Oct 2014-Jan 2015 Na Mea Hou

Na Mea HouThe latest news from Parker School

October 2014-January 2015

Parker School Donates 4.5 Tons of Food

For the last three years at Thanksgiving time, Parker School has focused on giving back to the community. On November 26, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Parker students, staff, faculty and families gathered to celebrate what the school has dubbed ‘Ohana Day and the culmination of several weeks of the ‘Ohana Day Food Drive. This year the kindergarten through twelfth grade students raised 4.5 tons of food for Kokua Christian Ministries’ food pantry in Waimea.

Before gathering on the lawn just before lunchtime to see the fully loaded trucks and trailers destined for the food pantry, the grade 6-12 students spent the morning performing various community service activities in Waimea. Students helped with cleanup, maintenance and other tasks at Kahilu Theatre, Parker Ranch, the Waikoloa Stream,

Waimea Trails and Greenways, Anna Ranch, Thelma Parker Library, St. James Episcopal Church, and the Parker School campus.

For the food drive, the Parker middle schoolers (grades 6-8) for the third year in a row brought in the vast majority of the food. The upper school’s student council took care of all the last-minute counting of food, loading it and delivering it to the Kokua Christian Ministries’ food pantry.

Parker English teacher and student council advisor Jessie Marshall said, “Our students not only contributed cans of food, they contributed a lot of time and hard work to make a difference in other people’s lives. I’m particularly proud of the middle school, which every year puts forth a tremendous effort to collect cans and help our community.”

Our MissionAt Parker School, every student is known, valued and nurtured. Our small-school setting and dynamic program foster confident, compassionate individuals who are thoroughly prepared for college, who enthusiastically engage in life and who positively contribute to an ever-changingglobal community.

Stay informed by checking the Parker School website regularly at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org.

Na Mea Hou is published August through June by the Advancement Office of Parker School.

Advancement Director:Jennifer Richardson

Communications/ Marketing Specialist:Katie Woods Callender

Advancement Associate:Renee Brighter

Graphic Design/Web Specialist:Amicheli Salyer

Please e-mail articles, photos, class notes or event notices to to [email protected]. News about students and submissions from students are especially welcome.

Help Parker School Go Green! If you receive a hard copy of the newsletter, ask to receive Na Mea Hou by e-mail only. Notify us at [email protected].

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Second Annual ‘Ohana Day CHILI COOK-OFFWINNERSChili1st Place: Chocolate Chili – Shellie Note-Gressard & Macey Note2nd Place Tie: -Steve Machiavelli – Michael, Owen & Kyra Matsuda -Texas Red - Jon & Craig McFarland

Soup1st –Place: Green with Envy Chile Verde – Mahealani & Hiwa Thompson2nd Place Tie: -Indian Curry Chicken & Wild Rice – Tapu Taylor & Zoey Quiocho -Zuppa Toscana – Kuniko Kume, Heather Yost, Kosuke Kume & Josh Yost

Vegetarian1st Place: Hamakua Harvest Soup – Hayley Blondin2nd Place: 5-Bean, 5-Pepper Chili – Jon & Jordan Vedelli3rd Place: Spencer’s Sweet Potato Chili – Kelly & Spencer Corabi

‘Ohana Day

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From Advancement Director Jennifer Richardson

Aloha, Parker School ‘ohana! I want-ed to take a moment to share with you, that as part of the school’s ‘oha-na, you play an especially important role in advancing Parker School. This year, we are working hard to continue to grow the depth of generosity and the breadth of participation in Parker

School’s Annual Fund. Our hope is that each member of our ‘ohana—parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, board members, and friends—will see that participation in any manner makes a difference! Parker School’s 2014-2015 Annual Fund goal is $100,000. Early into the cam-paign, Parker secured an anonymous $40,000 match for the Annual Fund. I am proud to say that since the October 2014 announcement of the match, we were able to secure and exceed the remaining funds needed. We are grateful for your support!

While Annual Fund donations are coming into the office on a regular basis, we do still have a little way to go to meet our $100,000 goal! 100% participation at all levels will increase Parker School’s ability to uphold our high aca-demic standards, meet the needs of students and teachers, and maintain our beautiful learning environment. This fi-nal stretch can sometimes be the most challenging; please help us reach our goal by making a donation by June 30, 2015. You can make your donation on our website: www.parkerschoolhawaii.org or you can drop it off at the Advancement Office. Again, thank you for your support.

Fall Highlights:• Parker established an Annual Fund Committee

15 people signed on as Annual Fund Committee mem-bers. These members provide support to achieve the Board of Directors’ Annual Fund goals by working in cooperation with the Annual Fund Co-Chairs and the Advancement Office. Committee members’ primary responsibility is to help raise dollars and participation from fellow parents, and to educate the parent body about the importance of the Annual Fund and how these donations are used by the school. Parker School would like to thank these dedicated volunteers who have helped advance the Annual Fund effort this year. We appreciate their support in helping ensure the An-nual Fund is a success.

• Parker re-established Leadership Level Giving Parker School defines Leadership Level gifts as those of $1,200 or more. We hope to see an increase in Leader-ship Level participation this year!

Parker School’s Giving Levels 1976 Founders Circle: - Mauna Kea—$10,000+ - Mauna Loa—$6,000-$9,999 - Hualālai—$2500-5,999 - Kohala—$1200-$2499 Headmaster’s Circle—$700-$1,199 Bulls Circle —$250-$699 ‘Ohana Circle—$1-$249

• Fairways & Friends 12th Annual Golf Tournament at Hualalai was a success, raising nearly $18,000! We had a full house with 72 golfers and 15 sponsors. Parker is grateful to all of the sponsors, participants and donors who helped make the event a success. Whether you played a round of golf, relaxed at the spa, or joined us at the reception, we do appreciate your support!

