Empowering Learners

Nurturing Future Leaders

St. Theresa School Learners Step Up To Serve Their Community

KEKAHA, Kauaʻi — The 7th Grade Hawaiian Civics class from St. Theresa School recently demonstrated what true community leadership looks like when they volunteered their time and energy to help clean the floor at the Kekaha Post Office after noticeable black scuff marks had covered much of the entrance area.

The marks had become difficult to ignore for many customers walking into the post office. Wanting to make a positive difference in their community, the learners took it upon themselves to scrub and clean the floor as an act of civic responsibility and aloha.

Under the guidance of their teacher, Kumu Shantel Santiago, the students worked diligently to restore the appearance of the post office floor. Although the class was only able to remove about 60% of the scuff marks, their effort did not go unnoticed. Community members passing by stopped to acknowledge and praise the learners for their hard work, positive attitudes, and willingness to serve others.

The students’ actions deeply moved Mrs. Alvarez, a post office employee and proud St. Theresa School alumna. Touched by the learners’ dedication and service, she generously treated the class to snacks afterward at the Kekaha Menehune Food Mart as a way to thank them for their efforts.

Also joining the effort was 8th grader Adonis Ballesteros, who volunteered to help alongside the younger learners. Adonis graduates from St. Theresa School this evening, making his participation an especially meaningful example of servant leadership as he closes out his middle school journey. His willingness to step in and help reflects the caring and community-centered values encouraged at St. Theresa School.

This experience reflects the values that St. Theresa School continues to instill in its learners — compassion, responsibility, service, and leadership within the community. The 7th Grade Hawaiian Civics class showed that even small acts of kindness and initiative can inspire others and make a lasting impact.

St. Theresa School is proud of these young learners for stepping forward to care for their community and for representing the spirit of aloha through action.