It’s hard to contain the excitement now brewing among the 13 Heartbeat dancers and their parents.

The special-needs dance troupe, which trains at 24-VII Danceforce Studio at Windward Mall, has been invited to perform at the July opening of the World Special Olympics in Los Angeles.

“We are so very proud of our kids,” said Abraleen Keliinui, parent of Heartbeat dancer (and Kailua High grad) Natasha Brice, 23. “In the meantime, we are fundraising like crazy and trying to get the word out.”

Created by former Miss Hawaii sisters Ashley and Jonelle Layfield, Heartbeat consists of individuals with intellectual disabilities, but there’s nothing lacking in their hearts and commitment to perform. Keliinui cited the experience of watching her own daughter blossom from what started as “just physical activity and socialization.”

“They’ve adjusted to the change of instructors and learned to adapt. They can wait their turn for hours (backstage). We parents think it’s easy, but it’s not.

We tried to learn one song, and I gave up!”

Supporters can see Heartbeat at 24-VII Danceforce’s spring concert “Prizm” by its NextGen students at 2:30 and 5 p.m. April 3-4 at Paliku Theatre. (Shows by 24-VII’s adult and teen dancers, “K.O. Lab,” will start at 8 p.m.) Tickets range from $12 to $25, plus fees, at brownpapertickets.com/event/1322491.

Parents have planned more benefits and dance opportunities, such as Waimanalo Homestead’s Prince Kuhio celebration Thursday, a Kaneohe Safeway benefit Saturday (tentative), and Pizza Hut nights March 24 and April 15. Heartbeat also will dance at the special Peter’s Prom April 17 at Hawaii Okinawa Center.

Windward Heartbeat dancers include Jasmine Humalon, Alton Bustamente, Gabby Flemming, Cailey Chong, Jason Smits, Erin Nakamoto, Kekoa Tato, Jordan Ilae, Marcus Jung and Brice.

Brazilian Capoeira is not quite a martial art, but it’s not quite dance, either.

Whatever it is, Capoeira Besouro Hawaii offers lessons for all ages at its new academy, located at 46-208 Kahuhipa St. in Kaneohe.

The sport’s origins are debated even today, but it is generally thought that African slaves in Brazil developed capoeira in the 16th century as a means of self-defense, particularly when outnumbered or faced with armed assailants.

It’s characterized by constant, almost dance-like motion, with acrobatics, evasive movements and decisive strikes. It is usually performed with musical accompaniment in the berimbau (a Brazilian single-string instrument) and singing.

Capoeira Besouro Hawaii is owned by Rio de Janeiro native Mestre Kinha, who has competed in and taught capoeira around the world. Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for children and adults. Drop-in fees for classes range between $15 and $18.

For details, call 247-7890 or 386-6895, or visit capoeirabesourohawaii.com.

Kailua High School’s robotics team will sponsor an Easter imu roast April 3-4 on campus, and cooking space is on sale now to the public for $25 per aluminum tray of thawed, seasoned and well-wrapped meat. Of that price, $5 goes to cover the imu expenses, and the rest goes toward the team’s travel fund for a competition in Canada.

Trays should be delivered between 3 and 4:30 p.m. April 3 at the imu site near the school parking lot, across from the Air Force JROTC building. (Write your name on the outer foil with a permanent marker.) Pickup time is 8 to 9:30 a.m. April 4. Mail-in deadline is March 27, and the imu pit is limited to 300 orders.

Weight limit is 25 pounds per tray. (If cooking pork butt, roast or ham, make three deep cuts in each piece of meat.) Mail checks, payable to Kailua High School, to 451 Ulumanu Drive, Kailua HI 96734. Write “Attention: IMU” on the lower left corner of the envelope. Enclose phone number and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the imu tag and receipt.

For more information, call Hendricks at 728-7389.

Send Windward items to cchang@midweek.com by March 25 to be considered for the April 1 edition, or call 529-4850.

• VARIETY SHOW Pohai Nani residents perform a free variety show for the public at 7 p.m. March 24 at Pohai Nani auditorium. Call 234-6639.

• PIZZA BENEFIT The 24-VII Heartbeat dance group conducts benefits March 24 and April 15 at all Oahu Pizza Huts. To obtain the required flier for your orders, call 554-1410.

• DIGITAL Alu Like’s Robert Stauffer discusses Hawaiian digital resources, featuring Ulukai and Wehewehe (electronic library and dictionary) at 3 and 6 p.m. March 24 at Kahuku Library. Call 293-8935.

• TSUNAMIS Kailua Neighborhood Board’s Disaster Preparedness subcommittee hosts a town hall meeting on tsunamis at 6:30 p.m. March 25 at Kailua District Park multipurpose room, with a speaker from Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. April 22 topic is hurricanes. Call 783-5396.

• FILM NIGHT Kaneohe Library screens Disney’s Big Hero 6 at 6 p.m. March 25. Call 233-5676.

• FOOTGOLF Bay View Golf Course has an introductory FootGolf tournament at 10 a.m. March 26 with lunch and prizes. Call Larry Dunn at 247-0451.

• CLOSURESAll public libraries and schools are closed March 26 in observance of Prince Kuhio Day.

• POTATOES Eileen Towata presents “Potato Possibilities” at 6 p.m. March 26, sharing tips on all preparations and varieties of potatoes. Fee is $10 in advance. Call 263-5400 or visit castlemed.org.

