Project Aloha

Project Aloha was created by Innovations' teacher, Jennifer Hiro, to give students an opportunity to get involved in service oriented projects that expose them to the many ways they can give back to their community. Started as an interest club SY 02-03, it proved to be very popular with the students and the community. Students sponsored a canned food drive, volunteered at an elderly care facility, made care packages for children in war zones overseas, washed dogs at the Kona Humane Society, and much more. At the end of the first year, Project Aloha was recognized for its outstanding service by the American Red Cross and was awarded the Everyday Hero Award. SY 03-04, students continue to serve their community. Here are their stories.

Everyday Hero Award

Students of the Project Aloha interest group were awarded "Everyday Hero" awards by the American Red Cross Association, Saturday March 29th, 2003. Kayla Davidson, Rachel Ledig, Ajana Lowrey, Michael Bell, Kahili Anderson, Kasey Beard, Sandra Burck, Karina Keith, and advisor, Jennifer Hiro, received the awards in the "Animal Friend" category for their community service to the Hawaii Island Humane society in November. There they helped paint wood pieces needed for the shelter and washed, groomed and walked many of the dogs kept at the shelter. The students really enjoyed their recognition and have a deeper sense of the affect they can have on their local community by providing community service.

Students were treated to a buffet breakfast before being honored with their award.

Proud parents and Innovations' staff joined in the celebration.

Each student received a stuffed animal in honor of their work at the Humane Society.

West Hawaii Humane Society
Dog Washing, Dog Walking, Dog Playing

Hualalai Regency Residents received hand massages and a chance to visit with students from Innovations.

Needless to say, the residents found this very relaxing!

Canned Food Drive Students collected canned food and delivered it to the Kona Food Bank. This project was just in time to provide food that would go to needy families at Thanksgiving.

SY03-04 West Hawaii Humane Society

Students that signed up for Project Aloha SY03-04 decided they wanted to pay regular visits to the animals at the West Hawaii Humane Society. They participated in a variety of other community projects but still managed to make regular visits to the animal shelter to wash and visit with the cats and dogs. They learned the routine and became independent volunteers. Some of the students continue to volunteer at the shelter after school

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SY 2001-2002
SY 2002-2003

Updated March 2004
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