We hope you will join us for:• Alumni Day Soccer Game & Social on Sunday, De-

cember 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at our soccer field behind the lower school!

• Kahiau Auction Gala, March 7, 2015. Please plan on joining us for Parker School’s annual auc-tion gala. The evening includes a live and silent auction, wonderful gourmet dinner, fabulous prizes and danc-ing! It is sure to be a wonderful event.

• The new Parker School website is due to launch very soon. Stay tuned for more details!

Please contact the Advancement Office at 808-885-8709 or by email at [email protected] any time should you have any questions about giving oppor-tunities or our events. Again, thank you for your support!

Thank you!


Na Mea Hou

The Parker School ‘ohana was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Kumu Pua Garmon this past summer. Kumu Pua worked with our lower school students for six years as a Hawaiian studies teacher, imparting on them her incredible knowledge of and passion for Hawaiian language, culture, mele and hula. She was an integral part of our ‘ohana. Her positive, fun-loving presence and deep wisdom will be sorely missed but will live on through her teachings. Mahalo, Kumu Pua.

Tribute to Kumu Pua

Parker School Scores

High on AP Exams

Parker School is proud to an-nounce that its Advanced Place-ment (AP) test results for the 2013-2014 school year resulted in a 98% pass rate. 41 Parker students took AP tests and the 98% reflects the percentage of those students who received a score of three or higher. AP test scores range from one to five, five being highest. A score of three or higher indicates a passing score. The state aver-age pass rate is 53.4% and the global average is 61.3%. Of the 71 total AP exams taken by the 41 Parker students last school year, 67 were scored at a 3 or higher, resulting in a 94% pass rate of all AP tests taken.

Parker 2014 graduates Ma-lia Davis, Marie Jobes, Kyley Nishimura and Emily Whitfield were listed as AP Scholars; 2014 graduate Grant Nair and current Parker seniors Luke Potter and Maia Tarnas were listed as AP Scholars with Honor; 2014 graduates Breanna Bellatti, Tawny Bright, Lysha Matsunobu and Mad-dison Nelson were named AP Scholars with Distinction; and Lysha Matsunobu was named National AP Scholar.

Parker School held its annual middle and upper school beginning-of-year campout August 28-29. The middle schoolers camped right on the Parker campus and enjoyed a cookout, games and dancing. During the day, they visited Pukalani Stables to learn about Parker Ranch history, paniolo life, and about saddle making. They also enjoyed an inflatable water slide and bounce house generously donated by the County of Hawai‘i. The upper schoolers set up camp and spent their two days participating in games and activities, all organized and run by the senior class, on the polo field at Waiki‘i Ranch.

Campout Kicks Off School Year


2014-2015 First Trimester

Headmaster’s List and Honor Roll

Congratulations to the students who made the Headmaster’s List and Honor Roll during the first trimes-ter of the 2014-2015 school year. Students on the Headmaster’s List earned GPAs of 3.75 or higher. Honor Roll students earned GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

Headmaster’s List-Upper SchoolAllanis Anderson, Jaren Ashcraft, Mat-thew Bal, Sarah Bellatti, Seraphim Beno-ist, Bryan Bollinger, Jamie Burns, Athe-na Coley, Dashiell Cotton, Ethan Crowl, Sophie Dommer, Sean Dunnington, Eric Fetsch, Soleil Fitz-Gerald, Parker Hale, Savannah Harriman-Pote, Riley Her-endeen, Carolyn Hiller, Kirk Hubbard, Darien Jones, Erika Kasberg, Kosuke Kume, Shen MacKenzie, Owen Matsu-da, Anna McFarland, Leakai Meneses, Mathias Migliorini-Marchesi, Shione Mo-chizuki, Sivan Najita, Tijana Nikic, Mi-chael Note, Luke Potter, Harmony Ring, Mia Scibelli, No‘eau Simeona, Kathleen Smith, Maia Tarnas, Lyanna Vega, Skye Waipa, Avery Williams, Joshua Yost, Zoe Zivalic

Honor Roll-Upper SchoolEve Anderson, Salina Andreas, Bradley Bollinger, Jaipal Brar, Lucy Callender, Kawena Ching, Kevin Grace, Madyson Harper, John Hulen, Annalina Lozano, Zachary Mader, Kyra Matsuda, Christian Patton, Aolani Peiper, Nya Phillips, Coco Romano Giordano, Christina Sharpe, Tatianna Staszkow, Ryan Touchet, Kyra Vidosh, Severin Wold

Headmaster’s List-Middle SchoolMakana Blake, Grace Bollinger, Hali‘a Buchal, Emma Choi, Ryanne Doherty, Anna Gaglione, Malaya Hill, Gracelyn Jardine, Craig McFarland, Noelani Murray, Audrey Nixon, Masen Note, Nissi Ragland, Mele Rickards, Eloise Robertson, Jamie Saito, Hiroki Soler, Zoe Spikerman, Jordan Vedelli, Zane Willman, Tierney Wold

Honor Roll-Middle SchoolJadyn Ashcraft, Meira Bonnici, Hunter Bugado, Monica Chamberlin, Reece Her-endeen, Kamaha‘o Liu, Benjamin May, Taiga Okada, Lara Palladino, Rachel Pessah, Kellen Sakaitani, Zoe Vann, Lee Weiser

Three Parker seniors—Brian Bollinger, Luke Potter and Maia Tarnas—have been named Commended Students in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, has been given to each of these scholastically talented students.

