Super Students
Saturday, January 23, 1999
Name: Landen Paikai
Age: 15
School: Iolani School
Favorite subject: Math
Pastimes: Drawing, running
Future: Pediatric surgeon
Landen Paikai and his family lived homeless on Waimanalo Beach for a year. Perseverance is the difference
The experience six years ago brought the family members closer together and helped them gain a greater sense of compassion for the community, said Paikai, the oldest of five children.
But it's the support from his parents, he said, that helped him maintain good grades at Waimanalo Intermediate School and Iolani School, where he is spending his first year as a freshman. Paikai was awarded a four-year scholarship to attend Iolani, given to incoming high school freshmen based on academic achievement and financial need.
Paikai, who has a 3.4 grade-point average, said his involvement in sports also taught him how to budget his time and develop good study habits. He was running back for Iolani's intermediate football team this past season, and was named most valuable player of the Police Activities League's football team two years ago.
After graduation, Paikai wants to attend college on the mainland, maybe in Miami or Chicago. His dream is to become a pediatric surgeon.
Paikai's enthusiasm for learning separates him from other students, said Spanish teacher Raquel Leong. "He just never gives up. That's what's different about him."
He's respectful and open to suggestions, Leong said. "Basically, he's just one of those kids who's great to have in class."
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
