In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, more than 600 Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders high school students sat down throughout January to write a “love letter” to our beloved Hawaii. Here are some excerpts from what some students cherish, hope and promise for our island home.
Dear Hawaii,
You are more than a rock isolated in the ocean; you are a rich community with a strong history of resilience. You infused me with aloha and inspire me to do good by others. I promise to always stand by you and inspire compassion on your behalf. I hope to help you grow and become greater, just as you have done for me. Thank you for everything.
Love, Shelby Hom
Roosevelt High School
Dear Hawaii,
Thank you. You’ve raised me to be who I am … You’ve instilled morals and values in me that will help me … most importantly, you’ve instilled in me an everlasting love for these islands and its people.
Love, Elise Soriano
Waianae High School
Dear Hawaii,
I hope Hawaii cleans up and starts to tackle the big issues instead of pushing them to the side. Hawaii gives you the sense of diversity, pride, and love. So you learn to respect diversity, you are proud of where you come from, and show aloha to all.
Love, Kristen Allyson Garcia
Waipahu High School
Dear Hawaii,
Even though I come from another place, this ‘aina has become my ‘aina as well. Being here has given me a feeling of connectedness that all the other countries I’ve lived in have never even approached. As long as I live I will do whatever I can to save this beautiful paradise for future generations.
Love, Justin Holder
Mililani High School
Dear Hawaii,
I hope that within the next 10 years, you never forget where you came from. I hope we grow and thrive. I hope that we lead you in a better direction and always embody aloha.
Being from Hawaii, I have always had a sense of place and community orientation, keeping others in mind. For as long as I am here, I will love you and never forget where I came from.
Love, Mari Ebersole
Waiakea High School
Dear Hawaii,
You create memorable and cherished memories with the people that I love. You give me hope when I feel all is lost … You give me a sense of being whole. I promise to be a leader who believes in the people.
Love, Raigen Kaohi-Hook
Pearl City High School
Dear Hawaii,
I appreciate that you are my home. As a leader from and for Hawaii, I hope that Hawaii’s cost of living will improve and that it becomes much more affordable to live here …
Since I’m from Hawaii, when I lead, I will think not only for the cause, but also for the people. I promise that Hawaii will become a better place.
Love, Kenneth Chen
McKinley High School
Dear Hawaii,
You are my home. We may have to endure lava, tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes, but I wouldn’t change you. My only hope is that people will be able to take pride from where they are from and learn to love this place as much as I do.
Love, Edward Fukushima
Pahoa High School
Dear Hawaii,
Through the power of a single word, your people learn to love and cherish the life you’ve given us here. I hope that Hawaii and its people will learn to appreciate each other deeply.
Love, Kailee Nomura
James Campbell High School
“Raise Your Hand,” a monthly column featuring Hawaii’s youth and their perspectives, appears in the Insight section on the first Sunday of each month. It is facilitated by the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
