At Saint Louis School, something special happens at the end of your junior year. The Junior Rite of Passage was a big deal for students Braeden (Hanalei) Heresa and Laddus Kamakanaakeakua Cachola. They shared some thoughts about their experience.
The event was more than simply a graduation for Heresa. “When I graduate I will look back at Rite of Passage as an impactful ceremony showing the transformation from a boy to a young man,” he shares.
Heresa experienced many emotions during the ceremony. “These feelings have positively affected me,” he explains. “I now behave more like a leader toward some of my younger brothers.” His sudden change of attitude during the ceremony greatly affected his sense of responsibility and leadership.
Cachola felt that the ceremony was significant because it brought back memories of his father and reminded him of his family’s legacy and achievements. He stated, “I felt like I was accomplishing something that I wanted all my life and that I could follow in my dad’s footsteps.” His father’s legacy set a high standard for him and future generations.
Cachola also wants to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. “I hope to leave a high bar so the class below us can live up to that standard,” he added. Both students emphasized the importance of the event in forming their identities and future goals.
Looking back on their experience, Heresa and Cachola recalled memorable moments that captured the spirit of the Rite of Passage. They both appreciate the bond each experienced as they chanted as they entered and walked down the aisle. “It reminded me that all of my brothers and I are in the same situation and we all have to be mature and work hard to be successful in the upcoming years,” says Heresa.
Heresa and Cachola shared some advice for students preparing for the Junior Rite of Passage in the future. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to mature as they prepare for the Rite of Passage. “I would tell the next class to be mature and start acting like more of a leader,” says Heresa.
As they prepared to carry on the values and teachings focused on at the Junior Rite of Passage and looked forward to their senior year, their stories exemplified their understanding of the importance of these pivotal events in the junior’s life.
