Nobody - and I mean NOBODY - does graduation quite like Lahainaluna. Even in the midst of a pandemic - last year Lahainaluna was able to use part of the Lahaina Bypass to stage an epic drive-in graduation with police escort, fire trucks and the traditional lighting of the "L". This year, they were able to hold it in the stadium again, albeit with restrictions on the number of people who could attend and other limitations due to COVID guidelines. No live band (we miss you Myron Carlos and the Lahainaluna band), no processional into the stadium, no Boarders Chorus led by Aunty Lori (we miss you Aunty Lori!) no senior band members playing their final song, no live singing of O Kou Aloha, Yonder Lahaina Mountains, the Alma Mater or a Senior song, no recessional, no lei greeting on the track afterward by hundreds of family members and friends, no Project Graduation.
What they did have to make up for it was still nothing short of amazing. Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the Lahainaluna administration, the PTSA, community volunteers and donations, the graduates were treated to a pre-graduation performance from Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Josh Tatofi, live renditions of the Star Spangled Banner by seniors Kulia Phillips and Brian Amby and "Hawaii Pono'i" by Kulia Phillips accompanied by her father, Na Hoku Hanohano nominee Kaleo Phillips (aka Jason Phillips, Lahainaluna c/o 1989), special recognition of retiring complex DOE superintendent Lindsay Ball, 24 valdedictorians, the lighting of the "L" and post-graduation entertainment from yet another Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Maoli. The Junior Class of 2022 sold ice cold water. Dinner was provided after graduation by Aloha Braised and TS Restaurants. The entire evening was livestreamed on the Facebook and YouTube. Unreal. Congratz to the Class of 2021 on making it through a trying year and graduating high school!
Gear: Nikon D4S, Nikon 70-200mm f2.8, Nikon Z6, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, Nikon D600, Nikon 14-24 f/2.8, Godox 860N flash.