Special to the Herald
For nearly 40 years, the City and County of Honolulu has featured a wreath contest as part of Honolulu City Lights; this year, the Early Learning Center at St. Anthony School, Kailua proudly participated in the 2025 competition, themed “Navigating by the Stars.”
Students created a vibrant wreath using tissue paper, clay stars, crayons and markers, an artistic process that helped strengthen their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
“The children loved bringing the theme ‘Navigating by the Stars’ to life,” shared our art and drama teacher, Mrs. Stephanie Conching. “Art gives even our youngest learners a chance to explore big ideas in fun, creative ways, and they were so proud to navigate this together.”
The wreath was created both in class and during a lively Family Engagement Potluck Night hosted by the Early Learning Center. Families came together to honor community members, especially veterans; share a Thanksgiving meal; and watch a movie under the stars. The evening was full of laughter, creativity and connection, and reflected the National Catholic Education Association’s Benchmark Standard 9.1, which encourages families, staff and students to learn and grow together.
St. Anthony School is proud to nurture the whole child, creatively, socially and spiritually, while strengthening the family and community bonds that make our school so special. The wreath will be on display in the Lane Gallery at Honolulu Hale through Dec. 31.
— Bernie Camuso
Photo courtesy Bernie Camuso