VIDEO: Maui 2011 Graduation Season in Full Swing

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xApH29sGlW0 /] The 2011 graduation festivities on Maui are now in full swing following the weekend commencement of students from the University of Hawai’i Maui College.

During her commencement address, Valedictorian, Caroline Ilima Neubauer said great accomplishments were made, and yet there will be new challenges ahead.

“Here, where we have the world’s best surf, beaches, and weather, studying and focusing on education is not always an easy task–but we did it.  Now we have another challenge that lies before us–it is our duty to represent the University of Hawai’i Maui College wherever our careers or life paths take us,” said Neubauer.

“No matter where we go from here, what we become, or how the world treats us, it is our kuleana to bring with us the aloha spirit that comes from nowhere else in the world,” said Neubauer who earned her degree from UHMC’s Hospitality program.

Neubauer also thanked her fellow classmates for their dedication and determination saying, “Your hard work has gotten you here today, and by being here, you’ve achieved a great success that benefits us all.  Your hard work is making our island smarter, safer, and more forward-moving,” she said.

This week, many of Maui’s high school seniors earn their diplomas as they ready themselves for either higher education or careers in the working world.

Seniors from King Kekaulike High School graduate on Thursday May 19th at 6 p.m. at the school stadium.  Then, Friday through Sunday, a half dozen other high schools in Maui County host commencement ceremonies of their own.

On Friday, May 20, Baldwin High School Seniors graduate at a 6 p.m. ceremony at War Memorial Stadium. On Saturday, May 21st, Lanai, Hana, Molokai and Maui High hold their commencement ceremonies; and on Sunday, May 22nd, the Lahainaluna graduation takes place at 5:30 p.m. at Boarders’ Field.

Other graduation ceremonies include the May 25th commencement for students at the Maui Community Schools for Adults, and a May 28th ceremony for students at Kihei Charter School.

Below is a list of upcoming Maui Graduation Ceremonies:

Thursday, May 19, 2011

• King Kekaulike: Thurs., May 19, 6:00 PM at School Stadium

Friday, May 20, 2011

• Baldwin: Fri., May 20, 6:00 PM at War Memorial Stadium

Saturday, May 21, 2011

• Lanai: Sat., May 21, 2:00 PM at School Gymnasium
• Hana: Sat., May 21, 3:30 PM at School Field
• Molokai: Sat., May 21, 4:00 PM at School Gymnasium
• Maui: Sat., May 21, 5:00 PM at War Memorial Stadium

Sunday, May 22, 2011

• Lahainaluna: Sun., May 22, 5:30 PM at Boarders’ Field

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

• Maui Community Schools for Adults: Wed., May 25, 6:00 PM at Baldwin High Auditorium

Saturday, May 28 2011

• Kihei Charter School: Sat., May 28, 5:00 PM at Wailea Marriott Kaho’olawe Lawn