Tenth grade students in the leadership class taught by Ms. Melanie Soares and Mr. Kirk Uejio tested their epistolary and rhetorical skills this past November when each student wrote letters to three different leaders: one local, one national and one international.
The students did research on each of their leaders and asked each of them questions pertaining to the topic of the course: leadership.
In the words of Mr. Uejio, "We've gotten some cool responses."
They also received not-cool form letters from leaders such as Tony Blair, John Maxwell and Billy Graham.
Rather than a written reply, others such as Chief of Police Boisse Correa, Famous Amos, and Dr. Richard Mamiya left numbers for the students to call.
An unexpected bonus came from Jason Higa, the CEO and President of Zippy's. He sent a $25 gift certificate that went toward a class chili and chicken party on the last day of school before Christmas vacation.
Linda Lingle wrote back with a copy of her 2006 inaugural address and an invitation to a follow-up phone conversation.
But it got better.
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza from Chile, responded with three typed pages. He wrote, "Remember that you are your best self when you are staying true to your beliefs and pursue your own dreams, but also when you do your best to serve well your country, your society and your community."
American Savings Bank President and CEO, Connie Lau, wrote back a warm note and gave the student a book about leadership. She wrote, "A great leader must be able to envision a better future and to be able to design strategies that can make that future come true. Great leaders must be able to inspire and to teach, so that their contribution can be multiplied by the many people who they touch."
She also offered to come talk to the class, and has received an invitation to a second semester luncheon at which the students are hosts to local leaders.
Another special reply and gift came from Nainoa Thompson who invited Alissa Youart to sail on the Hokulea as his special guest. She went on a four-hour sail this past weekend.
Retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote, "Leadership is about the ability to inspire others, though not necessarily with acts of heroism. What inspires others is the steady and unwavering commitment to the simple virtues of citizenship: knowledge, industry, integrity and commitment to community."
One of the students, Tasia Mamiya '10 said, "It's been great hearing back from these leaders. To think that these busy, successful, important people take the time to write back to our little leadership class is a leadership lesson in itself. It inspires us."