• KUHIO DAY Ka Ho‘oilina na Kuhio Community Center marks the birthday of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole from noon to 6 p.m. March 26, with food, entertainment, cultural exhibits and a Royal Hawaiian Band concert (at 11 a.m.) at 41-253 Ilauhole St. Visit waimanalo.org.

• HEIAU The Maunawila steering committee meets at 5:30 p.m. March 26 at Hau‘ula Community Center. Call 255-6944.

• CHOIR CONCERT Pali View Baptist Choir performs an Easter Concert at 7 p.m. March 27 at Windward Mall. Call 235-1143.

• PIANO RECITAL Ernest Chang’s piano students play a free public recital at 7 p.m. March 27 at Pohai Nani auditorium. Call 234-6639.

• HAIKU MUSIC The Saloon Pilots entertain from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. March 27 at Haleiwa Joe’s on Haiku Road. Call 247-6671.

• FILM NIGHT KEY Project hosts a free family movie night at 6 p.m March 27, featuring Disney’s Big Hero 6. Refreshments will be available, and families are welcome to bring mats, sleeping bags and small chairs. Call 380-7376.

• STARGAZING Hokulani Imaginarium presents “Dream to Fly” at 7 p.m. and “Sounds of the Underground” at 8:15 p.m. March 27 at Windward CC. Admission is $7, $6 and $5. Call 235-7433.

• ALICE Diamond in the Rough Productions stages the musical Alice in Wonderland at 7:30 p.m. March 27, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 28 and 2 p.m. March 29 at Paliku Theatre at WCC. Tickets cost $19 and $10 at showtix4u.com or by calling 1-866-967-8167.

• FOOTLOOSE Castle Performing Arts Center presents Footloose at 7:30 p.m. March 27-28, and 3 p.m. March 29 in Ron Bright Theatre. For tickets, visit showtix4u.com or call 233-5626.

• HAKIPU‘U HELP Hui o Ko‘olaupoko volunteers help restore (and learn about) Hakipu‘u Stream from 9 a.m. to noon March 28. Call 277-5611 or visit huihawaii.org.

• BREAKFAST Wind-ward Unity Church plans a get-acquainted breakfast at 8:30 a.m. March 28 at Cinnamon’s in Kailua. Call 262-6731.

• MODEL SEARCH Sunburst Beauty Pageant’s Model Search runs from 10 a.m. to noon March 28 at Windward Mall center court. Potential models are invited to pre-register at sunburstbeauty.com or at the beginning of the event.

• DOG HIKE Hawaiian Humane Society’s Paws on the Path hiking club plans a pet-friendly hike on Maunawili Demonstration Trail March 28. Call 356-2222.

• MOVIE TOOLS John Mark Stroud, Robyn Busfield and Loha Kane host a screening and discussion of Lucy at 1 p.m. March 28 at Windward Unity Church in a “Wake Up at the Movies” program at 46-005 Kawa St. #303. Call 262-6731.

• SPRING GARDENS Kevin Mulkern of Mulkern Nursery discusses tips on spring cleaning your garden at 10 a.m. March 28 in a free workshop at 41-639 Kaulukano St. in Waimanalo. Call 396-6595.

• STORY FEST Valley of the Temples Memorial Park hosts a storytelling festival from 1 to 4 p.m. March 28-29, featuring storytellers Alton Chung, Jeff Gere and Kathy Collins, plus music, hula, refreshments and free workshops. The event also marks the park’s newly opened Ocean View Terrace cemetery. Visit storiesofohana.com.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives at BYU-Hawaii from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. April 1 and 2, and 10:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. April 3; and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 7 at HPU’s Hawaii Loa campus. Call 848-4770.

• NEIGHBORS Kailua Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. April 2 at Kailua District Park. Call 768-3710. • KICKBALL The team fee is $300 until March 28 (and $500 after) for PARENTS Inc.’s annual “Kick Child Abuse & Neglect Out of Hawaii” kickball tournament, set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 11 at Kaneohe District Park. Corporate team, groups, families and individual volunteers can sign up now. Email tara@hawaiiparents.org or call 223-5940.

• SOCCER SIGNUPS AYSO’s Kaneohe region 13 accepts registration for the fall season (ages 4 to 18) from 3 to 6 p.m. March 28, 5-8 p.m. April 14 and 2-6 p.m. April 19 at Windward Mall’s center court. Call 235-2976.

• KAILUA HOOPS Kailua Community Basketball League signs up players for its spring skills clinic and team play from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 28, and April 4 and 11 at Enchanted Lake Playground. Youths born between 1998 and 2008 are eligible (2007 is OK, if you’re a high school senior as of September 2015). Bring medical insurance card and birth certificate. Call 216-8103.

• HANAUMA TALK Hanauma Bay Education Program presents a free lecture at 3 p.m. March 29 in the park theater on “Tuna, to Move or Not to Move, That is the Question” with fishery consultant David Itano. Parking costs $1. Call 397-5840.

• BENEFIT GOLF Mid Pacific Country Club presents “Golf for a Cure” tournament and dinner March 29, with shotgun start at 1 p.m. Proceeds go to University of Hawaii Cancer Center. For details, call 262-8161, ext. 222.

• SACRED SONGS Mindful Matters Wellness and Yoga Center hosts a sacred “HU” singing program at 3 p.m. March 29 at 407 Uluniu St. #412. Call 735-7719.