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2015 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“The young men and women being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Parker Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students

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Kahiau“to give generously from the heart”

10th annual auction gala

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March 7, 2015Fairmont Orchid Hawai‘i

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Parker School’s New Logo Honors Past, Looks to Future

Parker School is proud to unveil the results of a year-long process to rework its brand and create a new logo. Head-master Carl Sturges said that the effort focused on creating an updated, accurate representation of what the school is all about.

“From our research we learned that people already feel good about Parker School, our sense of family or ‘ohana, our nurturing atmo-sphere, our impressive academic and arts pro-grams, as well as our growing athletics pro-gram,” Sturges said. “We know who we are; we just wanted to bet-ter communicate who we are to the general public.”

A marketing commit-tee made up of school leaders as well as par-ents, teachers, board members and outside marketing profession-als began their work in July 2013. Parker’s long standing values of excellence, integ-rity and compassion remain steadfast and unchanged. To reflect these values, the marketing committee updated the mis-sion statement, created strong value statements (mission and value statements are viewable at parkerschoolhawaii.org), and commissioned a new logo. The committee held focus groups made up of students, alumni, current and past teachers, staff, parents and Waimea community members. They also met with local historians, ranchers, cowboys and paddling experts to get their feedback. In this way, they sought to honor the history of the school and the area.

The new logo was inspired by the ‘awe‘awe braid work of the Hawaiian saddle and the island’s wa‘a (canoe) heritage and was designed by Terry Nii of Terry Nii Design on Oahu.

Parker School has long roots in the paniolo (cowboy) cul-ture of the Big Island. Its main school building, Barbara Hall, originally built by Parker Ranch in 1885 (and named after the daughter of then ranch manager A.W. Carter) as a community gathering space, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015. The school was established in 1976 to serve children of the community, many of whom were,

and still are from ranching families. Al-most 40 years later, it continues to support community families and is proud of this commitment and unique heritage.

Saddle making in Hawai‘i originated on the Big Island with the paniolo and the Spanish vaque-ros that came be-fore them. Hawaiian tree saddles use a unique four-strand rigging system called ‘awe’awe, giving the saddle strength by connecting the indi-vidual parts togeth-er. ‘Awe‘awe literally means “tentacles” in Hawaiian and each

strand of a saddle’s ‘awe‘awe is made with a braid of three parts. The ‘awe‘awe is the key piece that holds the saddle together, the piece to which cowboys literally trust their lives. Braids were also often used in Hawaiian wa‘a (canoe) heritage. With numerous parallels to the saddle, braided rigging ultimately bound the canoe together, providing the strength for it to operate as a singular vessel rather than a construction of parts.

The idea of a braid struck Sturges and the marketing team as powerfully symbolic. A school statement about the new logo said, “Braids take individual characteristics and weave

Photo by Cooper Callender


them together, creating a single, stronger, entity. The braid is a rich symbol on many levels and a special way we can honor the roots and history of the school. At the same time, the simple, modern look of the logo points to the future. At Parker School, each child is encouraged to weave his or her own unique braid, strengthened by the school’s values of excellence, integrity and compassion. In addition to representing our values, the logo’s three braids also can signify our lower, middle and upper school divisions as well as our ‘ohana made up of students, teachers and parents. Uniting these elements, our students develop into individuals who have unique strengths and are well equipped to lead and succeed in life.”

Parker middle schoolers made a special field trip to Pukalani Stables to learn about Parker Ranch history, paniolo life, and about saddle making. Middle School Head Tina Doherty said, “Our visit to Pukalani Stables took us back in time. Students could see the signifigance of the paniolo in our community,

both past and present. The meaning of our braided logo became very clear as they learned about the importance of the braid on the saddle.”

Eighth grade student Macey Note said she learned about how three strands coming together make one stronger strand and said that works well for the new logo “because it shows how strong and united Parker School is.”

The release of the new logo coincided with the Hawai‘i Island Festival’s Paniolo Parade and Ho‘olaule‘a in September, in which Parker School participated. This year’s festival theme, I ka wa ma mua, I ka wa ma hope (The future is in the past) is particularly relevant for Parker as the school specifically sought to honor the past while looking to the future in its logo creation process. In this year’s parade, Parker had a walking group as well as horseback riders representing the ranching heritage so essen-tial to the school’s history.

In addition to the all-school logo, the Parker Bulls logo used for athletics was also updated. After talking with members of the school ‘ohana, the marketing committee found that the bull is very important to people as a representation of the school, so it will be maintained as the athletics and other competitive teams’ (such as debate) logo.

New admissions materials made an appearance this fall and a brand-new website showcasing Parker School’s new look will be launched in early 2015.

Parker School is proud to have taken part in the Hawai‘i Island Festival’s Paniolo Parade in Waimea. It was a great way to celebrate the school’s and the community’s heritage and share our new school logo. Mahalo to all of our walkers and riders. A special mahalo goes to Headmaster’s Assistant Mahealani Thompson for organizing the school’s participation in this special event.

Parker Makes a Statement At Paniolo Parade

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In September, 5th grader Lucy Hernandez had a vision to help children suffering with cancer. She listened to her heart and organized a yard sale to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She ended up raising $255! Way to go, Lucy!

