Kohala High School graduated more than 60 students Saturday, May 23 on the school’s Kapaau campus.
Kohala Alma Mater:
From afar Kohala’s Mountains, green against the sky.
Gaze upon our alma mater of Kohala High.
Hail, Kohala High School, through the canefields rings.
Hail to thee, dear Black and Gold. Hail, all hail, we sing.
Though the years may come and go, and our faces change.
Still our hearts will hold the memory of Kohala High.
Hail, Kohala High School, through the canefields rings.
Hail to thee, dear Black and Gold. Hail, all hail, we sing.
Students listening to guest speaker Colleen Pasco. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
A graduate gives a triumphant salute as he receives his diploma. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
The Class of 2010 stand before a gymnasium full of parents, family and friends at Kohala High School graduation ceremonies. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
Graduates do their tassle flip. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
The Kohala High School Class of 2010. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
Brandon Bautista and Janissa Roxburgh pose for pictures after the graduation ceremony. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7 by Brad Ballesteros)
I am a graduate of Kohala High School, Class of 1948. I note that the Alma Mater still contains the phrase ""Thru the cane fields ring." Cane fields disappeared with the demise of Kohala Sugar Plantation. I suggest that next year's students and faculty consider updating the alma mater by replacing that phrase with something more in line with today and the future – possibly replace the words "cane fields" with "Aina".
There is precedent to make current the Alma Mater. In the 1940s, a Mr. Paul Sanders, Band and Chorus teacher, suggested a change in the Alma Mater to more reflect Kohala. After a period of discussion, his suggestion was accepted.