During the 2014-15 school year, many students at Keaau High School had their lives turned upside down when the lava flow threatened the Pahoa community.
During the 2014-15 school year, many students at Keaau High School had their lives turned upside down when the lava flow threatened the Pahoa community.
After overcoming adversity, the Cougars are soaring to new heights with the restoration of a space shuttle replica, which will be unveiled to the public at 4 p.m. Jan. 28 at the high school’s Automotive and Construction Academy.
“I’m extremely proud of our students for their maturity and hard work in overcoming a stressful situation and turning it into something positive,” said Principal Dean Cevallos. “The space shuttle project, which was possible through our community partners, is something that not only our island but also our state can be proud of.
“Our students’ talents and abilities are really highlighted in this reconstruction and show how much they have matured and grown.”
Last semester, 25 automotive and construction academy students restored a one-of-a-kind space shuttle replica. This project, in conjunction with the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, Hawaii Community College and the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol, was made possible with the support of many community donors including K. Taniguchi Ltd., KTA Super Stores, Isemoto Contracting, W.H Shipman, Big Island Toyota/De Luz Chevrolet and Young Brother’s Shipping Company.
The event also marks the 30th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and will honor NASA astronaut, hero, and Big Island native Ellison Onizuka, who lost his life with the other crewmembers when the Challenger exploded after taking off.
For more information, contact Cevallos at 982-4220. To learn more about this project and its donors, visit www.khs-restoringhistory.com.