History

Mission

To provide a permanent funding source to promote student achievement and academic excellence at Kalāheo High School.

History

In 1991, the establishment of the Kalāheo High School Foundation (KHSF) was initiated by a faculty-community committee appointed by Principal William K. Tam, Jr., to determine how the school’s $4000 National Blue Ribbon Schools award would be used. Volunteer committee members were teachers Sharon Ehrhorn, Sarah Fincke, Patsy Chesser, Karen Kanda, Ellen Libby, Karen Muronaka, Sue Reardon, Martha Robertson, and student Tiffini Hercules.

Award officials praised the school’s academic excellence, outstanding extracurricular activities, and school pride—all achieved under adverse financial conditions. To help sustain these attributes and also enhance financial support, the committee determined that the monetary award would be used as seed money to establish a non-profit foundation.

In 1992, alumna attorney Margaret Jenkins and her colleague Michael O’Malley of Goodsill, Anderson, Quinn & Stifel facilitated the establishment of the Kalāheo High School Foundation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Other alumni involved in the organizational process were Jim Hasselman, Sandi Schneiderman, Tim Walker, Todd Yorimoto, Winston Sakurai, Bruce Voss, Debbi Martin, Brie Richardson, and Nancy Rapoza. Founding members were Kalāheo librarian Martha Robertson, Kalāheo parent Suzy Churchill, and Kalāheo alumna Sandi Schneiderman.

The corporation’s initial Officers and Directors were Suzanne S. Churchill, President; Margaret C. Jenkins, Vice-President, Membership; Sandi Schneiderman, Vice-President; Sarah Fincke, Secretary; and James P. Hasselman, Treasurer.

By February 1993, the Foundation had designated an attorney and an accountant, established a Board of Directors, filed a State charter, established by-laws, and achieved tax-exempt status.

After several years and with increasing alumni participation on the Board and emphasis on alumni fundraising, an Alumni Association was incorporated into the organization’s name and activities.

KHSF is funded by investments, fundraising events, and donations from individuals and groups including alumni, faculty, staff, graduating classes, and community supporters.

Details about events may be found in the Kalāheo High School Foundation newsletters

  • Establishment of the Kalāheo High School Foundation by faculty-community committee.

  • Determination of Kalāheo High School Foundation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

  • First Kalāheo High School Foundation Board of Directors is named, State charter filed, and by-laws are established.

  • Publication of first Foundation News newsletter is published. The first grant to the school is awarded.

  • Website debuts.

  • An alumni group is organized.

  • The 25th Anniversary Lu‘au is held in the Kalāheo Gym and includes the presentation of the first Alumni Honor Award.

  • Mutual fund investments are initiated.

  • A new website is launched.

  • The Christine Snyder 9/11 Memorial tree is planted by the alumni group.

  • Three Alumni Honor Awards are presented at Commencement.

  • An alumni-sponsored lu‘au is held in the Kalāheo Gym. The 9/11 Memorial stone and plaque are dedicated.

  • The annual lu‘au is held at He'eia State Park and includes special recognition of retired Kalāheo teachers.

  • The annual lu‘au is held on the Kalāheo campus under the Mokapu monkeypod trees and includes a slideshow with alumni photos and achievements.

  • The annual lu‘au is held in the Kalāheo Cafeteria and includes the presentation of five Alumni Honor Awards.

  • The annual lu‘au is held at Kalama Beach Park.

  • The annual lu‘au is held at alumnus Jay Atkins’ residence.

  • The annual lu‘au is held at Kalama Beach Park.

  • Publication and mailing of Foundation News are discontinued. One-page school editions of Foundation News are published in the school’s online bulletins.

  • The first Legacy Scholarship is awarded.

  • Formal strategic planning is initiated.

  • The annual lu‘au is reinstituted at Kokokahi YWCA. Foundation-initiated campus improvement projects commence. For the first time, a reception is held to honor an Alumni Honor Award recipient.

  • Most activities and meetings cease due to COVID-19 restrictions.

  • Two major campus improvement projects are completed—the renovation of the office lunchroom and the complete restoration in H-Building Courtyard of the “Graduation” sculpture by Jim Charlton.