• CHAMBER TRIO Pohai Nani hosts a free public show at 2 p.m. March 29 by the Chamber Music Trio of Thomas Yee (piano), Norman Foster (clarinet) and Carlo Malanima (viola) in the auditorium. Call 234-6639.

• CHARTER SCHOOL Malama Honua Public Charter School leads an informational session at 5 p.m. March 30 at 41-054 Ehukai St. in Waimanalo. It’s accepting applications for grades K-3. Call 259-5522.

• IRISH HARP Patrick Ball plays the Irish harp and shares Celtic stories at 6:30 p.m. March 31 at Kahuku Library. Call 293-8935.

• POP WARNER Kailua Mustangs Pop Warner Association has signups for football and cheerleading from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 1 and 5-8 p.m. April 29 at Kailua District Park for ages 5-14. Bring proof of birth date and health insurance. Email kailuamustangassociation2015@gmail.com.

• EASTER FUN The city parks department sponsors its Easter Egg-stravaganza from 4 to 7 p.m. April 2 at Windward Mall center court with egg-dyeing, games and more. Call 235-1143.

• HPU PLAY Hawaii Pacific University presents You Can’t Take It With You April 3-26, Thursdays-Sundays at Paul and Vi Loo Theatre on its Hawaii Loa campus. For reservations, call 375-1282 or visit hpu.edu/theatre.

• BENEFIT RUN Deadline is April 4 to sign up for Kalaheo High’s Project Grad “Run with Horse Power” 5K Fun Run & Walk, set for 7 a.m. April 11 at Kailua Beach Park, near the boat ramp. Fee is $25, and all proceeds benefit the 2015 alcoholand drug-free graduation party. Email kalaheoprojectgrad2015@g mail.com or go to runsignup.com/race/hi/kailua/kalaheohighschoolprojectgrad.

With the OIA baseball season near its midway point, every game is critical for the playoff hopes of Castle, Kalaheo and Kailua high teams.

A look at Wednesday’s matchups, both at 3 p.m., is below.

Castle at Kailua

Kailua entered last weekend as the East’s last unbeaten team, having rolled to four straight wins, including a 13-9 win over a good Kalani team last Tuesday. Kailua also was to play Moanalua (3-1 at press time) Saturday before turning its attention to the Castle contest. A huge home date with Kaiser also looms March 28 for the Surfriders, who get to play five of their last seven games at home.

The team looks to keep its upward mobility going, offensively, as it has established itself as one of the most productive teams in the state. Kailua is averaging 13.7 runs per outing through four games, and two of the wins (over Kaimuki and Kalani) came in games shortened because of the 10-run rule.

Matt Hanano, Dustin Imanaka, Dalton Kalama and Kila Thomas have been among Kailua’s offensive leaders to date.

The Knights were only a few plays away from a much better fate through their first three games, which left them at 1-2.

They lost heartbreakers to Kalani 3-2 and Moanalua 5-3, but broke through with a huge 2-1 triumph over Roosevelt for their first win.

Senior pitcher Stephen Lee has been stellar for the Knights to date, with a pair of complete games already under his belt only three games in.

Like Kailua, this is also a big week for the Knights, who will visit Kalani Saturday, Moanalua April 1 and Roosevelt April 6. Kailua won both games against Castle last season, defeating the Knights by scores of 6-3 and 10-0. The rivals will meet again April 18 in the season finale for both teams.

McKinley v. Kalaheo, at Kailua District Park

Kalaheo entered last weekend’s road game with Farrington having been idle for a week, following a game forfeited to the Mustangs by Kahuku last Wednesday. The Mustangs’ only league game to date, therefore, was their opener with Aiea — a 9-1 loss.

Kalaheo and head coach Jerry Bush are relying on a veteran roster this season that includes eight three-year varsity players. Senior All-Conference center fielder Jack Bell, who is in his fourth season as a starter, is among the team leaders. The team also features Kaleb Gilmore, Kekai and Jalen Smith from Kalaheo’s state championship basketball team, and soccer standouts Tennison Cantrell and Thomas Capllonch.

Bush went with three pitchers in the season opener, including Gilmore and Capllonch as well as starter Kaliu Lapera.

The McKinley game marks the first for Kalaheo in a stretch that will see the Mustangs play four of their next five at home (Kailua District Park): Waialua April 1, Nanakuli April 4 and Farrington April 18.

McKinley has struggled out of the gate, meanwhile, having been overwhelmed 21-2 by Farrington and 40-0 by Aiea in its first two games. The schedule continued to be demanding for the Tigers, who were to play Waialua over the weekend before getting ready for the Mustangs.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Chaminade-bound Mustang Kaleb Gilmore with his father George. Photo from George Gilmore.

Kaleb Gilmore saved his best effort for his biggest game, scoring a season-high 30 points to help drive Kalaheo across the finish line in its 53-46 win over Iolani in the Division I state championship game last month.

Gilmore was no less a force in the OIA, averaging 19.1 points per game. He also tallied 30 three-pointers for the season. Gilmore’s efforts were rewarded in a big way last week when he was named the league’s East Player of the Year.

Kalaheo finished 31-3 overall this winter, including preseason. It was upset by Farrington in the OIA tournament, eventually finishing third, but rebounded big to beat Maui 77-65, Punahou 64-48, Kahuku 36-35 and Iolani in the title game to earn its third state tournament in four years, and fifth overall in DI.

