Kalihi Elementary School Peace Pole and Mural Dedication (2025)

Описание: Honolulu, HI – January 22, 2025 – The Kalihi Elementary School community gathered in a ceremony today to unveil a new Peace Pole and a student-created mural. This event, a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor and Kalihi Elementary, showcased the school’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring commitment to peace and unity.

The Peace Pole, purposefully installed at the heart of the campus, bears the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in English, Hawaiian, Samoan, Marshallese, Filipino, and other languages that reflect the school’s diverse student body. This universal call for peace was further emphasized by essays presented by first and second-grade students, who shared their personal reflections on the meaning and importance of peace.

“This courtyard is the heart of our school,” said Principal John Hamilton during his speech. “It’s where we come together every morning, and now it’s filled with symbols that matter—unity, culture, and the hardworking spirit of our students and staff. The Peace Pole reminds us that while we may come from different backgrounds, peace unites us all.”

The celebration also included the dedication of a mural honoring Hawaii’s “canoe plants,” such as kalo (taro), kukui (candlenut), and ti leaf. Painted by the school’s fourth-grade students under the guidance of their teachers, the mural highlights the cultural and historical significance of these plants. As part of the project, students conducted research and shared their findings through essays presented during the ceremony.

“This mural not only beautifies our campus but also strengthens our students’ connection to the rich traditions of Hawaii,” said Mrs. Okimoto, a fourth-grade teacher. “It’s a reminder of how we can learn from the past to create a brighter future.”

After the dedication, President Emilie Smith of the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor shared her thoughts on the occasion: “It’s inspiring to see these young students embrace the values of peace and unity, and we’re proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.”

This event exemplified the Rotary Club’s mission to foster peace and understanding while supporting local schools in impactful ways. Funded through a Hawai’i Rotary District Grant, the project brought together students, teachers, parents, and volunteers, leaving a lasting legacy of collaboration and shared purpose.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor and its initiatives, visit https://rotaryhph.org.

About Rotary
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor is a club in District 5000, Hawai'i, USA. For more information, visit rotaryhph.org.
About Kalihi Elementary School

Kalihi Elementary School serves approximately 208 students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The student population reflects the rich cultural diversity of the Kalihi community, with a significant portion being English language learners. A majority of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with many qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Additionally, the school’s student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1 provides a more personalized educational experience compared to the state average of 14:1 (Hawai'i Public Schools 2020 Strive HI School Performance Report).