The Academy held its annual May Day celebrations on May 1 with the theme of “He Aloha No Na Pua,” which translates to “beloved are the flowers.”

Hula teacher Jordan Asing said, “Although May Day did not originate in the islands, it has become a cultural tradition that has been practiced for decades. It is a beautiful way to perpetuate the culture through song and dance.”

Students from each grade level, the Hawaiian Chant and Dance class, and the St. Louis intermediate and high school dance classes performed. The May Day court also performed accompanied by musicians Adam Asing, Pookela Wood and Lina Robins-Tamure.

The May Day court consisted of senior Queen Tiera Knight and princesses Kauionalani Kekuawela (12), Cierra Ponimoi (12), Tiare Libarios-Moses (12), Kira Clarke (11), Rache Sapla (10), Jassirae Ordonez (9), Kaleikaumaka Cruz (8) and Logan Shiroma (7).

Ponimoi said, “Since this was my last May Day, I’ll miss being able to represent my class and sharing my love of hula and the traditions of the Hawaiian culture that are a big part of my life.”

Knight said, “Being the May Day Queen was honestly the greatest blessing. It really summed up my 13 years at the Academy into one great moment that I shared with my family and friends.”