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AVID Program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) College Study Tour - February 2026


​Dear Konawaena Foundation,

On behalf of the Konawaena High School AVID program, I would like to formally thank you for your generous donation toward our Junior class’s college study tour to Oahu. Your contribution was specifically applied to our lodging expenses, allowing our students a safe and professional environment to rest and reflect during this whirlwind educational experience. 

This trip was far more than a series of campus tours; it was a pivotal moment in these students' academic journeys. As an educator, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the "lightbulb" go off when a student realizes their potential.

Transformative Student Reflections - The impact of this trip is best captured in the students' own words. One of our juniors shared a particularly striking realization: she had always been certain that she belonged in a small, rural town. However, after navigating the campuses on Oahu, she discovered that she actually thrives in a vibrant city environment. This single trip has completely reshaped her college search and given her the confidence to pursue a future she hadn't previously considered.

Other students noted that seeing specialized labs and hearing about financial aid packages firsthand turned "college" from an abstract, intimidating concept into a tangible, achievable goal.

Strengthening the AVID Fam - Beyond the academic discovery, this trip served as a powerful bonding experience. In AVID, we emphasize the "AVID Family" dynamic, and these three days brought this group closer than ever. They navigated transit together, shared meals, and supported one another through the exhaustion of long tours.

This bond is critical as we head into their Senior year. Having a tight-knit support system will be vital as they face the stresses of college applications, scholarship deadlines, and the transition to adulthood next year.

Our Shared Mission - Your support directly upholds the AVID mission: to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. By helping us get these students off-island to see what is possible, you are helping us level the playing field.
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Thank you for being such a dedicated partner in our students' success. We are honored to have the Konawaena Foundation standing behind our future graduates.

​Mahalo, 


Ms. Sydney Suzuki 
AVID Elective Teacher 
Konawaena High School
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Check out the Beautiful Children's Story Books created by 12th Grade English Language Arts Students!
View the titles below and click here to read the books in their entirety.   

2025 End of Year Family Celebration

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12th Grade English Language Arts

​Writing and illustrating original children's story books that incorporate key narrative literary elements that craft a compelling picture of mo'olelos that authentically represents our lives.
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Click here to read each individual book;
  • Jimmy and the Dog
  • Tiny Dancer
  • Neil and the Cosmic Feast
  • Shy Rhino
  • Sticky Fingers!
  • Bubbles and Charlie's Great Adventure
  • Friends with Monsters
  • The Shortcut

College and Career Grant for Senior Send-Off and Senior Awards Night
​May 2025

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​Aloha Claudia and the Konawaena Foundation team,

I just wanted to extend my deepest gratitude to you all for your willingness to accept the College and Career Center's grant and help support our senior events. Your generosity made a huge difference!

Thanks to your support, both events were a big success—our students were not only happy but also incredibly eager to participate. These moments meant so much to them (and to me), and I can confidently say that I wouldn’t have been able to pull either event off without your help.

​Mahalo again for always being willing to step in and support our students. Your partnership and kindness are truly appreciated more than words can express.

Sincerely,
Mercedes Ihilani Victor
College and Career Counselor
Konawaena High School
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Konawaena Foundation Grant - Drones Project

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Click on arrows on lower right of video to view full size>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cynthia Bens - ​The drones are a hit and they can even code them. 2 modes to code one simpler one and then one more advanced. Mrs. Jacobson and I are teaching summer school so we will have students continue to learn to code and learn more about drone flight and there many uses! 

All classes have had at least one experience with them and we will keep having students work on coding as much as possible! Thank you again! ​
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April 2025 - Sociology Field Trip to Family Court & Third Circuit Court

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The Konawaena Foundation provided funding for Sociology teacher Molly M. Satta-Ellis to take 12th grade students on an educational field trip to the Keakealani Building, where her students conducted court observations in both Family Court and Third Circuit Court.  

The students observed real-life cases and engaged with professionals in the judicial system, including probation officers, sheriffs and judges.  

The experience helped students make concreate connections between the academic materials discussed in class and the real-world consequences of decisions in society.

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January 2025 - Agriculture Department Raised Planter Beds Project

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November 2024 - The Great Trike Challenge


​To: Konawaena Foundation

Aloha!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to purchase the trikes for our classroom. The students loved the experience and are still talking about it. Attached are some photos of the students using the trikes. They designed a lab exploring ways to improve the performance and safety of drivers. Students conducted tests using the trikes to test their hypotheses. The trikes aided them to connect real-life applications to their speed, velocity, force, mass, energy, and acceleration calculations. The multi-day lab was a success. Also included are some comments from the students about the usage of trikes in their learning. Thank you again for giving the students a chance to learn in an engaging and memorable way.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Erica Ferguson, Teacher 
Konawaena High School


Read the responses from students in the class here - Student Responses.
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Konawaena High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program offers career pathways that will prepare students for the 21st century.

School Wide Showcase organized by CTE Department
​March 8, 2024

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The Konawaena Foundation provided funding for the "This is Konawaena" tee shirts worn by students and staff at the Showcase.
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The School Wide Showcase featured student demonstrations from culinary, robotics, digital media, agriculture and leadership. School clubs also participated in this event that culminated with a Fashion Show based on fashions from the 20th century.
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All students that participated in the Fashion Show take a well deserved bow at the end of the Showcase.

2023 Agriculture Department Raised Planter Beds Project
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2023 Japanese Department Mural Project. Using art to showcase language and cultural learning experiences can be a creative and engaging way for Japanese language learners at Konawaena High school to express their understanding of the language and culture.  This lesson plan is designed to help students create an art project that reflects their language proficiency and cultural knowledge.  It is assumed that students have already acquired a basic understanding of the Japanese language and culture.  ​

supporting higher education at konawaena high school

Address     81-1043 Konawaena School Rd, Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750-8121

Telephone

808-323-4500

Email

[email protected]
  • Home
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