Seniors Win Kamehameha Schools Maui ‘Aha Mele

Madison Vaught raises the ihe as her senior classmates celebrate. Photo by Rachel Kanoho.

By Maui Now Staff

The senior class at Kamehamameha Shools Maui campus celebrated their third win at the school’s annual ‘Aha Mele musical competition held on Thursday, April 17, 2014, school administrators announced.

The winning entry was for their rendition of Ka Huliau ʻAna, composed by Palani Vaughn, arranged by Kamuela Fong, and led by student director, Madison Vaught.

More than 2,000 individuals attended the event which has become an annual tradition at the Maui campus.

Coordinated by the Kawehionālani Arts and Communications Academy, the ‘Aha Mele involves music competition, leadership development, and class spirit, said KS Parent Community Coordinator K Lokelani Patrick.

Entries this year centered around the theme “Ke Ola Hou, New Beginnings, Transformations, Change,” and were scored based on a variety of attributes including: musical talent, overall performance, mastery of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, language pronunciation, and interpretation.

Other performances included:

• Freshman Class: Holo Wa’apā, composed by Lena Machado and arranged by Dale Nitta, and led by student director Mariana Kaniho.
• Sophmore Class: Ka’aahi Kahului, composed by Palani Vaughn and arranged by Dale Nitta, and led by director was Mauliola Gonsalves.
• Junior Class: Model T – Holoholo Ka’a, composed by Keli’i Tauʻā and Clarence Kinney and arranged by Dale Nitta, led by Issac Kala.

The panel of judges this year included: ’85 alumni Herbert Mahelona; ’96 graduate Kamaka Kukona; and ’80 Kamehameha School Alumni Manu Boyd.

As part of their win, the senior class was presented with “Ka Maka o Ka Ihe – The Point of the Spear,” which was crafted by a former KS High School principal.

The spear was also tied with an orange ribbon, the color of the winning class, that is brought out on special high school occasions such as spirit week, Red Fridays, and other events throughout the year, said Patrick.

Vice Principal, Leo Delatori ties the winning class color on the ihe as Lance Cagasan (holding the ihe) and Jay-R Kaawa, High School Principals look on. Photo courtesy, Lokelani Patrick/KSM

The sophomore class joins hands as they sing the alma mater. Photo by Rachel Kanoho.