On hiatus since 2019, Convocation at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy made a triumphant return to Davies Memorial Chapel to kick off the school year on Friday, September 8. The event not only marked the continuation of a cherished tradition but also served as a solemn tribute to the deadly August wildfires on Maui.
As the school’s community gathered, there was a palpable mix of excitement and reverence. It stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Lāhainā, acknowledging their resilience and commemorating those who have been impacted by the tragedy.
Students were dressed in formal aloha attire and faculty donned their regalia for the event, making the gathering that much more special. HPA cherishes the Davies Memorial Chapel, recently renovated through the efforts of our HPA Advancement team and kind contributions from our greater HPA ʻohana. It stands as an essential hub for the Ka Makani community and will continue to host purposeful events that resonate with the school’s Mission Statement and uphold our Core Values.
Long-time HPA faculty member and principal photographer, Patrick OʻLeary, helped organize the event and took some time to give his insight on the return of Convocation.
What is the importance of Convocation to the HPA community?
Convocation is deeply ingrained in the school’s traditions. Serving as the ceremonial opening of the academic school year, it’s a moment when the entire school gathers and shares the collective experience of togetherness.
It’s always looking towards all the possibilities and the abundance we have available to us at the school. It frames the school year for us. We hadn’t had Convocation the last few years because of COVID, but having our students and faculty back in the chapel is a nod not only to our traditions but also to the future. Part of being in that building is experiencing simply being in the physical space, the gift that Vladimir Ossipoff gave us almost half a century ago.
It gives us time to embrace the opportunities ahead of us this year and sets the tone for our academic year. While we missed this tradition in recent years, having our students and faculty back in Davies Memorial Chapel signifies both a tribute to our past and a beacon for our future. Being in that space also allows us to appreciate the architectural legacy Vladimir Ossipoff bestowed upon us more than fifty years ago.
Where did the idea come from for the theme of the Convocation to honor those affected by the Maui fires?
Themes of aloha and resilience emerged naturally through the collaborative efforts of our students and faculty during the planning stages. They felt a strong desire to pay tribute to the people of Maui, especially Lāhainā, using various mediums like mele, personal reflections, and hula. Historically, our institution has shared a bond with Maui, primarily through our Residential Life program. Additionally, some of our alumni were directly affected by the fires.
Our entire community took part in a quiet reflection and their deep empathy for the impacted community was unmistakably evident. It became essential for us to both honor and contemplate the experiences of that community.
What were your takeaways from Convocation?
Seeing the number of participants — those singing, playing instruments, chanting, dancing, and speaking — it’s evident that the event was a success, especially considering it was entirely volunteer-driven. The students’ eagerness to join and pay tribute to the Lāhainā community was organic and heartfelt.
It was heartwarming to witness the students donning their aloha attire, absorbing the words that were being spoken. Every speaker spoke with genuine emotion, contemplating how they could contribute to a community in distress. The truth is, there’s so much one can offer. From organizing a 5K race fundraiser to simply observing a moment of silence or engaging in meaningful conversations with peers and educators. It’s a reminder that we’re not just a school or an island; we’re a united community in Hawaiʻi.