Aloha High School embraces Hawaiian warrior

Students are donating their time to make money for freshman Nakuana Mahelona, who suffers from brain tumors

By Christina Lent

The Beaverton Valley Times, Apr 16, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

GOOD SPIRITS – Nakuana Mahelona faces memory loss with a winning attitude.

Jaime Valdez / The Beaverton Valley Times

Aloha High School is rallying behind one of its own Warriors.

This next week leadership students are challenging their peers and staff alike to donate their time to log at least 256 community service hours in honor of 16-year-old freshman Nakuana Mahelona, who suffers from serious short-term memory loss as a result of cancerous brain tumors.

In return for their service, Safeway has agreed to donate $10 for every hour up to $2,560 to help Nakuana’s family tackle mounting medical bills for his ongoing treatment.

The Aloha community effort is part of a partnership with the Sparrow Organization, which matches children with a critical illness with a school and a sponsor.

“We’re not asking students for their money,” said sophomore Trent Martin, one of the leadership students planning Sparrow Week events. “We’re asking for a heart willing to help someone in need.

“This community service week is more meaningful than other years because it will help someone right here.”

Sophomore Scott Whitley nodded his head in agreement and added, “Nakuana is a happy-go-lucky guy. He has one of the most positive attitudes you can have, and he’s kept it throughout this whole ordeal.”

By sharing Nakuana’s story with the school, they are confident that their fellow students will be motivated to sign up for service opportunities, including a Rosa Park invasive weed pull, Normandy Woods retirement community activities, a letter-writing campaign and a “Better Aloha” cleanup day around campus.

It’s not going to take much to unite the campus around the cause and mobilize volunteers.

“After meeting Nakuana, they will be inspired – that’s enough,” said freshman Danielle Jones. “He’s such a great guy.”

Full of charisma

Nakuana, which means “standing tall’ in Hawaiian, has an outgoing, affectionate nature.

He hugs his teachers when he sees them in the halls. His good spirits are contagious as he interacts with his peers and staff members.

When someone greets him, it makes his day.

“I love when they say, ‘Hello, it’s nice to see you man.’ I say, ‘Thank you, it’s nice to see you again too,’” Nakuana said. “When I’m in a happy moment, I give them a shaka – you know, a hang loose sign.

“Or I’ll say, ‘Shakakinnimaks from east to west.’ That means hello in the good style.”

For his friends who escort him to class, such as senior Alicia Barnhouse, Nakuana flashes two shakas.

“She’s my best friend right now,” he said.

Nakuana admits he has a hard time remembering names, but faces and smiles he recognizes easily.

When meeting new people, he takes an interest in them and engages them in conversation, asking them questions about themselves.

It’s not uncommon for him to later forget parts of the conversation and ask the same questions again.

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