Proud Moments: Got Mahea?

In the first week of the new school year, Chelsea came home and shared that she was running for Hope Po’okumu for the Ahaopio or Vice President of the Student Council. Both Lilinoe and I were very proud of her initiative and courage, regardless of the outcome of the vote she had already reinforced our respect for her growth.

I like to identify myself as an ‘inquisitive parent’ and so I began asking Chelsea her motives for taking on a challenge that would require a lot of commitment. She said that when her Kumu or teacher explained the position requirements, she immediately identified with each one. She said,”It’s what I learn at home, so I know I can do it at school.” We teach respect, responsibility, initiative, and most importantly being a good person. Both Lilinoe and I were impressed with her answer, either we’re doing a good job or we’re raising a helluva politician!

Chelsea adopted the tiare flower as her logo and created campaign signs that her peers could easily relate too. One was a Mahea-kea’s in the same font and style as the hugely popular local surf brand Ainokea and another was her appeal to all milk drinkers, Got Mahea? In addition to her signs, she and Lilinoe packaged M&M’s with a personalized message requesting for votes and pens adorned with tiare.

She campaigned for the required week, and was faced with harsh reality when voting was rescheduled due to the lack of preparation of the other candidates. Fair? Of course not, but this is middle school and their first attempt and organizing a council.

Last week Thursday, as soon as the school bell rang signaling the end of the day Chelsea called Lilinoe with exciting news. Chelsea, known as Mahea in her kula kaiaupuni or school, is the very first Vice President of the Student Council. Her initiative and first step towards responsibility could only be celebrated one way – cake and ice cream at Papa and Tutu’s home!