Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 8, 1 August 1985 — Kaluaaha-Kilohana Reunion Brings Back Many Memories [ARTICLE]

Kaluaaha-Kilohana Reunion Brings Back Many Memories

By Daryl Lynn Akiona Molokai lnterim Community Resource Specialist More than 800 people, most of them from the neighbor islands, attended historic Kilohana School's 50th anniversary luau at the East End recreation center. The all-day celebration brought back happy and sad memories for many in attendance. The East End's first school at Kaluaaha was started by missionaries 130 years ago. Kaluaaha was closed in 1935 and Kilohana opened in an old hospital building whieh is still at the center of the new expanded campus. The school alma mater describes its location as being "surrounded by kiawe . . . between the hills and seas." The oldest living teacher at the original Kaluaaha School, Mrs. Kathryn Aping, and the oldest iiving student, 84-year-old Zeilie Duvauchelle Sherwood, were guests of honor. The latter was unable to attend because of illness. The reunion was actually a ho'olaulea where former teachers, principals, schoolmates and employees walked the grounds searching out eaeh other and enjoying the bright sunshine and live entertainment. They could also purchase hand printed T-shirts, pillow cases, c!ub shirts, haku leis and many different kinds of food. A Hawaiian dinner that evening climaxed the program whieh featured entertainment by Kawai Cockett and addresses by guest speakers, including Congressman Daniel K. Akaka. having attended Kilohana for just one year. It was niee to see and talk with former teachers and classmates. /