Fia reunites with friends, mentors during performance at Palisades Elementary School

I had an amazing experience Monday afternoon at Palisades Elementary School after being invited by Principal Gavin Tsue to a live performance by local recording artist Fia.

The event was also an inspiring reunion between Fia, Principal Tsue, and Mr. Ned Campbell who was also invited as a very special guest along with his wonderful wife Jenny.

The connection and bond between the trio of friends began back when Fia was attending Nanakuli Intermediate and High School where Principal Tsue was the Vice Principal and Mr. Campbell worked as the Safety Manager. Mr. Campbell is a retired HPD Lieutenant and last worked as Security at Highlands Intermediate School.

Fia is a proud 2013 graduate of Nanakuli High School and is a shining example of today’s generation of recording artist in the islands who dedicate their time to giving back while inspiring the youth of Hawaii to follow and achieve their dreams

Fia

“It’s always a blessing to come and speak to the younger generation knowing that I was once that kid just sitting here and loved listening to music. Whenever we had entertainment come to our school I loved it. So to be able to do that and give back to the kids it means the world to me, blessed to be out here.

Thank you to Palisades Elementary and Mr. Tsue for having me. It was good to see Mr. Campbell and thank you to all the kids for coming out.”

Principal Gavin Tsue

“It’s an honor to have Fia here today. He’s one of my former students at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. If I recall, 10 or 12 years ago he sang during songfest and he just awed the crowd. Since then, I think he’s followed his passion, he’s persevered definitely which has led him to stardom here as a songwriter artist today.

This has been a journey for both of us, for me as a vice-principal and coming here to Pearl City as a Principal and having the opportunity to share his career, his mo`olelo with our kids today is awesome.”

Mahalo to Palisades vice Principal Jan Kanaeholo for the invitation and ono bento lunch. Also, mahalo to Palisades Elementary Curriculum/Tech Coordinator Lee Teraoka and Ukulele Teacher Cassidy Kitano who worked the sound system, online streaming, facilitated the Q&A between Fia and students, and joined Fia on the ukulele during his live performance. Very impressive talents!

It was a true honor for the opportunity to share in the heart and soul moment with Fia and the Palisades Elementary Ohana.