The freshman biology class this semester held an ʻuala fair in Keʻeaumokupāpaʻiaheahe dining hall Thursday, May 18, 2017.

With students presenting on a variety of topics related to ʻuala (sweet potato), including dog treats, healthy foods, and face creams, the dining hall was filled with an atmosphere of learning.

Students in Ms. Holderbaum’s first period began setting up the dining hall for the fair the moment school began. With them, many parents came to help their children with preparations.

With the displays in place, Ms. Holderbaum went around the hall asking questions of each student.

However, students not only presented their projects to Ms. Holderbaum, teachers, faculty, parents, and other students would later walk around the hall curious to know about the projects that each student created.

The students had no trouble answering questions, and some even volunteered to explain their projects to passing individuals.

People seemed to have a good time while they were there.

“It was super fun and super interesting, I didnʻt expect a bunch of freshmen to come up with such good ideas,” freshman Tatiana Soon said.

In addition, the food that the students provided as samples of their projects were “really good,” freshman Carley Martin said.

The freshman had a lot of freedom in choosing their projects.

“This project was a personal interest project, so they could choose anything they wanted to pursue,” Ms. Holderbaum said.

They have been working on nā ʻuala māla at Kapikohānaiāmālama since the start of the second semester, and Ms. Holderbaum thought it would be great for the students to make “one last personal tie” to ʻuala.

“Itʻs really easy to actually complete a project that you put your mind to,” freshman Sierra Tanouye said.

Tanouye explained how easy it was for her to complete her project on ʻuala dog treats because of the passion she has for helping and taking care of animals. Through the process, she also learned how important and healthy ʻuala is and she said that people should start eating it more.

Also, Ms. Holderbaum hopes that they have learned not only about ʻuala, but also important life lessons and qualities, such as self-confidence and learning to value your work.

Although the students learned a lot through the project, Mss. Holderbaum said she learned some things as well.

“I never wouldʻve expected dog treats, or face cream, or muscle relaxant, or even ʻuala powder,” she said.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Photo by Kimani Fernandez-Roy

Freshman Wesley Perreira stands next to his project about the economics of ʻuala.