As 2009 draws to a close, I cannot help but think of the many things that we have accomplished together.  There were many challenges and hurdles, but we were able to conquer every obstacle head on!

The first was moving our Summer Program from WCC to King Intermediate.  We were skeptical that the new space would be able to meet our needs…so we made things happen.  Due to our generous parents and great support from the school, we built a 900 square foot dance floor complete with vinyl covering and mirrors…a wall of mirrors…a wall we built and then mounted the mirrors.

Then, we partnered with the Castle Performing Arts Center BOD, King Intermediate and Kane'ohe Elementary and got to work on our original musical revue, “The Show Must Go On!”  We learned over 40 songs and dances and learned blocking…all before stepping into Ron Bright Theatre.  We then had all of four days to work in the theatre, but still pulled off a remarkable show.  Because of the venue and show, we were able to showcase many of our students and their various talents.  This show also allowed us to bring back some alumni to assist with the production, fulfilling the “education of the whole theatrical experience” piece to the puzzle.

The show had rave reviews and the question was posed…what about Fall?  Ask and ye shall receive.  PAPA embarked on their first Fall Program in November.  We began learning songs for our debut performance in the Kane’ohe Christmas Parade and “The Magic of Christmas” Show.  Our first parade gained us three awards – 1^st Place Non-Commercial Float for our “Golden Express”, 1^st Place Youth and Adult Marching Unit and Overall Most Outstanding Entry.

We then performed at the Ala Wai Golf Course, Ala Moana Center and concluded our performances with a packed house at Windward Mall.  The students also collected over 100 toys for our “Toys for Tots” drive!  The students exemplified the true meaning of Christmas and had time to celebrate together at the 1^st Annual PAPA Christmas Party.  It was definitely a treat to see all the families having a good time together.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take time to thank all the wonderfully dedicated parents of PAPA who continue to make our dreams come true with their tireless efforts.  They are the force that helps to propel us forward.  And to the staff and student volunteers who have learned and are now giving back to the program…your time is invaluable.  To our first PAPA, Mr. Bright and the many teachers who have helped to shape the instructors – thank you for the example of what teaching truly is.  And last, but certainly not least, to the kids…thank you for your trust, commitment and most of all, your love.  It’s what sets this group apart from any other I’ve worked with.  You give fully from your heart in everything you do.  You are the reason why we began almost four years ago.

As we look to the future, there are many more goals we have set.  We are looking at hosting a Spring Program at King Intermediate as well as a fund-raiser, “The Empower Concert” which will hopefully raise funds to assist us with our future endeavors.  The concert will also help spread the word about our program while focusing on our motto to “empower…engage…educate.”  Following that, we will begin work on our Summer Production of “Seussical the Musical.” We will pair up with the Hawaii Literacy Foundation and collect books for disadvantaged youth in our community.  We will also host a preview showing for families that will benefit from our book drive.  And with the success of this year’s Fall Program, one can only imagine the fun awaiting us in Fall 2010.  I mean, we have to defend our titles you know!

We humbly ask that you continue to support our endeavors in any way you can.  Whether it is financially, in-kind goods and services or simply helping to spread the word of our program, let us continue this journey together.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou to you and your ‘ohana from all of us at the Paliku Academy of Performing Arts!