Compassion Spotlight

In September, Ms. Gressard and five of her powerlifting students volunteered and helped the Hawai‘i Fire Department with their Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill-the-Boot fundraising event. The powerlifters stood outside at Parker Ranch Center holding fire fighter boots in which monetary donations were collected. The Waimea Fire Department raised $2,700, a record for them for this event.

Powerlifters Help Firefighters Raise Funds

On November 13, PTSO organized a presentation by members of the Parker School Board of Directors about the future direction of Parker School. Board Chair John Richards talked about the facilities Master Plan which includes plans for a school gathering place/gymnasium, and Board Secretary Carolyn Stewart walked the parents and Parker faculty and staff in attendance through the school’s five-year Strategic Plan. Headmaster Carl Sturges also spoke and answered questions regarding these two important school documents. It proved to be an interesting and informative evening.

Board Members Discuss Future of Parker School


Twelve Parker students recently returned from three weeks in Camden, Maine. Two sophomores, eight juniors and two seniors traveled with Headmaster Carl Sturges to study as part of an exchange program run by Camden Hills Regional High School. The school is known for its exchange programs, particularly those it operates in Europe and Asia. The purpose of this exchange is for students to visit and learn about another part of the country and to meet new friends.

Parker’s itinerary included visits to Bowdoin, Colby, and Bates Colleges in Maine and Tufts and Northeastern Universities in Boston. Parker college counselor Joanie Brotman joined the group for this portion of the trip.

In addition to their studies in Maine and the college visits, the group enjoyed a day at Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, a lobster dinner for all the participants and their Maine host families (with lobster caught by one of the parents!), seeing the fall colors, ice skating and apple picking. The students also experienced the big storm that brought ten inches of snow and caused school to be canceled for three days. Sturges said none of the kids complained, as they got to go sledding and have snowball fights.

Eight of the Parker students are debate team members and while there, they participated in the Bangor High Debate Invitational tournament. Parker took first place in both Novice Public Forum and Varsity Public Forum Debate categories. Sturges, who is also Parker’s debate coach, said, “The Maine association really laid out the welcome carpet for us, providing gift bags filled with Maine products for

our students and introducing them specially at the awards assembly, where they got a big ovation from the crowd. What a great day!”

The students enjoyed studying in their new environment. Sturges said, “The principal of Camden Hills commented on how focused on academics our kids were, making sure they had time to get their homework done and staying current in the Hawai‘i classes.”

Sturges also reported that most of the kids developed strong relationships with their host families and made fast friends of the Maine students who will be coming to Hawai‘i, as well as with a group of nine students from Italy who were also visiting. The twelve exchange students from Camden Hills School will visit Parker School at the end of February.

Parker School Students Visit Maine

Parker students arrive in Maine and are greeted by their fellow Maine exchange program students.

Parker School announces that it will again be offering the Richard Smart Scholars program for 9th grade students and middle school Ulu Pono Scholarships (for student in grades 6, 7, and 8) for the 2015-2016 school year. For each type of scholarship, two new students and one current student will be selected and will receive $8,500 toward tuition for each year of their Parker career provided they maintain appropriate academic and behavioral standing.

The Ulu Pono Scholars are selected based on financial need, academic promise, strong character, and passion for an area of interest. The Smart Scholars are selected on the basis of

financial need, merit, and exceptional academic potential.

For prospective students, applications are currently being accepted and admissions, financial aid and scholarship applications are due by February 2, 2015. For returning Parker School students, the deadline for financial aid and scholarships applications is January 23, 2015. More details about the scholarships can be found on the school’s website, www.parkerschoolhawaii.org or by contacting Parker School Admissions Director Emily Pagliaro at 808-885-7933 ext. 7107 or [email protected].

Smart & Ulu Pono Scholarships Available


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Parker School Happenings

First Day of School

5th Grade Vocab Parade

K-1 Cowboy Visit

Fall BBQ


Halloween & Día de los Muertos

Performing Arts Showcase

K-2 50th Day Celebration

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Debaters Win Two Trophies,

Break State Record

On November 22, 38 Parker School debaters competed alongside 14 schools in the University Lab School Debate Non-Qualifying Tournament on O‘ahu. The Big Island school returned home victorious with two sweepstakes trophies: one for the largest number of ballots won (94 versus Punahou School’s second-place 68) and one for the highest percentage of ballots won, tying with Iolani School. 94 is the highest total number of ballots won ever recorded in a Hawaii Speech League non-qualifying tournament, breaking the record of 88 set last year by Parker School.

The top finishers for Parker School were: Dash Cotton in Championship Lincoln-Douglas with a 6-0 score; Sean Dunnington and Anna McFarland in Beginning Public Forum Debate (6-0); Josh Yost and Kosuke Kume in Junior Varsity

Policy Debate (6-0); Carrie Hiller in Championship Lincoln-Douglas Debate (5-1); Maia Tarnas and Michael Note in Advanced Public Forum Debate (5-1); Kyra Matsuda and Ian Bond in Varsity Policy Debate (5-1); and in Junior Varsity Policy Debate, the teams of Bradley Smith and Susie Krall, Kirk Hubbard and Braedon Ingalls, and Macey Note and Zoe Vann all received a 5-1 score.

A total of 25 Parker debaters earned certificates for superior performance in the tournament. These certificates are given out to those competitors who win two-thirds of their rounds. The Parker debate team will next compete at the Punahou School Speech and Debate Non-Qualifying Tournament on O‘ahu on December 20.

