The Full HPA Experience

13-year seniors share best memories, advice ahead of graduation

From left to right: Sua Tufaga, Kirra Brown, Keilani Melton, Jenna Perry, and Mikela Parris  

The HPA Class of 2020 is at the finish line of their high school careers, and for a handful of seniors it marks the end of a 13-year journey as Ka Makani. Kirra Brown, Keilani Melton, Jenna Perry, Mikela Parris, and Sua Tufaga represent the group of five that have attended HPA since kindergarten.

The seniors were game to share some of their best memories from their HPA experience and some advice for future Ka Makani.

Keilani Melton 

What does HPA mean to you? 
HPA is much more than just a school to me, it is a community that raised me from kindergarten. Every teacher and mentor I have had from Ms. Soo to Coach Kaʻai have taught me extremely valuable lessons that go way beyond the classroom. I canʻt imagine who I would be today if I went to a different school. I am extremely grateful that my parents made the decision to send me here. I don’t think many people can say that almost everyone they love and care about is all in one place.

What was your favorite grade throughout the HPA experience? 
I think senior year was honestly my favorite year, despite the bumpy ending. I feel like I had the most time my senior year to enjoy the beautiful place around me and say the many needed “thank you’s” to all my teachers. I also had more time to spend with my friends and reflect back on the times we had.

How did HPA shape you into the person that you are today? 
From a young age, HPA tried to engrain the core values onto every student. And despite all my efforts to avoid it, they definitely rubbed off on me. HPA is made up of a group of extremely kind, intelligent, thoughtful, and caring people. I would like to believe that it was the kind-hearted nature of all my teachers that taught me how to be more compassionate and accepting of others. Everyone at HPA has always been extremely encouraging of my passions and pushed me to pursue what makes me the happiest.

What has been your most treasured memory of the 13-year experience? 
The most recent memory that comes to mind is winning the HPA Olympics in our senior year. I just performed with the faculty band so I had a great rush of energy. After coming off stage I got to be with all my classmates when we heard the news. Another one of my favorite memories was the 100th day of school in elementary. I always got lots of snacks on that day and I remember always looking forward to it.

Any advice to your fellow Ka Makani?
I would just say to take advantage of the fleeting time you have here — get involved in the community, try to reach out to new people, and find what you are interested in. HPA has so many different activities and groups to join, you are bound to find one that you really like. Also, don’t be discouraged if you haven’t found your “thing” or your people yet. It took me about 12 years to feel like I really found my “people” at HPA, but I promise you, it is completely worth it. I wouldn’t trade my friendships I have made at HPA for anything.

Jenna Perry

What does HPA mean to you? 
HPA is the place that holds my best memories and friendships. When I was younger it was a place that inspired me for my future and now it is a place that makes me proud of where I am from. Thinking about my time at HPA will always bring a smile to my face.

What was your favorite grade throughout the HPA experience? 
My favorite grade of my HPA experience was 9th grade. Freshman year was so special to me because I got to see our small class welcome in so many new people with open arms. The bonds and potential that our class was able to show both in the classroom and in athletics right from the start of high school is something I am still in awe over.

How did HPA shape you into the person that you are today? 
HPA has shaped me into the person I am today by providing me with a constant support system. All of the bonds I got to create in elementary school with my teachers and classmates have stayed with me throughout my whole HPA experience and I hope they will continue for much longer. Seeing all of my lower school and middle school teachers still cheering for me on the sidelines of games (shoutout to Mrs. Chong for being the loudest one) or supporting me as I prepare for the next chapter of my life has inspired me to always put my best foot forward and try my hardest no matter the task at hand.

What has been your most treasured memory of the 13-year experience? 
What I treasure the most from my 13 years is all of my teammates and the memories I made with them. To all the girls on my volleyball, soccer, and water polo teams: I could not have asked for a better group of girls to work and compete with. All of your hard work and passion has inspired me in so many aspects of my life and I will always remember the compassion and character that you all have. I can not wait to see all the amazing things all you girls accomplish, keep making history!

Any advice to your fellow Ka Makani? 

Once being the little kid watching EVERY sports game HPA had, I can definitely say I looked up to those older than me. To all the high schoolers, work hard to be the best role models for those younger than you and leave an impact on the school that lasts for many years to come. Always remember you have an entire community that supports you so do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Sua Tufaga

What does HPA mean to you?
HPA is home to me. It has provided me with a safe place to learn, grow, dream, and create memories with people from all over the world. A safe place where you can laugh uncontrollably, cry through the hardships, and love one another through it all. There is no place like home and there is no place like HPA.

What was your favorite grade throughout the HPA experience?
First grade was my favorite grade. Not only because I had my favorite teacher, Mrs.Chong, but because it was a year full of imagination. We climbed trees, we saw buildings as castles, traded macadamia nuts as if they were gold, and P.E. class with Coach T suddenly became the Olympics. 

How did HPA shape you into the person that you are today?
HPA shaped me into the person I am by instilling in me core values such as but not limited to: courage, respect, integrity, wonder, and pursuit of excellence. Teachers are constantly pushing you to be the best student. Families are constantly pushing you to be the best person. Students are constantly supporting you in everything you do.  

Any advice to your fellow Ka Makani?
To my fellow seniors, trust the process. There’s a light at the end of every tunnel and even though we might not be able to see it now, itʻs coming. To any underclassmen, I was once you. Drowning in homework and wondering when it would all end. Daydreaming during D period (sorry Mr.Mumau) of walking across the stage on graduation day. For you and me, this moment is still a dream. As I leave, I want you to all know that graduating and being a senior isn’t defined by one moment, such as hearing your name called and walking across the stage to receive one piece of paper, declaring the end of your four-year run. But instead, all the work you have put in to reach this moment. Continue to work hard and dream big.

Mikela Parris

Any advice to your fellow Ka Makani?
To my fellow Ka Makani: Open every new door that you face. It brings new opportunities that can change your life. Take every chance that you can because your time at HPA won’t last forever. Before coming into high school, I was very introverted. I was shy and I was scared to try new things. I figured it was time to open up so I decided to immerse myself into clubs and sports I have never played before. From that, I have met people from all around the world and created so many friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.