Believing in Future Generations

How long does it take to make an "Overnight Celebrity?" If you're the Spirit of Aloha director, working with students from Farrington High School, the answer is one semester. For the past semester, the Spirit of Aloha director has visited Farrington High School and mentored a group of students there. He instilled in them the belief that they can accomplish anything, and it all came together for Farrington High School's Awards Banquet, titled "Overnight Celebrity."

Throughout the semester, he was involved in a hands-on mentorship. Going to Farrington twice a week, he'd teach the students how to produce an event with a school wide magnitude. Four student leaders were taught how to implement fractals and were assigned different areas to focus on during the event: catering, programming, logistics and administration.

When the date of the event arrived on May 25th, the students were ready to run the show. 65 other Farrington students pitched in to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Some students shadowed the New Hope Sound Team during the evening, others shadowed chef Henry Ahlo and his team.

Each of the students walked away with a strong sense of accomplishment... and a want to do it again. Some of the overheard student comments included, "I was so stressed, learned so much, and love it!" "I can't believe I got to operate one of those clear-com things." "When can we do this again?"

Even the Farrington faculty took notice. "It was amazingly relaxing for me to see so many students having the chance to be involved, take lead positions and be mentored along the way," said Farrington Principal Catherine Payne. "It was also great to see the teachers, faculty and administration be able to sit back and enjoy things for a change."

Viewed as a successful venture by both parties, the Spirit of Aloha is hoping to continue the partnership that they have built with Farrington. They are looking to continue with the on-site mentoring program next year as well, and continue to example their belief in the future generations at Farrington.