and share their work. The Play Along puts that journey on full display and is a visible expression of what lōkahi, unity through music, looks like in practice. “The partnership with Lōkahi is a great example of what is possible to provide students with everlasting experiences, teachers with professional learning, and to elevate the importance of fine arts and music in our schools,” said Teri Ushijima, HIDOE assistant superintendent for the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design. In addition to representatives from the Hawaii State Department of Education, the Play Along was attended by Mark Fukunaga, Executive Chairman of Servco, and Mary Keenan, Executive Director of Lōkahi, as well as other key music education leaders Randy Wong, President & CEO of Hawaii Youth Symphony, Myrna Kamae, Co-Founder of The Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, Ben Dudley, Executive Director of FG4K, and Damon Danielson, Co-Founder of FG4K. Awards were presented to participating teachers, with special recognitions going to: MS. OSHIRO from Mauka Lani Elementary. MS. WEE from Mililani Mauka Elementary School, who received 5 ukuleles from FG4K in recognition of her hard work to submit multiple entries for the challenge. MR. HOBRO from Farrington High School. MS. YOUNG from Saint Patrick School, who received 5 ukuleles from FG4K in recognition of her hard work to submit multiple entries for the challenge. MR. BALIDOY from Wahiawa Elementary School, whose class won third place in the challenge and received a classroom set of ukuleles, accepted by Principal Sean Takashima. 106 Hawaii Parent July/August 2026
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==