Dramatiques Presents Euripides’

Medea


Tim Bostock Speaks to

Juniors & SeniorsManaging and Artistic Director of the Kahilu Theatre, Tim Bostock, visited campus on October 30 and spoke to Parker juniors and seniors about his career. Bostock was invited as the first speaker in the school’s 2014-2105 Speaker Series. Sprinkled with humor, Bostock’s candid presentation was inspiring and encouraging, particularly to students interested in theater production, promotion and marketing/communications.

Originally from Oxford, England, Bostock has been a live arts events promoter for over 30 years (first in England, then in Honolulu and on the Big Island). He ran the Live from the Lawn concerts at the Hawai‘i State Arts Museum for 6 years and downtown street festivals such as Mardi Gras and Cinco de Mayo for several years as a founder/partner of The ARTS at Marks Garage. He is also responsible for restarting the Waiki‘i Music Festival. He has helped bring artists such as Marcel Marceau, Bangarra Dance, Aga-Boom, Te Vaka, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Afro-Cuban All Stars, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to the Kahilu theatre.

Speaker Series, started by school supporter Rea Callender in 2005, brings two to three speakers per year to Parker, all of whom are deemed successful leaders in their field. They are invited to speak to and inspire juniors and seniors who are readying for college and the future. Past presenters include George Zimmer of Men’s Wearhouse, Peter Merriman of Merriman’s Restaurants, and bestselling author John Saul. After a year off, the series is back in full swing. The next speaker in the series will be renowned speaker (and grandfather of two Parker students) Captain Coffee, a Vietnam War veteran who was a POW for seven years.

Senior Michael Note Selected for Schatz Internship

In November, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced the selection of 15 outstanding Hawai‘i high school students to participate in this year’s Schatz Seniors Internship Program. The students come from eight public and seven private schools on Hawai‘i Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

According to Senator Schatz’s website, the Schatz Seniors

Internship Program “provides a hands-on opportunity to high school seniors interested in learning about the U.S. Senate. Students will work with Honolulu outreach staff and help to identify issues of interest in their schools and communities. They also attend and staff special events co-hosted by Senator Schatz….Interns were selected based on their community involvement, diversity of interests, and demonstrated leadership qualities.”

“Our Schatz Seniors are some of the most active and community-engaged high school students in our state,” Senator Schatz said. “I look forward to working with this year’s class as they continue to develop useful civic leadership skills that they can apply in their schools and communities.”

Note is one of only two students selected from the Big Island. The other is Shevalyn Yamaguchi from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i.

ALUMNI DAY!SOCCER GAME & SOCIAL

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | AT PARKER SCHOOL


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28



SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28



SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28


Spread the word, bring the family, come on out to play or just catch up with friends, teachers & staff. RSVP: 808-885-8709; [email protected]

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Golf Tourney Raises Nearly

$18,000 for Financial Aid

Parker School raised nearly $18,000 at its 12th Annual Fairways & Friends Golf Tournament at Hualalai Resort on November 8. Proceeds from the event go directly to financial aid at the school. This year, in addition to golf, Hualalai Spa treatments were offered that day. The school is grateful to all of the sponsors, participants and donors who helped make the event a success.

After the tournament, participants enjoyed an awards re-ception at Tommy Bahama restaurant with heavy pupus, cocktails and prizes. The prizes, such as a custom golf club, gift certificates for complimentary rounds of golf at vari-ous Big Island resorts, hotel stays, services, restaurants and markets were generously donated by Big Island Candies, Francis H. I‘i Brown Golf Course, Dr. Joan Greco, D.D.S., Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hualalai Resort, Huggo’s, KTA Superstores, Kama‘aina Clubmakers, Lava Lava Beach Club, Makalei Golf Club, Mauna Kea Beach Resort Golf Course, Merriman’s Restaurant, Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, Waikoloa Beach & Kings’ Course, Waikoloa Village Golf Club.

Parker extends a very special thank you to title sponsor Redwater Construction, and to all the generous tourna-ment sponsors: Hualalai Resort; Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; 808 Islandwide Roofing; Big Island Mechanical & Construction, L.L.C.; CPM, L.L.C.; Clever Concierge Services; Dr. Joan Greco, D.D.S.; First Hawaiian Bank; Ha-wai‘i Water Service Co.; Kenneth J. Fischer, O.D. & Lori Ann K. Kim, O.D.; Kuki’o; The Preskitt Company; ProSer-vice Hawai‘i; Title Guaranty; and West Hawai‘i Concrete.

Randy and Rami Ring of Redwater Construction, the title sponsor of Parker’s Fairways & Friends Golf Tournament, at the post-tournament reception at Tommy Bahama restaurant.

Parker School Board Vice Chair Karl Kasberg and Headmaster Carl Sturges at the 17th hole of the Hualalai Golf Course at Parker

School’s Fairways & Friends Golf Tournament on November 8.


A record nearly 190 runners and walkers participated in Parker School’s 15th Annual George Heneghan Fun Run on Sunday, November 2. This year’s event was called the Color Stampede, and the participants were splashed with colored powder at various stations throughout the race.

The event, which consists of a 1K Keiki Run and a 5K Fun Run, was established in memory of Hawaii architect George Heneghan, who was also an accomplished athlete, teacher and coach. He coached cross-country and track at Parker from 1992-1998.

This year, all proceeds from the run will go to support Parker’s athletics program. Medals were awarded to 1st place overall male and female finishers in the 5K run and 1K run, and 1st place finishers in each age category.

