The 6 A’s are a representation of the commitment to the mission, Saint Louis School, and the brotherhood. Academics, Alaka’i, Athletics, Aloha and Arts are all assigned to a finger, while Akua is to the palm, creating the balanced curriculum we follow everyday.

The palm is Akua, or simply meaning God. Faith is the foundation on which Saint Louis school is built on, which is why God is on the foundation of our hand. Ahuimanu started off teaching about God to men of all religious backgrounds. Hawaiian was the primary language of teachings in the first 11 years of the college’s existence, which was very rare at the time.

Strong academics is the most important aspect when attending here at Saint Louis, as the thumb is the most important part of the hand. Without academics, there isn’t as much opportunity in life as there would be with strong academics, just as life is quite hard without a thumb. Saint Louis strives to teach young men faith, acceptance of diversity, leadership, creativity, and individual potential.

Saint Louis School is full of leaders in the student body, staff, and alumni. It only makes sense for Alaka’i, leadership, to be the pointer finger. The pointer finger is used to guide and lead in the right direction, just as the men of Kalaepohaku do. Leaders from SLS follow the Catholic Marianist Tradition, are men of character, and have the ability to lead the people in the right direction.

Athletics is a big part of our identity here at Saint Louis School, so it has been assigned to the middle finger, the tallest and most visible on our hand. Most people see us as a football only school, but Saint Louis is so much more than that. Our athletic system is backed by great education, a safe environment, and opportunity to excel in all areas in life. Athletics help create a balanced structure both physically and mentally.

The ring finger is a representation of commitment to relationship, respectively as Aloha is commitment to diversity. Ahuimanu accepted students from all religious backgrounds, not just Marianist Catholics. Spreading Aloha is a key aspect of being a Saint Louis man, being open minded to diversity is what we are founded on, we keep this building block in mind as we march forward as a brotherhood.

Last but not least, Arts. The pinkie finger is perfect for arts, as it is on the outside of the hand, and symbolizes “thinking outside of the box.” In the arts, Saint Louis men are able to display their education, and creativity. We use this to showcase our many talents, and to make a difference in the world.

Originally, only 3 of the A’s existed, but after breaking down our ‘mission’ further, Dr. Medeiros realized that more needed to be added. From 3 to 5 to finally 6, the Hand of a Saint Louis man is used to remember the 6 A’s and their importance. Every time a teacher raises his or her hand, we respond by also raising our hand, showing our commitment to the mission of Saint Louis School. It isn’t necessarily used to quiet or calm students down, but to ask if they truly are committed to what we stand for; Akua, Academics, Alaka’i, Athletics, Aloha and Arts.