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| On Summer |
| Dear Readers of the What's New, |
| We are in the swing of things in PBA Summer School, and, after an end-of-school year hiatus from the What’s New at PBA, it’s nice to return to our newsletter and share information about adventures at the school. Tomorrow, I travel with Class of 2025 student Riho Umitani and her father to Louisville, Kentucky to compete in the National Speech and Debate Association’s National Championship Tournament! We are busy figuring out what to pack and how to pack the massive information boards Riho designed as accompaniment for her event in Informative Speaking. In the next issue, I will send a report on some of our experiences during the journey. Meanwhile, I am grateful to have a veteran team of educators and administrators at PBA who will guide the programs during summer school. We will stay in close communication while I am away since we are busy planning for the next school year, which will be PBA’s 20th anniversary school year! (Eager readers will hear a good deal more about this achievement in coming issues.) I am mindful that this newsletter posts to you during a period of intense national concern, reflection and pain because of the terrible mass shootings in Texas, New York, and California. We enclose with this newsletter a joint statement by Bishop Eric Matsumoto and Rev. Blayne Higa, Chair of the Committee on Social Concerns, regarding gun violence. As an educator, the crisis of gun violence is of particular concern because it has affected too many school and religious communities. The attention on these shocking mass shootings leaves to the side the ubiquity of gun violence in our nation. When our attention shifts to the next challenging circumstance, I know the problem will persist, harming so many individuals, families, and communities regardless of the nation's focus. But these circumstances redouble my belief that a school program such as PBA’s is essential. Our focused attention on community and peacebuilding, awakening students to the interconnectedness of all beings, and motivating them to build healthy relationships is vital work. These educational emphases are consistent with high standards of learning, and they prepare PBA graduates to be effective agents in the system of higher education and in the workplace. Our work is important. While I don’t imagine I will be so fortunate as to see many of you during my travels, our beautiful community will always be in my thoughts, and I look forward to sharing news of our travels and interesting experiences throughout. Wishing you peace in these summer months, Warmly, Josh |
| Lia Sutton Reflects on her Hula Journey |
| Lia Sutton ’21 has danced hula with Hālau Mōhala `Ilima since elementary school. Some of her fondest moments from dancing as a child include dancing in the Keiki Hula Competition and traveling to Kauai. “Not only did we dance hula on Kauai, but we also learned about the island’s ancient history, myths, and legends through the songs we danced and sang. Every song has a mo`olelo, or story, to learn,” said Lia. “Still to this day, learning about Hawaiian culture from both the songs we perform as well as my kumu Māpuana de Silva is one of my favorite things about hula. Hālau Mōhala `Ilima specializes |
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| in traditionally learned chants and dances taught by the late Maiki Aiu Lake, so being able to spread that culture to others who are watching us dance is very special to me." A favorite hula that Lia has learned is "`O Kailua i ke Oho o ka Malanai." “The message in this mele, or song, is of mālama i nā mea laha ‘ole, meaning to care for the things that are near. Things that are near can apply to people, physical items, and even traditions. I hope to always keep Hawaiian traditions near to me,” said Lia. |
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| Self-discipline and teamwork are other skills Lia developed through hula. “I would consider hula a little like school. In the beginning, it’s hard to make friends, but as you grow older, it becomes easier and you establish countless lifelong friendships. When I first started, I noticed that a lot of my hula sisters were Hawaiian and went to Kamehameha, so I used to feel out of place since I was pretty much the only Asian. Also, being younger made it a bit awkward to talk to girls who were much older than me. As I got to know more about them, it became easier to dance together as we began to treat each |
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| other like family. Because my current class ranges from 6th graders all the way to college students, sometimes it still feels strange trying to get to know everyone. As one of the oldest dancers in my class, I always try to include my younger hula sisters. This can help to make dancing together more fun for them so that they can enjoy all that I have been able to enjoy throughout my hula journey.” |
| Student Activity - Go Dragons! Congratulations to PBA freshman Sean Fitch for placing 6th at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Judo Championships.
Congratulations and good luck to PBA freshman Riho Umitani, who will travel |
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| IMPORTANT DATES June 10, 2022 - Office Closed, King Kamehameha I Day |
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1754 Lusitana Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
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