October 9, 2020, during this year’s online Hawaii Pro Bono Celebration, Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald shared that the purpose of the event was to “honor attorneys who volunteer their legal services to aid those in need” and recognize high school students who wrote “inspiring essays about serving the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

Senior Valor Ahn’s essay was selected by the Access to Justice Commission, and he was awarded $500 by Case Lombardi and Pettit Law Corporation. During the ceremony, Hawaii State Bar Association President Greg Frey shared how impressed he was by Valor’s desire to serve with “purpose” at the Salvation Army, and his profound concluding thought that “everyone has a story, and some just need a listening ear.” Congratulations, Valor! Kudos to high school literature teacher, Mrs. Fong, as well!

Student Council is pleased to announce the 2020-21 officer team of Megan Hirasaki '22 (President), Maile Fowler '22 (Vice President), Taylor Amalato '22 (Secretary), and Lili Kramer '23 (Treasurer). Homeroom representatives for 1st-12th grade have also been selected and are ready to serve. The first meeting for middle/high school representatives and officers will be held on September 30 via Zoom.

While service projects may look different this year, Advisor Mrs. Trapasso looks forward to collaborating with officers and representatives on new and creative ways to contribute and connect with the KCS 'ohana and the local community. The heart of the Student Council remains the same: serving humbly to give God all the glory!

With the simple but effective strategy of "helping the youth one friendship at a time," the Mālama Mentors program continues to make an impact on both big kids and little kids. This is the second year KCS has been a part of the program, which currently connects KCS high school students with children at Ali'iolani Elementary.

To participate in the program, high school volunteers completed a formal training session in the fall. Earlier this semester, KCS mentors spent one-on-one time reading, playing, and listening to their child. Through this experience, high schoolers have expressed their enjoyment and growth in developing these new relationships, often discovering the blessings, joy, and encouragement that comes from getting to know their energetic mentee.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mālama Mentors shifted its mentoring sessions to an online format on Zoom. They have developed a quarantine mentoring plan, providing resources and guidance for high school mentors. Amid the quarantine, two KCS students share their reflections on continuing to build their mentoring relationships from a distance.

"Whenever we call, I ask [my mentee] about his week, how he feels about quarantine, and I offer to call him whenever he needs it... As a mentor, I have been able to give back to people in need, similarly to the mentors in my life. The large distance between us does not stop our mentorship, but instead, gives us new ways to connect." - Megan Hirasaki '22

"I enjoy being a mentor to my mentee... After not seeing each other for a while, it was nice to reconvene on Zoom to just catch up. Although the personal connection is hindered due to shaky internet connections, these conferences bring joy into our day as we talk about our household pets." - Kimberly Yip '20

Amid the backdrop of the coronavirus and the reality that their two-week trip would be cut short, this remarkable team of students chose to embrace every moment of their life-changing experience at the LA Dream Center. Standing as a beacon of light in the middle of some of the most impoverished neighborhoods of Los Angeles, the Dream Center provides training, leadership development, and outreach assignments for short-term mission trip teams, as they assist in the Center's mission "to connect broken people to a community of support."

Trip chaperone Mrs. Fowler witnessed the group of two freshmen and seven sophomores take their faith "to another level." She watched as students approached strangers in Skid Row, a neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles notoriously associated with its homeless population. Guided by a Dream Center outreach leader and inspired by daily devotions and testimony, students allowed themselves to be used by God to speak into the lives of the individuals they met, praying for them with boldness and compassion. When assigned to laborious tasks of cleaning or sorting pounds of groceries, the team worked hard and served eagerly, going above and beyond what was asked.

As sophomore Zachary Kao reflected, "the Dream Center... changes [people]." When distributing hotdogs and water to a homeless man on Skid Row, freshman Micah Branner was moved by the man's gratitude while also convicted of his own fear and preconceived notions. In response to their evangelism training, students practiced sharing their stories, even taking the bold step to reach out to family and friends in obedience to God's call.

The Dream Center experience not only made an indelible personal impact, but the group formed a special bond as they drew close to God together. They are challenged to continue serving in their own homes and communities, shining a much needed light in this difficult and uncertain season.