Students Honored at 2021-2022 Academic Awards Assembly
May 17th, 2022
Head of School Josh Watson announces senior La Dayne P. as the winner of the Alice Guild Kahiau Award.
For the first time in two years, students, parents, and faculty and staff gathered on campus in-person to recognize the exemplary work of students at the 2021-2022 Academic Awards Ceremony. One by one, faculty members proudly announced the students who have shown excellence and mastery in each respective subject, presenting them with a certificate and special gift.
Each year, as part of the Middle School Awards, one student from each grade is selected as the recipient. This year, Mia D. received the award for 6th grade, Lainey G. for 7th grade, and Lily N. for the 8th grade. One high schooler from each grade was also selected to receive the Highest Academic Standing Award. In a tie, the award for the freshman class went to both Abigail M. and Olivia Butterfly R. The sophomore class award went to Melody H., Nina Jade B. received the award for the junior class, and finally, Victoria H. received the award for the senior class as this year's valedictorian.
After years of virtual events, this year's ceremony also served as an opportunity to honor Emma M. in-person. She finally got to hold her trophy after earning the title of Hawaii State Spelling Bee champ back in March. Emma will go on to represent Hawaii at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. this summer.
2021-2022 ACADEMIC AWARD WINNERS
English Dept.
Excellence in English - Alexa C.
The Nicole Howe Award - Nina Jade B.
Fine Arts Dept.
Visual Arts - Kathryn S.
Drama - Mia C.
Music - Melody H.
Art & Design - Noel L.
Yearbook - Jazi K.
World Language
French - Emma R.
Spanish - La Dayne P.
Physical Education Dept.
Excellence in Physical Education - Abigail M.
Unsung Heroine - Grace K.
Athlete of the Year - Nina Jade B.
Excellence in Dance: Heart & Spirit Award - La Dayne P.
Excellence in Dance: Dancer of the Year - Victoria H.
Mathematics Dept.
Excellence in Mathematics - Nina Jade B.
Science Education Dept.
Excellence in Science - Victoria H.
Social Studies Dept.
Excellence in Social Studies - Lanna P.
Middle School Awards
Grade 6 - Mia D.
Grade 7 - Lainey G.
Grade 8 - Lily N.
Highest Academic Standing
Grade 9 - Abigail M. & Olivia Butterfly R.
Grade 10 - Melody H.
Grade 11 - Nina Jade B.
Grade 12 - Victoria H.
alice guild KAHIAU AWARD
La Dayne P.
Senior Lanna P. celebrates with family after receiving the Excellence in Social Studies Award.
Head of School Josh Watson closed the ceremony by announcing the winner of the Alice Guild Kahiau Award, senior La Dayne P. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies the spirit of kahiau – the Hawaiian concept of generosity of spirit and selfless giving, a willingness to help and give service without expectation of receiving anything in return.
"This key value has been a part of our school’s makeup since its earliest days," said Dr. Watson. "It is important to note that Kahiau Award recipients are nominated by their peers, who are asked to write a detailed explanation as to why they feel this student should receive the award. I’d like to take a moment to thank those students who nominated a peer, as this thoughtful act is also a form of kahiau."
Dr. Watson went on to share comments from the nominations submitted on behalf of La Dayne, which included: "Her kindness and generosity inspire me to be a better version of myself,” “She is so kind and always happy to help anyone who needs it,” and "She puts the needs of the school at large above her own.”
La Dayne not only received the Alice Guild Kahiau Award, but also won an award in Spanish and the Excellence in Dance: Heart & Spirit Award.
Melody H. honored after winning the Highest Academic Standing Award for the sophomore class.
As part of the recognition for this award, professional artist Michael Powell donates an original painting to the winner, in honor of his long association with the school, beginning years ago when he showed his work at art shows in the school courtyard, and to honor his friend and former La Pietra Board Chair Mrs. Alice Guild.
"Mr. Powell wanted to help recognize what he saw as the special character of the school," said Dr. Watson. "He credits Mrs. Guild for helping to shape his idea of an award to reflect the values of La Pietra, and the award is named after her for that reason. Both Mrs. Guild and Mr. Powell wish to recognize and honor the student who exemplifies the school value of kahiau."
Congratulations to La Dayne for representing our school so well by upholding its spirit of kahiau, and a job well done to all of the students who were honored for their hard work at this year's awards ceremony!