Parker extends special thanks to this year’s generous Heneghan Fun Run sponsors: Big Island Running Company, Califia Farms’ Cuties, Cross Fit Kawaihae, Healthways II, Ironman, Mamane Bakery, Parker School PTSO, and Starbucks Waimea.

Heneghan Run Color Stampede a Success OVERALL 5K

FEMALE & MALE WINNERS Makana Blake 23:59Kanoa Blake 20:39

FIRST PLACE WINNERS OF EACH AGE CATEGORY

1K Female5 and under: Lucy Peterson 6:286-8: Maile Imonen 4:149-11: Anela Stewart 4:36

1K Male5 and under: Zane Imonen 4:476-8: Kekai Haines 4:169-11: Kai Higgins 3:37

5K Female 6-8: Elaina Head 36:459-11: Maddie Weigle 30:4512-14: Makana Blake 23:5915-19: Maia Tarnas 28:4320-29: Sarah Jane Lilley 27:1630-39: Amanda Smith 27:3740-49: Gena McFarland 25:0350-59: Leslie Wold 34:3660+: Muffet Callender 42:05

5K Male6-8: Kahlil Adams 38:579-11: Kanoa Blake 20:3912-14: Brendan Moynahan Jr. 20:5015-19: Hunter Weigle 28:3520-29: Bronson Bruno 45:2430-39: Derek Park 22:0940-49: Jacob Head 21:4450-59: Joe Bollinger 23:4860+: Joe Loschiavo 34:00

Race Results

The 1st place overall winners of Parker’s Heneghan Fun Run 5K, siblings Kanoa and Makana Blake.

Na Mea Hou

Athletics News by Athletics Director Nicole Vedelli

Parker School’s athletic program is ever changing, growing, and developing. This year alone, I’ve seen kids join our cross country team, not knowing what to ex-pect, and then discover that they actually enjoy running. I have several boys, who have never played soccer before, but with just a little encouragement are now willing to give it a try. This is the change I’ve been waiting to see!

My goal is for all students to participate in our sports program. I would love sports or being physically active to be contagious throughout our school. Being physically active should be significant for everyone. So when you see one of our students, please ask them, “What sport are you playing this year?” Get those kids thinking it’s the new “cool” in school and that they should participate.

When I was in my 20s, I traveled through-out parts of Thailand. The motto I took away from there (when I didn’t want to know what fried frog legs tasted like) was, “You never try, you never know.” It’s a mot-to that I believe our students also need to live by: You will never know if you like a sport unless you try it. Who knows? You might even discover you have a true pas-sion for a sport. So, give it a try. That’s all I ask.

Girls’ Varsity Volleyball: The girls have worked extremely hard this year which you would see when they competed on the court. Their strength and perseverance shined through as they bumped, set and spiked those volleyballs. The season ended well, with a bittersweet last game for our graduating seniors—Anna McFarland, Ja-mie Burns, Kathryn Perry, Salina Andreas, and Zoe Zivalic. They are valuable players and we will miss them greatly next year. Thank you so much to Head Coach Mi-chael Landers and Assistant Coach Sen-eca Ropp for all of your efforts and dedica-tion on and off the court. We will see you two next year!

Coed Varsity Cross Country: The guys and gals trained diligently and continued to improve their personal times. For the 7th year in a row, our cross country team represented Parker School in the Run for Hope at Hualalai. And again our runners took home several awards. Seniors Luke Potter and Maia Tarnas took first place in their age group and middle school student Jordan Vedelli took first place in his age category. Congratulations to all of you! Our graduating cross country seniors Luke Potter, Michael Note, Jaren Ashcraft, Ko-suke Kume, and Maia Tarnas will truly be missed next year! And last but not least, a big thank you goes to Coach Buff Win-

derbaum for all of his support. I couldn’t have coached without you, Coach Buff!

Middle School Cross Country: The team doubled in size this year! Thank you to Coach Shellie Note-Gressard and Coach Buff Winderbaum for all of their time and commitment to the team. The team always had fun and laughed while running at the same time. At the first meet of the year at Waimea Middle School, our cross country runners represented Parker with many achievements. The boys took 3rd place overall and the following placed in their grade level: Makana Blake, 2nd place; Grace Bollinger, 4th place; Emma Choi, 5th place; Reece Herendeen, 1st place; Jordan Vedelli, 5th place; Gregory Kim, 4th place.

Lower School Cross Country: New to coaching the lower school team this year was Tiffany Freitas. Tiffany has been in-strumental in getting our lower school ath-letes not only motivated to run, but to also participate in other events outside of Park-er School. Thank you, Coach Tiffany, for always being upbeat and dedicated to our younger athletes!

Middle School Volleyball: Thank you again to Coach Matt Binder for leading our team in its second year in a row. He gained lots of fans this year; 22 students signed on this season. What an amazing end to the season for all of these up and coming athletes. Job well done!

Parker Bulls Soccer Club: We are so proud of all of our PBSC teams! They all had a terrific season. One of our U8 teams and one of the U12 teams each came in 2nd in the HYSA playoffs. Great job, Bulls!

