20th Annual Kekumano Dinner Shines the Light on Nainoa Thompson and Malama Honua
February 17th, 2018 - This year's Monsignor Charles A. Kekumano Award & Scholarship Dinner brought many people together to honor the achievements made by those in our community and to recognize the power of working together.
For the past 20 years, Maryknoll School has had the great privilege of putting on this event to honor a list of individuals who continually make a difference in our community. This year’s event took place at the beautiful Sheraton Waikiki.
Every year, Maryknoll School selects an individual who reflects our school’s philosophy of Noblesse Oblige (to whom much is given, much is expected).We were especially grateful to have honored Pwo Navigator, Nainoa Thompson at this year's Kekumano event.
Alongside this year’s honoree, the evening also put a spotlight on our Kekumano Scholar Recipients: Marisah Goo ‘19 (Top Scholar), Joshua Arcayena ‘22, Kiana Arcayena ‘18, Jesse Baker ‘24, Justin Baker ‘21, Crishelle Ildefonso ‘22, Ryan Shinkawa ‘22, and Kula Wheeler ‘22.
Over 550 guests attended this year’s Kekumano Dinner. The excitement kicked off with a silent auction which included beautiful baskets and artwork created by our very own students and their families. In addition to the silent auction, our talented students entertained the night away with music and dance. From musical performances by our Grade School Choir and 8th Grade Band to an amazing hula performance by our high school students, this provided Kekumano attendees a glimpse of what Maryknoll School has to offer.
Mahalo to Auctioneer, Eric Schiff, who created an exciting experience during the live auction which featured a weekend in Boston, an Australian adventure (thanks to a generous donation from Hawaiian Airlines), an autographed Hōkūleʻa photograph and lastly, a voyage on the Hōkūleʻa with Nainoa Thompson aboard. Our silent and live auctions raised over $60,000.
Mahalo to this year’s Kekumano Event Co-Chairs, Debbie Nakanelua-Richards ‘76 and Billy Richards for sharing their mana’o (ideas and beliefs) on the importance of enriching the Hawaiian culture and also highlighting the Hōkūleʻa journey.
Topping off the event, Nainoa Thompson concluded with a powerful speech that focused on Mālama Honua (taking care). Nainoa shared his history of being with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and also reflected back on his mentors and those who supported him over the years. Nainoa’s speech definitely got a standing ovation from everyone in the room. Working together, learning from each other and making an impact on our community are just some of the many pieces of his speech that captured the essence of what the Kekumano Event is all about.
We’d like to send much mahalo to all of our sponsors & donors, volunteers, entertainers, students & families and everyone who put in a lot of effort to make this year’s Kekumano Dinner a success. See you at next year’s event!