Gilmore signed with Chaminade in November, becoming the first member of Silversword coach Eric Bovaird’s recruiting class for 2015-16. He previously was a standout at Maryknoll, where he averaged 18.2 points per game in the ILH in the 2013-14 season, helping guide the Spartans to a third-place finish in the DI boys state basketball championships last spring.

Joining Gilmore on the East’s First Team was senior Kupaa Harrison, who averaged 14.3 points per game for the Mustangs. He is a two-time First Team pick. Kalaheo also saw Kekai Smith, Jalen Kuhia Smith, Alec Macleod, Zach Marrotte and Captain Whitlock earn Honorable Mentions.

Kalaheo’s Alika Smith was named Co-Coach of the Year, along with Branden Kawazoe of Kaiser.

• Kahuku, which finished 18-6 overall, had sophomore Samuta Avea and senior Denhym Brooke make the East’s Second Team. Brooke averaged 13.6 ppg, ranking 10th in the OIA. Avea scored at a 10.8 clip to rank 19th.

The Red Raiders won 11 straight games, dating to the front end of their season to the OIA Red title game, where they were defeated by Farrington. Hyrum Harris and Keanu Akina also earned Honorable Mentions.

• Kailua finished 6-5 this winter and had four players earn Honorable Mentions: Christian Mejia, Nainoa Mercado, Kawehe Kohatsu and Noah Ah Yat.

• Earning Honorable Mentions from Castle were David Benevedes, Kevin James Ng, Jeremy McGoldrick and Justin Pang. The Knights finished 3-8 in the OIA.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Job hunters and aspiring college students alike should find opportunities at the College & Career Fair, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 14 at Windward Community College.

“It’s a great place to network with employers and schools,” stated WCC career counselor Sarah Hodell. “Even if you’re currently working, you might find a job that is more closely related to your career area.

“Employers are hiring more than ever,” she noted, “and they are eager to meet our students.”

The free outdoor fair has a “Get Connected” theme and will be located at Paliku Theatre Plaza and Hale Palanakila Courtyard. More than 40 employers and college representatives will attend and speak to interested applicants from WCC and the general public.

Employers committed to the fair are YMCA of Honolulu, Kualoa Ranch, Honolulu Police Department, Marimed Foundation, Marine Corp Community Services, Winners at Work, 24 Hour Fitness, Hawaii Army National Guard, Kama‘aina Kids, Uber Hawaii, Attention Plus Care, Health Resources Inc., Source IT, Sunrun Inc. and many more.

Chaminade University, Hawaii Pacific University, Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Universal Technical Institute and various programs within the University of Hawaii system also will be represented.

For more information, call Hodell at 235-7485.

As part of the 2015 Kaha Ki‘i Congressional Art Competition, Le Jardin student Shion Goldstein took second place for “Animal Kaleidoscope,” and it will hang in U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard‘s Washington, D.C., office. The top four winners were announced March 28 by the congresswoman …

Chelsey Wall

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Closer to home, Kaneohe-based Hula Preservation Society has a role at this week’s Merrie Monarch Festival, sharing with attendees who visit ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center the stories of late kumu hulas ‘Iolani Luahine and Nona Beamer. Special guests of HPS will be Windward’s own Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Calvin Hoe …

Kaneohe couple Carol D’Angelo and Dexter Doi have some cool eco-friendly, locally made tote bags out, just in time for Earth Day. It will help you get past the plastic bag ban in July. See for yourself at ecolicioushawaii.com … Kaneohe’s Maureen Severson, an independent agent in Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties’ Windward office, has earned the Previews Property Specialist designation (for the luxury real estate market). Maureen also does the Ironman and is on the board of Hawaii Youth Sailing …

PCNC Barbara Huonker is appealing to fans of Enchanted Lake Elementary to donate to its (tax-deductible) fund drive for 20 Chromebooks. “We need to get these laptops into the students’ hands,” she declares. Call her at 263-1411, ext. 233 … Enchanted Lake’s Chelsey Wall has joined Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties’ Windward office as an independent agent, bringing seven years of industry experience in Windward, plus an HPU public relations degree … James Cogswell changed up the monthly workday April 4 at Kawainui restoration ponds by leading volunteers in a watercolor painting session to celebrate Earth Day and capture the beauty of the marsh. Who knows what he’ll do next time (266-0911) …

Russell Jones of Kailua’s Russell Hearing Aids teamed up with EarQ and the NFL Players Association on Maui last month to help screen players’ hearing and find solutions to improve their lives & & & cchang@midweek.com

Acquiring a permanent clubhouse at 48 Maluniu Ave. might just be the best thing that ever happened to Kailua Elks Lodge No. 2230.

“We’ve been able to expand our membership quite greatly in the last year. We’ve picked up almost 150 members,” said Elks National Foundation

Kailua Lodge chairman Robert Kenyon. Total club membership, he said, is just above 500 right now. “We’re starting to expand our program a little bit compared to what we’ve done in the past, based on our membership numbers.”

Part of the bigger scope the Elks are taking on is the inaugural Lanikai Scramble golf tournament, to be held at 11 a.m. May 4 at Mid Pacific Country Club. The dual format features a two-man team scramble and four-hole horse race.

Proceeds support Kailua Elks projects, including scholarships, school and community service, and its Major Project program, which helps fund home therapists for disabled children. The Elks also have a hand in the Wounded Warrior Project Hawaii at Kaneohe Marine base, the post-traumatic stress disorder ward at Tripler Army Medical Center and Homeless Veterans Home in Kalihi.