I would like to thank John Polhemus, who is stepping down as PBSC Club Di-rector, for all his hard work and dedication to the club over the last three years. He has been instrumental in developing this pro-gram into what it is today. John, along with all of our coaches, has made this program extremely successful for Parker and other


ATHLETICS SCHEDULE

(Subject to change—please check the Parker School website or weekly Web-flash for updates)

UPPER SCHOOL VARSITY COED SOCCER GAME SCHEDULE Sunday, December 28 - Parker vs. Alumni @ Parker - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 3 - Parker @ Kea’au - 3:00 p.m.Wednesday, January 7 - Parker @ Honoka’a - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 10 - Kamehameha @ Parker - 3:00 p.m.Wednesday, January 14 - Parker @ Makua Lani - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 17 - Parker @ Hilo - 3:00 p.m.Wednesday, January 21 - Parker @ Konawaena - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, December 27 - East-Pac @ Parker - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 24 - Parker @ Pahoa/HAAS - 3:00 p.m.Saturday, January 31 - Parker @ Ka’u - 3:00 p.m.

UPPER SCHOOL PADDLING MEET SCHEDULE Saturday, December 20 - Kailua-Kona - 10:00 a.m.Saturday, January 10 - Hilo Bay - 10:00 a.m.Saturday, January 17 - Kailua-Kona - 10:00 a.m.Saturday, January 24 - Hilo Bay (BIIF) - 10:00 a.m.Saturday, January 31 - BYESaturday, February 7 - HHSAA BIIF Reps

*Home games noted in maroon

SPRING SPORTS Middle School Basketball: This year, Parker parent Kevin Herendeen is coaching our middle school boys’ team. They have been practicing since November readying for their games, which will start in January. They are the team to watch! If you have questions about basketball, please email Coach Kevin at [email protected].

Middle School Soccer—PBSC: Our Parker Bulls Soccer Club will be off to an amazing start again with January tryouts with Coach Billy Pleuss and Coach Nik Ward heading up the U14 teams. For more information, please email Coach Billy at [email protected].

Middle School Track & Field: Sign-ups are happening in December and training will begin Tuesday, January 6. Please email Julia Simmons at [email protected] for more information. Practices are Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Grade 4 & 5, 2:35-3:05 p.m.; Grade 6 – 8: 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Middle School Tennis: Sign-ups will be begin after winter break. This is a twice-a-week tennis development program with Coach Buff Winderbaum designed to introduce students to the world of tennis. Email Coach Buff at [email protected] for more information.

Run for HOPE

community kids as well. Thank you, John, so much for your leadership and support of all these young soccer players. We wish you all the best!

New Direction for PBSC: We are excit-ed to introduce everyone to new PBSC Coaching Director Billy Pleuss, who will oversee, train, and direct our PBSC coach-es and curriculum to yet another level of success for the club and its future. Billy comes with years of soccer playing, coach-

ing and club management experience and we are excited to have him on board! Billy has also coached our varsity team for the last four years. Tiffany Freitas will be the club’s coordinator, giving PBSC a stronger hold in our community and in the HYSA soccer club world. Cari Kapuniai will be the club’s registrar. Congratulations, all! I am excited for the new direction of the club. The Club’s Advisory Committee will be responsible for making and implement-ing decisions as our club grows stronger

each year. On this committee are: Athletic Director Nicole Vedelli; Coaching Direc-tor Billy Pleuss; Club Coordinator Tiffany Freitas, Registrar Cari Kapuniai, Treasurer Jon Vedelli (also Parker School Business Manager); Advisor John Polhemus; and several parent volunteers who want to fa-cilitate travel and fundraising opportuni-ties for the club. Please email Nicole Ve-delli at [email protected] if you have any questions.

mailto:nvedelli%40parkerschoolhawaii.org?subject=

Na Mea Hou

PTSO News by PTSO President Jude McAnesby

Aloha! PTSO enjoyed an active fall. We began the school year by providing a reception for parents on Orientation day. This was a nice way for folks to mix with each other and we also got a chance to meet the parents we had spoken with by phone over the summer. Following this event, PTSO sponsored the middle and upper school grade-level get-togethers, which provided fur-ther casual opportunities to socialize.

At the Fall BBQ, PTSO hosted a welcome table where we pre-sented flower pins to new families. We also provided the bouncy house for our younger keiki and the now infamous and fabulous Cake Walk. Mahalo nui to Chrissie and Rick Tramontin for orga-nizing this! Lots of families went home with luscious treats! Also, a big thanks to all those who baked for the event.

PTSO continues to thank the Parker staff with monthly apprecia-tions. These include an August welcome back with apple-inspired treats and a September Mexican breakfast burrito bar. Massages are again being donated by massage therapists and parents Sandy Coffee and Renee Romano. Thanks to all the donors and to Gena McFarland and Valerie Cerezo for coordinating these events.

We sponsored Trash for Treats, our fundraiser for lower school students, with kindergarten winning the ice cream social prize for most recycling collected. We helped sponsor and staff the very successful Heneghan Run Color Stampede. And we continued to provide delectable treats to teachers for monthly appreciations and during parent conferences. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make these events successful!

PTSO once again offered the fall Mini Grants program and was able to provide four grants to enhance the offerings of the school. We funded a publication of student writings, a portable copier for debate, several glass display cases for student art, and a nav-igational map for science/Hawaiian studies classes. This year, we are also offering a new program, ‘Ohana Grants, available for student-led initiatives. Together, these programs have provided $2,250 in funds for the first half of the year. We will be offering the same amount in the spring as well. We encourage you to sub-mit your most innovative ideas!

The Parent Consortium has been very active providing support for Science Fair; offering film, art, and tech clubs; and providing internship opportunities to our high school students. Many have come together to help make these programs possible and we ap-preciate all your support. Mahalo!

The PTSO-sponsored Board presentation of the school’s future plans and directions was a very informative, lively meeting. Stay tuned for further developments from our dedicated steering committee.

