On the last day of August, Sacred Hearts Academy students put on their cowboy hats for their very first Paniolo Paina. This event celebrated the beginning of the new school year. In front of the campus, one might find line dancing with the Academy’s Lower School Principal Cynthia McIntyre, hole-in-one mini golfing, a dunking booth or even a petting zoo. Students and faculty volunteers were in charge of these booths.
A Lancer father helps his son putt at the mini golfing game. The event featured many interactive activities for children. The lasso round-up and tic-tac-toe games were especially popular. When participants complete or win games, they earn tickets to redeem prizes throughout the night. This event served as a way for the Academy and the Kaimuki community to come together once again. Other weekend events that are opened to the public include Fright Night and Mele on the Lawn. (Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo)
Baaa! The goats were the star of the petting zoo. Many families were able to see different farm animals, like ducks and bunnies. Student volunteer and senior Ayla Prather said, “My favorite part of Paniolo Paina was the petting zoo because of all of the adorable animals.” (Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo)Local country singer Taulia Lave performed in the school’s main courtyard. The sunset poured down in the middle of Lave’s set, leaving the Academy canvased in a variety of pastel colors. He serenaded many of the Paniolo Paina attendees, who were enjoying their dinner at the time. Creamy cheeseburgers and classic Filipino dishes were a few favorites from the variety of food truck and food booth options. Student attendee and volunteer Marrissa Thompson said, “Taulia was really great. It was nice to hear his music while volunteering.” (Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo)
Academy President Dr. Brady Ann Sato chatted at Paniolo’s Paina’s Country Store. The store offered a wide variety of pastries and sweet treats, along with savory snacks like crispy pepperoni and chocolate-covered bacon. Volunteer and senior Ayla Prather said, “At the country store, we sold baked goods and snacks including candy apples, cookies and cakes. It was a really great experience and I got to work on my interaction skills with the customers.” (Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo)
Mahina is a third-year Journalism student and a senior at the Academy. She is also the Sports Editor. In this year of Journalism, she hopes to strengthen her writing skills and make meaningful connections with pure intentions. In her free time, she enjoys paddling and going to the beach. One fun fact about Mahina is that she went to the beach more than 30 times this summer.
