By Lindsey Rettke ‘10
`Iolani’s first-ever leadership class for tenth graders started off with a bang.
After only a few weeks of school, we headed to Palehua and Camp Mokuleia to bond and grow as a class.
We did a community service project at the Hawaii Nature Center with the Senior Prefects and then did a ROPES course that tested our communication, teamwork, and other leadership skills.
That first bonding activity was a great way to start off the semester, and it was the perfect springboard for more in-depth studies.
We spent much of the first quarter reflecting on our strengths, weaknesses, priorities, goals, and values.
For one week, we talked about organization and how to manage time more effectively. In many ways, that unit was the most valuable for most of us.
Discussions about attitude and integrity were meaningful as well.
Ms. Soares taught us about diversity and appreciating our differences and let’s not forget the yoga! As part of our stress management unit, we learned yoga and others ways to keep ourselves fresh and stress free!
After an etiquette training lunch with a professional consultant over the winter break, communication was our first big unit of the second quarter. We read excerpts from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, analyzed the importance of word choice and body language, learned how to write thank you notes, how to observe proper phone etiquette. We even had a mini party in the Courtyard with pretzels, drinks, and guests in order to practice our schmoozing skills.
All of this led up to our big lunch at Waialae Country Club, where we had a tasty lunch with various community leaders.
I sat with Mr. Glenn Furuya of Leadership Works and Mrs. Jenai Wall of Foodland. Among other things, they talked to us about how to make our light shine on others and to make the most of our lives. Despite the fact that we all had to wear our business (a.k.a. uncomfortable) attire and dine with our best manners, it was an unforgettable experience.
Talking with different adults throughout the semester was especially rewarding. We received visits from Mayor Hannemann, Dr. Iwashita, Mr. Proctor, and Mr. Glenn Uejio.
Much of the second quarter was dedicated to two tasks: Leadership Letters and Operation K5. We each chose three leaders (one local, one national, one international), learned how to write formal letters, and sent them on their way. We heard back from some amazing people.
Brian got a letter and $25 from the Zippy’s CEO. Kellie got a letter from Sandra Day O’Connor and a book from Connie Lau. Alissa got to sail on the Hokulea with Nainoa Thompson.
Michael resceived a personal letter back from Governor Lingle. Tasia had lunch with Dr. Richard Mamiya.
I even got to meet and enjoy cookies with Famous Amos. What a great guy!
We’re having a mini reunion next week because Mr. U said another leader wrote back. He won’t tell us who it is, but he said “it’s a big one. It may be one of our coolest.”
Operation K5 started with a $1000 donation from an alumnus. His only stipulation was that we use the money to help and inspire others. Our goal was to multiply the money in some way. After many meetings (with agendas and minutes) and brainstorming sessions, we came up with a plan.
Final Product: 527 toiletry bags for North Shore homeless (2900 bars of soap, 600 bottles of shampoo, 600 bottles of lotion, 274 toothbrushes, 99 tubes of toothpaste, 200 wash cloths) and 272 bedding sheets for IHS. Thank you to the various dentists and Waikiki hotels that helped us to exceed our goal!
We finished the semester with a recap of everything we learned.
We put together a time capsule for the Class of 2015 and also made Leadership Machines as a fun in-class finale.
I really enjoyed the class and hope this year’s ninth graders sign up for next year. I know Mr. U and Ms. Soares put a lot of time and energy into the class, and it really paid off. I know it’s only going to get better. Mr. U just told me that Famous Amos has already agreed to come talk to the second semester class as well as Mayor Hannemann again. Their luncheon will have Ms. Connie Lau, Mrs. Gail Hannemann, Judge Marie Milks, Mr. Steven Ai, Chief Kenneth Silva, Mr. Matt Catingub and others.
They’re going to love it!
