KEKAHA — Kekaha School teacher Rebecca Snowden’s class had a lot to celebrate on Feb. 8, when the Kekaha School teacher was announced the recipient of the 2023 David Spalding Boynton Educational Grant from Koke‘e Discovery Center Association.
The $1,500 award was presented following Snowden’s class project plan being selected by the association.
“Native Hawaiian Plants and Me,” Snowden’s project plan, fit the purpose and vision of the late David S. Boynton that includes awareness, children and Hawaiian cultural values, the association said.
The awareness facet of the plan includes conservation, protection and preservation of the unique environment of Hawai‘i, particularly the environment of Kaua‘i.
Children teach and inspire children living in Hawai‘i to respect and nurture their environment, while gaining ecological literacy, and Hawaiian cultural values encompass “malama,” “kokua,” “laulima,” “kuleana,” “lokahi” and “pono.”
The David Spalding Boynton Educational Grant was established in memory of David S. Boynton, and is administered by the association. The purpose of the educational grant in his honor is to support educators and students with projects, programs and the vision that aligns with Boynton’s life work.
Boynton was an educator, author, photographer and advocate for the protection of the environment in Hawai‘i, and more specifically, on Kaua‘i. He served as the resource teacher for Koke‘e Discovery Center from 1995 until 2007, where he educated numerous people about the natural treasures found in the native forests of Hawai‘i.
The association was incorporated in 1995 to help the Koke‘e Discovery Center programs by seeking funding and financial support for its educational curricula to enhance the awareness and appreciation of the native Hawaiian ecosystems.
The center is managed by the state Department of Education with its continued partnership with original founders and operational supporters of the center, the Hau‘oli Mau Loa Foundation. Each year, the Koke‘e Discovery Center welcomes a variety of education-based groups, including public, private and charter schools with more than 50 groups, and more than 1,000 individuals experiencing the center.
Nearly 30 years have passed since the center was built. The Koke‘e Discovery Center Association is funding much-needed improvements and upgrades to KDC buildings, the kitchen counters and cabinets, and upgrades of the flooring and shower stalls.
The Koke‘e Discovery Center’s “A Shared Vision” can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRrnX5XwQm8.
Donations and support for the center can be made to help with maintaining the site and provide a lasting educational experience to everyone who visits. Tax-deductible donations to support the current renovation work can be sent to Koke‘e Discovery Center Association, P.O. Box 11256, Lawa‘i, HI 96765, or contact the association through email at kokeediscoverycenter@gmail.com.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