It has been a very productive year so far for PTSO and we invite you to join us in the new year! Be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming meeting on January 22. Also check for PTSO weekly news and announcements on Webflash and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParkerSchoolPTSO.

http://www.facebook.com/ParkerSchoolPTSO


Emiscah Barker ‘07 is enrolled at Commercial Arts Training College (CATC) in Sydney, Australia, pursuing a degree in inte-rior design and decoration.

Brooke Lawrence ’07 lives in Las Vegas and is flying tours over the Grand Canyon for Grand Canyon Airlines. She says, “Right now I’m first officer but I hope to upgrade to captain next fall. I’m one of three women out of about 30 pilots, which I think is really awesome. I’ve been here for nine months now. Before I moved to Vegas I instructed for a year at my college.”

Lauren Slak ’07 recently graduated from Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery in San Diego, CA. She looks forward to practicing midwifery in California beginning in the new year.

Bryn Lawrence ’06 is living in Telluride, CO, where he works as a snowboarding instruc-tor.

Johnny Alvaro ‘03 recently announced his engage-ment to Crystal Skinner.

Aaron Crabb ’03 proudly announces the birth of his son Robert (“Robbie”) on August 27. Lea Rouse ‘01 will be getting married in Ke’ei on New Year’s Eve.

IN MEMORIAM We were saddened to hear that

Melinda Moore ‘90 passed away on October 5, 2014. We send our heartfelt condolences to

her friends and family.

Alumni Notes

Kate Cuccaro ’07 had her second child, a boy, Kameron Brian Forbes, on Octo-ber 27. Kameron weighed in at nine pounds, seven ounces and measured 20.5 inches. He joins big sister Tegan, who is three.

Erin Martin ‘99 was married to John Lucas on August 22. The couple lives in the Washington DC area and are both lawyers for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Skyler Kennedy ‘06 visited campus in September. He was visiting from Austin, Texas, where he has been working in video editing, graphics and electronic music and is currently pursuing a business degree.

Bonita Lao ’02 was married to Chris Keiter in September. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Australia.

Right to left, Bonita Lao ’02, Becki Lao ‘99, Emiscah Barker ‘07, Makena (Harris) Morehead ‘01, Jodie (Yokota) Watson (former Parker student) and Aulani (Vanatta) French ‘02.

65-1224 Lindsey RoadKamuela, HI 96743Address Service Requested

OCTOBERJackie CaputoEric Dela RosaChristian IngallsNalani Safranca

NOVEMBERTani CordovaTina DohertyLynn Jardine Alex Stephenson

DECEMBERHeidi BuscherLani MorrisRuth Sturges

Jon Vedelli Katie Woods Callender

JANUARYJoanie BrotmanJennifer Grace Melissa Lunchick Sarah Mares Kealoha NearmanSusan RickardsSeneca RoppKristi WeiserHolly WeigleJackie SillsAngela-Dee AlforqueNicole Vedelli

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Faculty & Staff!

Note: In preparing this publication we diligently try to avoid errors and omissions. Please accept our apologies and notify the Advancement Office if any are discovered.

DATES TO REMEMBERJanuary 5 School Resumes after Winter Break

January 16-17 Neighbor Island Debate Tournament

January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

January 22 Lower School Conferences After school hours only

January 23 All School Parent/Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL

February 6 Middle School Unity Day February 16 President’s Day - NO SCHOOL

February 27 Trimester Break Day - NO SCHOOL

March 7 Kahiau Auction Event

March 16-20 Spring Break OFFICES CLOSED March 20

For details check the Parker School calendar and announcements at www.parkerschoolhawaii.org

Admission Season is Here!

K-12 ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSESaturday, Jan. 109:00-11:00 a.m.STUDENTS & PARENTS WELCOME

NO RSVP NEEDED

K-1 ADMISSIONS

PREVIEWWednesday, Jan. 14

8:30-10:00 a.m.PARENTS ONLY PLEASE RSVP

Contact the Admissions Office at 808-885-7933 ext. 7107 or [email protected].

GRADES 6 & 9 ADMISSIONS

PREVIEWWednesday, Jan. 21

5:30-7:00 p.m.STUDENTS & PARENTS WELCOME

PLEASE RSVP

Please help get the word out about these events scheduled at Parker School

New Scholarship Available for 9th Grade Applicants

Parker School is pleased to announce a new scholarship that will be available for 9th grade applicants to the school for the 2015-2016 school year. The Lori Ann K. Kim, O.D. Scholarship is a $7,000 scholarship and was established by Lori Ann K. Kim, O.D., an optometrist in Waimea, in honor of her colleague, long-time Waimea optometrist Kenneth J. Fischer, O.D. Fischer has been involved with Parker School since its inception in 1976, serving as a board member and supporter for many years.

The recipient of the scholarship must be a student new to Park-er School; must display academic promise, model good citizenship and demonstrate and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math); demonstrate finan-cial need; and earn a 3.0 grade point average to have the scholarship renewed annually. Preference will be given to female residents of North Kohala.

The scholarship will be renewed each year of the recipient’s Parker School career as long as the above criteria are upheld. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2015.

To learn more about the Lori Ann K. Kim, O.D. Scholarship, please visit www.parker-schoolhawaii.org or contact Admissions Director Emily Pagliaro at 808-885-7933 ext. 7107 or [email protected].


http://www.parkerschool.org

http://www.parkerschool.org

http://[email protected]

Documents

Oct 2014-Jan 2015 Na Mea Hou