“We’ve had some smaller tournaments in the previous years, but nothing of this magnitude, so we decided to go to Mid Pac for this one,” Kenyon said. “We plan to turn it into a yearly event.”

Entry fee is $150, which includes dinner at the post-tourney awards ceremony. Deadline is April 15. Interested golfers may pick up applications at the lodge or email kailuaelks2230@gmail.com.

Kailua artist Beth Anderson created the official ‘honu’ logo for the 2015 Kailua Town Party buttons and attire. Image from Amy Hammond.

There will be no shortage of things to do at the I Love Kailua Town Party, back for the 23rd time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 26 on Kailua Road.

Planned are A Taste of Kailua, featuring dozens of Kailua restaurants; an arts and craft fair with more than 50 artisans, a Kama‘aina Kids fun zone, mini health fair with free health screenings, plant sales and informational booths from community groups.

Entertaining the crowd will be Puamana, Halau Mohala Ilima, Marine Forces Pacific Band, Hooligan’s Harp, Pattye’s Hula Studio and Sounds of Aloha Chorus.

Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle funds the event through sales of commemorative buttons and T-shirts, this year with a honu print designed by Kailua artist Beth Anderson. Buttons cost $4 and can be purchased from First Hawaiian Bank, Hardware Hawaii and other Kailua merchants. Proceeds support the nonprofit group’s many projects to keep Kailua “clean, green and beautiful,” along with its horticulture classes at the women’s prison.

The block party will close Kailua Road from Hahani Street to Ku‘ulei Road in the area fronting Kailua

Shopping Center, Longs and Macy’s from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With limited parking at the town center garage, attendees are encouraged to walk or bike to the party — which may also increase one’s appetite for the food booths.

For more information, call Amy Hammond at 234-0404 or visit lanikailuaoutdoorcircle.org.

Six Kaneohe schools have earned a million-dollar infusion of federal money to continue after-school enrichment programs through 2019. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant supports programs for low-income students based on each school’s share of Title I funds.

Castle Complex won $1 million, or $200,000 per year, to “design and implement effective out-of-school programs that improve student achievement and social development” at Kahaluu, Kapunahala, Ben Parker and He‘eia elementary schools, and King Intermediate and Castle High schools. This was the only grant awarded in the Windward District, and the third for the complex over the past 13 years.

The grant-writing team included Castle Redesign director Susan Young, Cecily Chun, Helene Tom, and six principals and partners.

Helping launch a spring semester project on arts and resiliency Jan. 15 in Ron Bright Theatre were (front, from left) Castle High teachers Karen Meyer and Natalie Uehara, (back) Castle alumna and psychology professor Kelly Chang, CHS teachers Casilda Rippard and Christine Wilson, spoken-word artists Ittai Wong and Jenna Robinson of Pacific Tongues, and CHS teacher Makee Tano. More than 150 students in the Small Learning Community (arts) absorbed the entertaining lesson on overcoming hurdles to success in life. Photo by Jorene Barut.

Surprising things happen when a large school tries to shrink itself to the level where students can be nurtured by adults who know them well.

Castle High School extends its Small Learning Communities to all of its 1,200-plus students, organizing them by grades and/or academic and career interests, and learning styles.

Real-world relevance and high academic standards are the goals.

Along the way this school year, students in one integrated Arts SLC project transformed an abandoned campus storage garage into a safe, creative place and permanent art gallery.

Together they showcased their initial projects for the faculty on a “sharing day” featuring work fashioned on a “Tolerance” theme. The teens’ creations were spread throughout the gallery space and cafeteria.

To kick off a three-month arts project this semester, the arts teachers and students filled Ron Bright Theatre to tackle an equally important topic: “Resilience.” Speakers, videos and performers all shared the stage to send a message of “digging deeper” to seek supportive people, healthy places and a positive perspective.

During that January launch, marine science teacher Roy Huff read a poem that spoke of overcoming hardship. Castle alumna Kelly Chang shared her research on resilience among the poor in Nicaragua, as well as her journey from CHS student to professor of psychology at George Fox University in Oregon. CPAC alumnus Gino Luciano recounted his struggle from high school drop-out to finding his voice and graduating from college with honors. Keeping it lively were spoken-word talents from Pacific Tongues.

Castle’s small-group approach also offers “academies” that nurture performing arts, medicine, agriculture, business and culinary interests.

Partners from the community always are welcome.

Paliku Arts Festival chairman Ben Moffat posts the sign for the annual celebration of hands-on creativity April 11 at Windward Community College. Photo by Bodie Collins, bcollins@midweek.com.

There’s so much to do at Paliku Arts Festival, it’s a wonder it all fits into six hours — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday — when Windward CC stages its fifth annual art extravaganza.

Highlights include free, 40-minute performances of The Magical Pu Stealer at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Paliku Theatre (encores of February’s debut run); Casey Kitano on ukulele at 12:30 p.m. on stage, and two full-dome shows at Hokulani Imaginarium — Secrets of the Dragon and Music of the Spheres. (Admission to Secrets is $3.) Gallery ‘Iolani also has a new exhibit by 28 Alaskan artists, Communities, Disaster and Change.

The 19th Avenue Barbershop Quartet, Royal Hawaiian Band, Saxophones on the Rock, Castle High School jazz band, Best 4 Last and other Windward talents will perform throughout the day.

