As a Mākaha Elementary sixth grader, Kealapono Samson participated in the Eō afterschool program at Waiʻanae Elementary School. Eō offers a free culture and place-based afterschool program where students learn and develop culturally grounded leadership skills. In the self-exploration unit, he researched his moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy) and learned how to share his hoʻolauna (introduction) in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
Not only did Kealapono recite this in front of his peers, but he also found a way to integrate these skills into his personal life. These experiences proved valuable during his interview for admission to Kamehameha Schools, where he left a lasting impression on the interviewer. Kealapono is now a student at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, continuing his leadership and educational journey.
