October 28, 2024, 6:00 a.m. (US time)
137 military and civilian volunteers will be recognized for their volunteer work on public school campuses at the 25th Annual Joint Venture Education Forum on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
Kalaheo High School senior Mia Monday (center) was recognized at the Joint Venture Education Forum on Thursday, October 24, 2024. PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
Ewa Makai Middle School seventh grader and Student Aloha Ambassador Laila Speer (center right) speaks during the 25th Annual Joint Venture Education Forum on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, as students adjust to a new school. He spoke about the impact of the transition center. PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
Alison Droster (center) of Wheeler Army Airfield and Wheeler Elementary School receives the Daniel K. Inouye Outstanding Military Contributor Award on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
Erin Tate (center), Transition Center Coordinator at Eva Makai Middle, receives the K. Mark Takai Outstanding Civilian Contributor Award. PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
PC: Hawaii State Department of Education
The 25th Annual Joint Venture Education Forum Conference was held Thursday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Oahu. Military-dependent students, military and civilian volunteers, and representatives from the Hawaii Military Branch and the Hawaii State Department of Education came together to celebrate a partnership that supports educational opportunities for military-impacted students.
The Joint Venture Education Forum, a 25-year collaboration between the state Department of Education and the military, supports schools serving military families and helps students adjust to the transition every two to three years. . The Forum’s student-led Transition Center is staffed by “Aloha Ambassadors” who provide a supportive environment for newcomers.
Laila Speer, a 7th grade student at Ewa Makai Middle School and a student Aloha Ambassador, said: It doesn’t have to be a negative experience as long as you have people to support you. ”
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137 volunteers were recognized at the event. This year’s Daniel K. Inouye Outstanding Military Contributor Award was presented to Alison Droster of Wheeler Army Airfield for her contributions to Wheeler Elementary School, support ceremonies, reading events, and annual Fun Day activities. Erin Tate, transition center coordinator at Ewa Makai Middle School, received the K. Mark Takai Outstanding Private Contributor Award for her leadership in expanding the transition center program across Hawaii schools.
Mia, a senior at Kalaheo High School, said Monday that she realized that moving wasn’t just about meeting new people or learning about a new school, but about understanding a new home, making connections and feeling grounded. ” he added.
