Jordan Bayang, Ho`ala School 8th grader, has been named one of the state’s top two youth volunteers in the 12th annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program recognizing young people for outstanding community service.~

Jordan will receive a $1,000 award, an engraved silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C. for several days of special recognition events in early May. Only 102 young people nationwide, one middle level and one high school student in each state and the District of Columbia, receive this honor.

Jordan, an eighth grader at Ho`ala School, has participated in numerous community service projects to benefit his community over the past five years. His desire to serve his community began when he attended Camp Kokua, a Summer Service-Learning Camp sponsored by Ho`ala School. “This two-week camp made me realize that I could make a difference in our community, even at my age,” said Jordan, who was only 8 years old at the time. At the camp, Jordan and his fellow campers learned about many different needs in his community, and discussed ways they could be helpful. Since then, Jordan has spent more than 100 hours each year volunteering. He has read stories to preschool children, picked up trash around his community, collected clothing for a local shelter, and helped educate tourists and local residents about green sea turtles, along with other projects throughout the year and at the annual summer camps. “By volunteering, I became a better person,” said Jordan.

While in Washington, D.C., the 102 State Honorees will tour the capital’s landmarks, attend a gala awards ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and visit their congressional representative on Capital Hill. In addition, 10 of them-five middle level and five high school students will be named National Honorees on May 7 by a prestigious national selection committee. These honorees will receive additional $5,000 awards, gold medallions, crystal trophies, and $5,000 grants from The Prudential Foundation for nonprofit, charitable organizations of their choice.

Music class for grades 7th and 8th includes instruction on various percussion instruments, including the xylophone.

To get to know each other better, Ho`ala students in grades 3-8 enjoyed three days and two nights at Camp Mokuleia on the North Shore in October. Sleeping in bunked cabins by night, campers enjoyed a full schedule of activities during the day, including team-building games, a scavanger hunt and songs around the bonfire.

Thanks to all the adult chaperones (teachers and parents!) who attended and kept the children safe, sound and smiling!