Engaging Minds Blog

Another Successful Makahiki in the Books! 

Written by Nancy Keegan

In its 5th year, the 2017 TCS Makahiki was a great success.  From its inception, the goals for the Makahiki were to build community within the school, invite Windward Oahu to see how special our little school is, promote elements of  Hawaiian culture, and raise funds for financial assistance and school enhancement efforts (PTF). This parent believed 100% in the mission and vision of TCS and wanted to be able to share that with all of Oahu.

The success of the Makahiki was due in part to the vision and commitment of this parent but more than that, it is because of our TCS ‘ohana.  When you are part of a school ‘ohana you are bound together, not by only by blood but by a cooperative effort and care for each other.  When we are concerned with the interests of others, we will be blessed abundantly.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:4-5

Trinity wants to be recognized as a school of excellence. We desire to be unashamedly Christian, excellent in academics, strengthen the character of our students, and partner with parents.

Events like the TCS Makahki strengthen our ‘ohana.  The TCS Makahiki, is only possible due to the investment of our school families. Our goal was 100% participation.  We didn’t reach that goal, but in the five years of chairing this event, it grew and flourished. The event got bigger and earned more money, but more importantly, the TCS students, families, and teachers found value in the event and wanted to contribute to its success.  Mrs. Greene volunteered to rent the cotton candy machine and get sticky making cotton candy all day.  ‘Ohana RC volunteered to set up the fun race course game.  Parents began showing up at 6:30 am ready to help.  Parents I’d never met emailed wanting to donate items for auction and be part of the entertainment.  The event achieved portions of the goal to build the community well before the blessing to begin the Makahiki.

Was the Makahiki A LOT of work?  YES!  I have five years of Makahiki sweat and grit under my fingernails. Will I remember exactly how much work it was? NO.  What are some of my 2017 Makahiki memories? I will remember cutting the kiawe wood and smelling that kalua pig when its pulled from the imu.  I will remember listening to Brother Noland sing, make jokes about being stuck in the traffic, and watch Hailey dance a beautiful hula.  I will remember the winds calmed, the sun shined, and it was a beautiful day spending time with our Trinity ‘ohana. 

Getting up early, working hard, planning for months, all of these experiences build our bonds to one another.  The fun times and the memories cement those relationships.  We are entering a new season for the TCS Makahiki.  As co-chairs (myself and Raynee David) believe it is time to allow others to rise in leadership and reap the benefits of building the community, relationships, and ‘ohana at TCS.