But the real focus of the festival is hands-on art in the form of demonstrations and workshops in acting, poetry, ceramics, piano, camera obscura, drawing, woodcarving, sculpture, hula, stage combat, printmaking, screen-writing, fiction and more.

Erin’s Shave Ice, India Café, Kaneohe’s Brick Oven Pizza and The Hub Coffee Shop will satisfy hunger and thirst. There’s also a used book sale, a quiet area for moms and infants, free parking — and everything is accessible.

For more information, visit palikuarts.com, call 724-1808 or email beb517@hotmail.com.

With the goal of 1 million meals, Hawaii Foodbank has launched its 26th annual food drive, which culminates at collection points from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 all over Oahu, including Windward City Shopping Center.

Volunteers will accept nonperishable food, as well as monetary donations.

Individuals also can enter the One Million Meals Challenge by downloading the Food Drive packet from hawaiifoodbank.org. Most needed items are canned meals, meats, fruits and vegetables, and rice.

For more information, call 836-3600.

Trinity Christian School’s grade 9-12 speech and debate team at a January tournament on Hawaii island. Photo by Lisa Durham.

Smaller class sizes allow for more intimate, cooperative environments, where students benefit from increased interaction with both their teachers and peers.

Trinity Christian School has decided to make these kinds of classrooms a priority by expanding its seventh grade into two smaller sections, beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.

Of the 355 students currently enrolled at TCS, 81 are in grades 7-12. Each of their classes holds no more than 18 students. The expansion will establish two grade 7 classes of 15 students — a change that will be implemented in the upper grades each successive year as the first cohort advances.

Children in preschool through grade 6 already have the two-section system, and staff said demand was high for the upper grades to switch over in order to accommodate all the younger ones moving up.

Founded in 1981 as a Christian preschool with 26 students, Trinity Christian expanded to become an elementary school in 1986, and added the secondary level in 2008. It now has a total of 355 students with 61 faculty and staff, and is one of only two Windward schools accredited by Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and

Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (Le Jardin Academy is the other.)

The school’s preschool-to-grade 3 campus is at 875 Auloa Road, while grades 4-12 are at 1110 Kailua Road, on the grounds of Kailua United Methodist Church.

For more information, call Ginger Moratin at 262-8501, ext. 102, or visit tcskailua.net.

KEY Project will serve its sixth annual Mothers & Others Benefit Brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9 — the day before Mother’s Day — offering a gourmet menu from its own commercial kitchen and local entertainment in a country-style program that all mothers (and other mom role models) can enjoy without venturing far from home.

Presented by KEY’s Kipuka Cafe with kitchen manager and chef Ken Weir, brunch in the pavilion will have hot and cold food stations highlighted by Eggs Benedict with imu-roasted kalua pig, prime rib, sushi, shrimp tempura, omelets, salads, hot and cold drinks, potato with taro, ulu and uala; homemade corned beef hash, herb scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, mini muffins, croissants and more.

Entertaining the crowd will be Hoku award-winner Kawika Kahiapo. Also planned are raffle drawings and door prizes.

Tickets cost $50 and must be reserved soon, because of limited space. Each table seats 10 people. For reservations and more details, call 239-5777 or visit keyproject.org.

Proceeds from the gala event will support KEY’s mission to uplift and build a self-reliant community of all ages from Kualoa to He‘eia. The multi-purpose community center is located at 47-200 Waihee Road, just mauka of Kahaluu Regional Park.

For Kalaheo’s Kupa‘a Harrison, there was no direct line to his being named 2014-15 Gatorade Hawaii Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Harrison’s personal time-line will show that 2014 was a year when his health took center stage in the form of three ankle injuries that sidelined him for long periods. “I’d never had a history of injuries, so it was a challenging year,” he admitted. “All the times I had been injured before, I could play through it. I had to take some time away from the court, which was the frustrating part.”

Nothing could derail his upward mobility, however. Indeed, Harrison’s individual honor from Gatorade caps off a stellar year that culminated in Kalaheo winning its third state title in four years in late February.

“I’m pretty happy about it, and I feel like I earned it,” he said of the honor. “It (rehab) was all worth it — especially winning (the state) championship,” he said. “I was about 90 percent this season, but I’d say I’m about 100 percent now. It’s been a long time coming.”

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court, distinguishes Harrison as Hawaii’s best high school boys basketball player. The honor also qualified him as a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. (Ben Simmons of Montverde Academy of Montverde, Fla., won the title.)

Harrison is the second player from Kalaheo in three years to be named Hawaii’s Gatorade Player of the Year, joining Josh Ko, who won in 2013 after leading the Mustangs to the Division I state title. The pair are part of an elite alumni group of boys basketball award winners that includes Dwight Howard (2003-04, SW Atlanta Christian Academy, Ga.), Chauncey Billups (1993-94 and 1994-95, George Washington HS, Colo.), Jason Kidd (1991-92, St. Joseph Notre Dame HS, Calif.), Paul Pierce (1994-95, Inglewood HS, Calif.) and Chris Bosh (2001-02, Lincoln HS, Texas).

The 6-foot-5, 175-pound senior wing led the Mustangs to a 31-3 record and the DI state championship this past season. Harrison averaged 13.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, five assists, 2.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. In four DI state tournament games, he collected 12.8 points, nine rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.3 assists per outing en route to earning a place on the All-Tournament team.

