Last month the Lower Schools held their annual, Nā Kūpuna Day, a fairly new tradition considering our schools' long history. It began in 2013 when Lower School principal, Kaʻipo Bailey-Walsh saw the need for more family events on campus. "There was a void – we needed to bring our families together to make them feel like they too were a part of the school," she says.
To do this, she looked to the foundation of every family – the kūpuna or grandparents. In Hawaiian culture, kūpuna are the backbone of the family and are highly revered as keepers of ancestral knowledge. In today's western society, the elderly too often blend into the background and aren't given the recognition they deserve. Therefore, Bailey-Walsh decided that this event would focus on honoring our students' kūpuna while strengthening the bonds between generations. Starting off small, its first year comprised of a handful of tables adorned with kalo prints with entertainment by Kumu Aggy Kusunoki and Naomi Castro, former Choir Director who offered song and hula. Nā Kūpuna Day has since grown to complementary valet service, student performances by every grade, professional photographers, and a full day of activities, including "Kūpuna Bingo," a crowd favorite.
New to The Priory, this year was fourth grader, Kalaʻi Wong, and her mother, Lāhela Perry's first Nā Kūpuna Day. Because Wong's grandparents live in Virginia, she brought Mary Sueoka, hānai or adopted grandparent from church as her special guest. They enjoyed the beautiful student music – which included Perry's favorite song, "E Kuʻu Morning Dew." As fate would have it, sitting at their table was Sueoka's friend and classmate from Kawananakoa Middle School, Lilian Napuelua. They hadn't seen each other in years. As Perry watched it all unfold, she grateful to have been able witness this reconnection which wouldn't be possible without this event. "Shows how we are all connected and how relationships can endure over time," Perry says.
Pictured Above L-R: Mary Sueoka, Kalaʻi Wong and Lilian Nauelua
Now in its 7th year, the event hosted hundreds of special guests. It has become one of the most sought-after event of the year in the Lower Schools. "Families are really impressed by the event and how it brings generations together. Kūpuna really enjoy it because when they are here, they feel special. They will plan around this event and those who live off-island will fly here special, just to attend," says Bailey-Walsh. More than the overwhelming attendance, the true success of this event lies in its realization of Walsh's vision of bringing families together on campus so that school feels like an extension of home. Anyone who has attended the event would agree.
To see more photos of the event, click here.