Makua Leilani, loved and treasured by family and friends

Dec 21, 2016 | Heart and Soul

Presented by Kekoa and Kamalanimaile Manner

During this busy holiday season, we wanted to share how busy our mother has been with the children of Palisades Elementary. Our mother has been working at that school for 20+ years as their Hawaiian Studies Resource teacher. Back in 2011, she started her Ukulele, Arts and Crafts, and Hula after school.. We are amazed of how she brings out the very best in every student that she works with.

Our mother is truly a busy, hard working mother not only to us, but also to her students. . .that's why we all call her, "Makua Leilani". .

Earlier this year she entered her hula students in the Brown Bags TO Stardom and Spotlight Competition and brought home 2nd place for both. Recently, our mother had one of her arts and crafts student, Carly Miyamoto, enter the Honolulu Star Advertiser Keiki Kalikimaka annual contest. Carly was selected as one of the 30 finalist and was featured in the newspaper last Sunday.

Also earlier in December, my mom had some of her beginning ukulele students perform at the Neal Blaisdell Mele Kalikimaka Craft Fair along with her hula students. It was their very first time performing with their ukulele and it went well.

Our my mom was also Ms. Pearl City Island Gem 2008. . my sisters and I were title holders too. .my mom didn't know she was going to get that title. The pageant director, Leslie Ballio-Young, gave it to honor and award our mom for her hard work, dedication, and aloha for the community.

Our mom's students project for the Aloha Harvest contest honored and described my mom in the words of the artist.

And last but not least. . I wrote an essay about my mom and we won the Lex Brodie's Thank You Very Much Award in 2014. You can watch it on you tube Lex Brodie's Thank You Very Much Award-Mililani High School-Tiny TV https://youtu.be/343-90wMVs8.

Mahalo and Happy Holidays!

2nd Place

2016 Brown Bags TO Stardom and Spotlight Competition