LIHUE — Two Kauai teachers — Bonnie Bojorquez of Koloa Elementary School and Meghan Ornellas Goodale of Kapaa Middle School — were recently selected by the Kokee Discovery Center to receive 2025 David S. Boynton Educational Grants.
The teachers were selected because their projects fit the purpose and vision of David S. Boynton that include:
• Awareness: conservation, protection and preservation of the unique environment of Hawaii and preference given to projects or programs involving the environment of Kauai;
• Children: teach and inspire children living in Hawaii to respect and nurture their environment and gain ecological literacy;
• Hawaiian cultural values such as malama, kokua, lokahi and pono.
Bojorquez’s project supports a dynamic, project-based summer program, Kauai Keiki Conservation, designed to enrich student learning beyond the classroom focusing on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Ornellas Goodale’s students will become responsible stewards of the land by learning about kuleana, how ancient Hawaiians managed their natural resources through the ahupuaa system.
The David Spalding Boynton Educational Grant was established in memory of Boynton and is administered by the Kokee Discovery Center Association. Boynton was an educator, author, photographer and advocate for the protection of the environment in Hawaii, and more specifically, on Kauai. He served as the resource teacher for the Kokee Discovery Center from 1995 until 2007.
In his position, he educated many about the natural treasure found in the native forests of the Hawaiian Islands. The educational grant aims to support educators and students with projects, programs and the vision that align with those of his life’s work.
The Kokee Discovery Center Association (KDCA) was incorporated in 1995 to help the Kokee Discovery Center (KDC) programs by seeking funding and financial support for its educational curricula to enhance the awareness and appreciation of native Hawaiian ecosystems.
The KDC is managed by the Kauai Department of Education with its continued partnership with its original founders and operational supporters, the Hauoli Mau Loa Foundation.
Each year, the KDC welcomes a variety of education-based groups including public, private and charter schools. Annually, more than 50 groups and well over 1,000 individuals experience the center.
It has been 30 years since the KDC was built. The KDCA continues to fund much-needed improvements and upgrades of the building, including the kitchen countertops and cabinets, fire place and upgrades of the flooring and bathrooms.
Donations and support for the center can be made to assist with maintaining the site and provide a lasting educational experience to all who visit. To make a tax-deductible donation to support current renovations, send donations to the Kokee Discovery Center Association, P.O. Box 1166, Lawai, HI 96765, or email kokeediscoverycenter@gmail.com.
To view the Kokee Discovery Center’s “A Shared Vision,” visit: https://tgilinks.com/4kHQT3E
