Aloha and congratulations once again to the Sandy Bank Award winners! These children not only have to work hard, but they have to constantly stay focused to do as well as they do. Fifty students in a classroom in hot and often dusty conditions makes their feat even that much more remarkable.

In addition to their excellence in the classroom, they are decent, nice kids. I had the privilege to know them while I was a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer at the school from 2003-2005. It is great to see their accomplishments recognized, great to see Ms Zane (an extraordinary teacher) recognized, their previous teachers and their principal recognized, and wonderful to have an education advocate such as Ms Kennedy in the community.

I wanted to not only extend my congratulations to the children, but let them know they are often in my thoughts from half a world away. My wife Patti and I were snorkeling on Kauai last week and saw some "Humuhumunukunukuapuaas"; I smiled and thought of them (they will understand).

Mahalo (thank you) for the memories, you are truly "Na Ka Oi" (number one),
With great fondness,
Joe Shannon (Mr. Joe)