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Students share treasures
with former teachers

One of the greatest rewards teachers can receive is to be honored and thanked by their students. This is exactly what happened for 20 former faculty and staff members of Kaewai Elementary School in Kalihi.

Most of us had retired many years ago, so we were shocked and delighted recently to receive invitations hand-delivered to our homes that stated:

"Your presence is respectfully requested at a retirement dinner honoring your numerous years of tireless service and devotion to the students of Ka'ewai Elementary School."

The students who invited us to the party had attended our school between 1973 and 1990. They had matured so much that we hardly recognized some of them physically. But we knew their personalities. About 60 former students and a few parents gathered to greet us at the Willows Restaurant. Some of us had not seen one another in decades.

After a wonderful dinner, students spoke about each staff member in turn and presented gifts. Their impromptu speeches brought back many memories, some hilarious, some poignant, some heartwarming, some embarrassing. Students especially thanked the cafeteria ladies who made breakfasts and lunches. For many, these would be their only meals. Remembrances of an extra cookie brought smiles. Memories of teachers bringing food, clothing, slippers and school supplies brought tears.

As the staff listened, many with tears in their eyes, they recalled the hardships some of the students had endured. And they felt a feeling of pride as they saw the rascal, mischievous, carefree children all grown up as successful, compassionate adults with families and jobs, living life to the best of their abilities. The teachers felt loved and appreciated and were grateful to the students who took the time to show and tell them how much they meant to them.

Faatea Faatea led a group of classmates and friends from Kalihi Valley Homes in organizing this awesome, chicken-skin event. His committee included Marne Aduca, Jeffrey Fernandez, Lino Kakiva, Siota Moi, Tracy Nakamoto, Steven Ruiz, Andres Sana, Sipaseuth Sayakhome, Peleato Toomata, Siausage Ugaitafa and Sam Valdez. One of the roadblocks was not being able to track down all the retired teachers. But with Faatea's prodding, pushing and pleading, the group got things done for the big night.

Faatea is a man of simple means from humble beginnings. Coming to Hawaii from Samoa, his family of eight brothers and sisters settled at Kalihi Valley Homes. He was inspired to graduate from Farrington High School by a favorite teacher at Ka'ewai, Mary Sueda. He attended Hono-lulu Community College and worked up to his present job at union headquarters. He and his wife, Myra, are proud parents of a daughter now in college and two sons at Punahou, where Myra is a teacher's aide.

Faatea is truly one of Kalihi's and Ka'ewai's greatest success stories. He has touched many young lives as a coach and mentor at the Kalihi Valley Recreation Center. Everybody in Kalihi knows him and we are proud to have him in our lives.

The teachers are grateful to Faatea as well as to his committee members and the students who attended. It was amazing to be remembered by students we had 30 years ago. The teachers feel blessed and appreciated and so proud to have been a part of the Ka'ewai ohana. And once again, we have been shown what big hearts these children have.

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