Harrison was equally diligent in the classroom. He currently has a 3.75 GPA and is one of Hawaii’s top academic candidates in meeting the Gatorade Award’s broad criteria. In addition to volunteering to preserve historic Kailua landmarks, he also has donated his time on behalf of his church.

Harrison is unsure where he will attend college in the fall, but he’s weighing his options. He’s already been offered academic scholarships from Lewis and Clark State, Saint Mary’s and Eastern Washington. Portland and Hawaii Pacific University are among those recruiting him the hardest for his basketball skills.

“Academics are just as important as athletics in looking toward the future,” he said. “Academics can open up a lot of doors for you, if you are strong in the classroom.”

Based in Chicago, the Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field. It awards one National Player of the Year in each sport.

The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, which work with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Kahuku is likely to win the OIA water polo tournament, having claimed the title in 11 of the last 12 years.

While 2015 looks every bit as good at mid-season, senior Lilli Lindgard said there still were plenty of questions when preseason camp opened.

“I was a little skeptical at first because we had so many freshmen coming in and so many seniors who had gone, I wondered how the talent gap would be,” said Lindgard, who was named to the OIA’s Second Team last season after tal-lying 15 goals. “Right now, everyone’s doing so well. I’m super stoked at how well we’re all working together.”

The Red Raiders went 15-1 overall to take a fifth straight OIA title and place third in the state championships last year. They’re off to a 6-0 start in 2015.

With the team prepared to start the season’s second round this week, she recently took time away from practice and her studies to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Virginia). She always was there to help and encourage me. I think that’s why she influenced me so much. She always encouraged me to never give up on anything I’m involved with.

What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? My offense — driving and taking a girl into the Hole Set, mostly. I always was more of a defensive player. This year, I’ve been stepping up and doing more work on the offensive side than usual.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’ll be out of college, (and) back in Hawaii, although I wouldn’t mind being somewhere new, if I liked the area. Hopefully, I’ll be in a nice neighborhood, with a family.

Who on the roster is poised to have a great second half of the season? Probably Nahea and Kahea Kahaulelio. They’re just like fireballs and willing to put in the time and effort. They’re real go-getters, and they’re in love with the sport, so they’re always having fun when playing.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? YouTube. I like to watch music videos.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom. Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Beyonce, Taylor Swift and ASAP Ferg.

If you were planning a trip, what would be your next destination? Tahiti.

You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? An acai bowl.

Send Windward items to cchang@midweek.com by April 8 for the April 15 edition, or call 529-4850.

• HARMONY Samoan Gospel Heralds sing April 7, and Sounds of Aloha Barbershop Quartet and Chorus perform April 14 in free public concerts at 7 p.m. at Pohai Nani auditorium. Call 234-6639.

• FINANCE Kahuku Library kicks off Financial Literacy Month with “Find Your Rainbow” at 6:30 p.m. April 7, using cupcake decorating and a piggybank craft to get kids thinking about saving. Register at 293-8935.

• HAU‘ULA Hau‘ula Community Association meets at 6:30 p.m. April 7 at Hau‘ula Civic Center. Call Dotty at 255-6944.

• NEWBORNS Castle Medical Center has a class in General Newborn Care at 6 p.m. April 7. Fee is $30 per couple. Call 263-5400.

• SOCCER SIGNUPS Kailua-Waimanalo AYSO has signups from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 7 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11 at Kailua High cafeteria; 2-4 p.m. April 18 at Kailua District Park and 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 23 at Kailua High cafeteria. Fee is $65. Pre-register at eayso.org and visit kailuaayso.org.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank donor drives are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. April 7 at HPU’s Hawaii Loa campus, 8 a.m.-2:30p.m. April 11 at Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, and 7-11:30 a.m. April 12 at Kailua Town Center parking garage. Call 848-4770.

• HTY PLAY Honolulu Theatre for Youth performs Happy at 3 p.m. April 8 at Kaneohe Library. Call 233-5676.

• NETWORKING Kina-‘Ole chapter of Business Networking International hosts Visitors Day at 8:30 a.m. April 8 at Bayview Golf Course restaurant for two hours of networking and breakfast among local business people. Bring business cards and $15 for breakfast. Call 542-3811.

• STARGAZING Hokulani Imaginarium presents “Stargazing” at 7 p.m. April 8 at WCC. Admission is $7-$5. Call 235-7433.

• NEIGHBORS Kahaluu Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. April 8 at KEY Project, Ko‘olauloa at 6 p.m. April 9 at Kahuku Community Center, and Waimanalo at 7:30 p.m. April 13 in the National Guard auditorium at Bellows. Call 768-3710.

• GRANT WRITERS Jerry Wong of U.S. Census Bureau leads a free grant-writing workshop from 2 to 5 p.m. April 9 at Kahuku Library. Bring your own laptops; space is limited. Register at 293-8935.

• BASE CONCERT Kalaheo High Band and Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band play a joint spring concert at 6:30 p.m. April 9 at Kaneohe MCBH Chapel. Email ruppjanet_hawaii@yahoo.co m.

• HPU PLAY Hawaii Pacific University presents You Can’t Take It With You April 9-April 26, Thursdays-Sundays at Paul and Vi Loo Theatre. Call 375-1282 or visit hpu.edu/theatre.

• HAIKU MUSIC The Kapena Trio entertains from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. April 10 at Haleiwa Joe’s on Haiku Road. Call 247-6671.

