This year, Lily Hodges ’25 will be HPA’s student body president, while her mother, Annette Hodges P’23, ’25, will be president of the ‘Ohana Association (HPA’s parent and family volunteer organization). Both women are veteran volunteers and leaders who hope to make a difference by bringing people together. We asked them a few questions about leadership, priorities, and what comes next.
How long have you been involved with leadership at HPA, and what made you decide to run for president?
Lily: This year I was proudly a junior class representative, where we organized events for the juniors, managed the weekly class meetings, and represented our class’ voice in student council meetings. I ran for student body president because I want to ignite the change I want to see at HPA. I think it’s vital that students’ voices are heard. I really want to see what the problems are at HPA, get a clear cut explanation for why things happen, and have the initiative to fix those problems. I also recognize the importance of an amazing high school experience, and how that influences a student’s whole life, so I wanted to make these four years the best they can be for all students.
Annette: With the exception of two years (I believe), I’ve pretty much held a board position or director position on the ‘Ohana Association since 2015. I started as a PTA member at my kids’ elementary school in Atlanta before moving to Hawai‘i. For me, it was a great way to meet other parents, and support the school by getting involved in events and activities.
Did you campaign on any particular agenda or promises? What challenges are you facing, and what do you hope to accomplish?
Lily: In our campaign, Zane and I tackled a lot of the concerns of the student body: Long assemblies, slow lines, lack of school spirit, the need for fuel for our athletes. We’ve already begun talking to the administration and teachers about ways to get assembly to start later in the morning, to create the funds necessary to fuel our athletes with snacks before their practice, ways to tackle the long lines at lunch and the student store, and most importantly, fun events that amplify school spirit and enhance the high school experience.
Annette: Since COVID we’ve noticed a decline in parent engagement compared to previous years, and when we do have involvement, it tends to be from the same group of parents. It’s essential that we cultivate a renewed enthusiasm among all parents to participate. There are so many opportunities for parents to get involved from welcoming new families, helping at our fall Rocktoberfest/Trunk or Treat events, decorating the campuses for the holidays, being a part of our parade float in the Waimea Christmas Parade, helping coordinate Teacher Appreciation, Grad Night, and more. I think it’s important to continue hosting events that bring families together, whether it’s through parent mixers or volunteering for events and activities that support our school, students and community. I’d like the ‘Ohana Association to be a strong resource for families that are new to HPA, as well as boarding parents.
Do you have a favorite memory from your (Lily’s) time so far at HPA?
Lily: Wow, there are so many memories I have just from this past year. HPA has done so much to enrich my life experience… it’s so hard to pick just one. One memory that I frequently look back on is during our sophomore year getting second place in Olympics. When Ms. Watson and Mr. Ford came up on stage and announced that we had gotten second place, the faces of my classmates lit up with joy, and that was the moment that I knew all of our hard work really pays off, especially when we focus and work together. That energy, that proudness, that’s what drove me really to be the student body president because I wanted the whole school to feel accomplished with their hard work. I want to feel recognized and appreciated, and find the opportunities to work together, so that they can be the best version of themselves.
Annette: Goodness, there are so many amazing memories. I was so proud to watch her present her 8th Grade Capstone project, which she won an award for. I loved watching her cheer alongside her older sister, Izzy and create lifelong HPA friendships. However, my favorite memory (so far) was watching her bring to life her character of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. I know it’s cliche to say, she can do anything she wants, but witnessing her hard work and dedication in all that she does, especially when she is on stage, just blows me away.
What do you hope the future holds for life after HPA?
Lily: My dream is to be a storyteller in the cinematic world. I think films have such an impactful presence on our lives, and I want to create the material that influences others. Whether it’s motivating them to follow their passions, their perspective on the topic, or whatever it is, I want my creations to spark that change in people. This summer I have been blessed with the amazing opportunity to go to UCLA’s film summer program for digital storytelling, where I will learn all there is to know about filmmaking, so I can really hone in on my craft during my senior year and beyond.
Annette: I hope she lives her best senior year life at HPA, and gets into her dream school for Film and Television Production.