Ka`u News Briefs May 21, 2011

Senior Class President Daryn Galigo.  Photos by Julia Neal

SIXTY-TWO STUDENTS make up the 2011 graduating class of Ka`u High School, and most of them made the walk to receive their diplomas last night at Ka`u High School Gym. Principal Sharon Beck bragged that graduates received $250,000 in scholarships, and 47 of them are going on to higher education, a growing percentage over years past. She noted that girls volleyball and wrestling went to state finals, and the musical group One Journey won the statewide Brown Bags to Stardom competition, a David over Goliath achievement from one of the smallest schools in the state.
     Beck said the class of 2011 has brought “leadership, energy, a great deal of laughter and yes - some stress, to the school. Parents, you have much to be proud of,” she proclaimed. 

     Senior Class President Daryn Galigo said, “We have learned to endure and overcome whatever tribulations come our way. It is time to show the world what we are capable of and give back to those who sacrificed to get us here.” 

Valedictorian Dakota Walker
and his grandmother.

Salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison.

     Salutatorian Jaeneise Cuison thanked teachers, coaches and family members for helping her overcome the fear of being a freshman and to become an adult. She said all the seniors contributed “blood, sweat and energy.”
     Sen. Daniel Akaka sent a letter saying “graduation is a milestone that allows us to reflect on past achievement and contemplate the future.” He urged students to “take an active part to make this a better Hawai`i.” 

     Valedictorian Dakota Walker won a full scholarship to Johns Hopkins University. He gave credit to his family and to teachers and coaches who, despite pay cuts and poor access to resources, “managed to make four years at Ka`u High School anything but a waste of time.” He said that no expensive private school provides the kind of love, understanding “and sheer effectiveness that you find at our school.”

Keynote speaker Kurt Dela Cruz.

     Keynote speaker Kurt Dela Cruz talked about his kid days in Ka`u when he was known as “Swingy,” living behind Matsumoto store in Na`alehu. He now works as a freshman counselor at University of Hawai`i in Hilo but still thinks of Ka`u as home. He urged the graduates not to “be shame” of their accomplishments. “Shame is when you steal,” he said, “not when you achieve. Shame is when you get your name in the paper – abuse of household member,” he joked. He urged students to always be proud of being from Ka`u and said that there is a glow, something special about everyone from this place. It can be seen in everyone from Navy commanders to attorneys and others who graduate from Ka`u High. He encouraged everyone to always remember where they come from.

THE SOUTHSIDE VOLLEYBALL CLUB is having a car wash today until noon at Ka`u Federal Credit Union in Na`alehu to raise funds to go the Nationals in Minnesota this summer. Baked good and desktop plants such as anthuriums rooted on lava rocks are also available for purchase.

Bo Lozoff performs
tonight in Volcano.

BO LOZOFF CELEBRATES the 70th birthday of Bob Dylan tonight at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Long hair and peace signs are encouraged. Tickets are $15 for this evening of great music and fun. 

FREE ART DEMONSTRATIONS and hands-on activities are featured at the annual Artists in Action event at Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include book making, jewelry making, relief printmaking, glass blowing, pottery making and metal tooling.

A GATHERING HONORING THE LIFE of legendary Hawaiian composer, musician and entertainer Buddy Fo will be held today at 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. He lived in Ocean View with his wife, Sammi. They were very active in the Hawaiian music scene in Ka`u, and Sammi plans to continue to teach hula.