Aloha from St. Joseph High School, Hilo, Hawaii!
The Hawaiian flag (left): a mixture of the American flag (right) and the British flag
Aloha means "hello" in the Hawaiian language, among many other things. It's one of the many commonly used words here in Hawaii, and it is meant to communicate a feeling of welcome and friendliness. Here in Hawaii we integrate various different cultures into our daily lives, providing a broad cultural experience. Hawaii is considered one of the "true melting pots" of America, which is a large melting pot in itself. In Hawaii, as well as anywhere else in America, free will is the precedent to any action that is taken, and a fair government system ensures that no one is ever cheated out of what is rightfully theirs.
Coconut Island, Hilo, Hawaii; a common place to swim or walk on a nice day
A picture of Mauna Kea taken from a distance near Volcano National Park
The Big Island of Hawaii, where SJHS Hilo is located, is unique in being the youngest and most active island volcanically. It is lightly populated compared to the state's capital, Honolulu on Oahu, and we have access to a desert, snow, and rain forest climate on this one island. Beautiful coastlines and other natural features, including more than one state park, add to the intrigue of this island, and those of us who live here are proud to call it home. Although it does not snow over most of the island, at the top of Mauna Kea - the tallest mountain on earth when measured from the sea floor up - snow often falls when the conditions are right. Mauna Kea is also home to some of the world's most renowned telescopes, including one of the Gemini telescopes, among others.
A photograph of a Kilauea lava flow meeting the sea at Volcano National Park
One of the many lava tubes located in Volcano National Park
Another unique feature of the Big Island is the active volcano, Kilauea, that erupts almost daily at the Volcano National Park. A main attraction for both locals and tourists alike, Volcano National Park not only allows for safe viewings of the various eruptions and lava flows, but also scenic hikes along mountain-rain forest trails and through old lava tubes. Park rangers are often more than happy to give tours of the different paths, and there is even a visitor's center and volcano observatory located within the park.
Saint Joseph School Crest
Of course, among all of these natural treasures lies Saint Joseph Junior/Senior High School, the only Catholic private school left on the Big Island. Here at SJHS, a small student body helps to ensure that every student gets the attention that they need. Students here are close, almost being a second family to each other, especially to their classmates. The teachers here are all genuinely concerned for the well-being of each and every one of their students, and they are more than willing to offer help to anyone that needs it. Advanced high school courses include various AP courses, including AP Calculus, AP Literature, and others, that can be taken during junior and senior year. There are two choices of language classes here, Spanish or Japanese, and a variety of eight-period electives, from Interact Club to Mock Trial. High school courses include math up until pre-calculus; United States, World, and Hawaiian History; Earth, Marine, and Environmental Science, as well as biology; physics and chemistry; and theology courses for each year. SJHS Hilo has a 100% graduation rate and a 97% percent college acceptance rate, statistics which we are proud of. Sports and SJHS involve small teams with drive to propel them all to some level of success, and each coach is dedicated to their sport and team. Sports offered include girls and boys volleyball, girls and boys basketball, cheerleading, girls and boys soccer, air riflery, judo, and tennis, to name a few. With a involved student body as well as parents and teachers, our school holds an annual fundraiser known as the Country Fair, where there are fun and games for all. True to our Catholic basis, we hold masses at least once a month, where students respectfully attend and participate in various Church traditions. All students of all religions are accepted here, including people who have no religion.
Saint Joseph Junior/Senior High School
With all of this in mind, we hope you have taken interest in our school and the Island of Hawaii in general. Aloha and A Hui Hou! We hope to see you soon!
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