Sacred Hearts Academy students take a spin at the wheel in the school’s new playground for grades PreK-3. (Photo courtesy of Hayley Matson Mathes)
Using holy water, salt and ti leaves, Sacred Hearts Father Christopher Keahi gave a Hawaiian blessing Sept. 6 to Sacred Hearts Academy’s new playground for some very excited preschool to third grade keiki.
The ribbon was cut by the new head of school Scott Schroeder, who was assisted by a few kindergarten students. Gold, yellow and white balloons bedecked the much-anticipated playground equipment which included a new feature — The Wheel, a Merry Go Round, a bright orange structure that can sit four to 12 students at a time.
The Sisters of the Sacred Hearts represented by Sister Regina Mary Jenkins, teachers from junior kindergarten to grade three, business manager Randy Iwashita, who oversaw the project, and vice-principal Remee Tam welcomed several parents to the blessing. The event featured hula from the kindergarteners and a song from the third-grade class.
Cinja Strickland, manager of Inspired Play Recreation, the company that installed the equipment, and business development director Dennis Martinez demonstrated the safe use of the equipment before students were allowed to play. The playground is one of several projects funded by the board of directors of Sacred Hearts Academy.