• CHURCH LUAU Ko‘olau Baptist Church celebrates its 50th year with a luau at 5 p.m. April 10 at 45-633 Keneke St. Free tickets are available at the church office. Other programs and services also are planned April 5-12. Call 233-2900.

• ART AND TEA Mokichi Okada Association of Hawaii presents a children’s artwork display April 10-12 at Windward Mall center court, plus an awards ceremony and lessons in ikebana, wellness and a tea ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11. Call 235-1143

• HEIAU CLEANUP Volunteers clean up Maunawila heiau from 8 to 11 a.m. April 11. Wear gloves, sunscreen and covered shoes, and bring hand tools. Call Dotty at 255-6944 or email dotty.kelly@verizon.net.

• KAILUA HOOPS Kailua Community Basketball League signs up players for its clinic and team play 1:30-3:30 p.m. April 11 at Enchanted Lake Playground. Bring medical insurance card and birth certificate. Call 216-8103.

• KAILUA MUSIC Soul Patrol Acoustic plays rock, blues and soul from 5 to 7 p.m. April 11 at Morning Brew Cafe & Bistro on Kailua Road; no cover. Call 262-7770.

• BENEFIT RUN Kalaheo High’s Project Grad “Run with Horse Power” 5K Fun Run & Walk starts at 7 a.m. April 11 at Kailua Beach Park. Fee is $25. Visit runsignup.com/race/hi/kailua /kalaheohighschoolproject-grad.

• KICKBALL PARENTS Inc.’s annual “Kick Child Abuse & Neglect Out of Hawaii” kickball tournament is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 11 at Kaneohe District Park. Teams and individuals can sign up until April 7. Also planned: entertainment and a keiki zone. Call 223-5940 or email tara@hawaiiparents.org.

• CANOE BENEFIT Puakea Foundation hosts its annual Casino Night from 4 to 9 p.m. April 11 at He‘eia State Park, with proceeds going toward a permanent canoe halau at the park. Tickets cost $50 and include food, entertainment, a silent auction and casino games. Visit puakea.org or email waamau@puakea.org. To donate money or items, call Alicia at 628-0305.

• SPEECH FEST Castle High School’s annual elementary school speech festival is from 8 a.m. to noon April 11, with Castle Complex students doing poetry, storytelling and choral speaking. Call 233-5600, ext. 2247.

• WORKOUT Join U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and three Congressional colleagues for a “fun and challenging workout” at 9 a.m. April 11 at Boys & Girls Club Windward Clubhouse at Kailua Intermediate School. Call 263-0555.

• CANOE HALE Hui Malama O Ke Kai invites the public to a ground blessing and workday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11 at 41-477 Hihimanu St., with lunch and a chance to help build a traditional Hawaiian hale wa‘a (canoe house). RSVP to 259-2030.

• DRESSAGE Aloha State Dressage Society sponsors two free public shows of Olympic dressage at 9 a.m. April 11-12 at Hilltop Equestrian Center, 41-430 Waikupanaha St. Visit alohasstatedressagesociety.com.

• WEIGHT LOSS The bariatric team leads weight-loss surgery seminars at 7 p.m. April 11, May 9 and June 10 in Castle Medical Center’s wellness auditorium. Register at 263-5400.

• HANAUMA TALK Hanauma Bay Education Program has a free lecture at 3 p.m. April 12 in the park theater on “Voice of the Sea” with UH Sea Grant Program’s Kanesa Seraphin. Call 397-5840.

• LIBRARY WEEK School librarians mark National Library Week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at Windward Mall with crafts, read-alouds, games and more. Call 235-1143.

• HULA IN KAILUA “Hula in Kailua” starts at 3 p.m. April 12 with kumu Adah Enos and Kawehionapua Hula Studio in Kailua Town Center parking garage. Call 263-7073.

• WATERCOLOR Hawaii Watercolor Society hosts a reception and awards at 5 p.m. April 12 at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden for its exhibit (open April 5-25 in the park gallery). Call 233-8520.

• HOLMES GRANTS Deadline is April 13 to apply for Windward United Church of Christ’s Holmes Scholarships for goal-oriented high school seniors. Visit windwarducc.org.

• SAFE STREETS Hau‘ula Neighborhood Security Walk has sign-waving from 5:30 to 6 p.m. April 13 by Hau‘ula Kai Shopping Center. All signs and wavers invited. Call Moana at 781-2048 or email kaluaum@yahoo.com.

• COOKING KEY Project begins courses in introductory kitchen and baking skills for adults April 13 in its commercial kitchen. Call Kaipo at 380-7376.

• BOOK STUDY Wind-ward Unity Church has two separate studies of Pam Grout’s book, E-Squared: 10:30 a.m. April 13, and 6:30 p.m. April 14 at the church, 46-005 Kawa St. #303. Call 262-6731.

• FILM NIGHT Kahuku Library screens Book of Life at 5:30 p.m. April 14. Call 293-8935.

• ICE CREAM Ben & Jerry’s has “Free Cone Day” from noon to 8 p.m. April 14 at its Windward Mall store. Call 235-1143.

• INFANTS Castle Medical Center has an Infant Safety class at 6 p.m. April 14. Fee is $15. Call 263-5400 or visit castlemed.org.

• SOCCER SIGNUPS AYSO’s Kaneohe region 13 signs up players ages 4-18 from 5 to 8 p.m. April 14 and 2-6 p.m. April 19 at Windward Mall (235-2976).