On September 25, 2024, Kahalu’u Elementary School held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new fitness center. Earlier in May, Governor Josh Green and Jake Steinfeld (“Body by Jake”), Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, announced that the school had won a $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” said Kahalu’u Elementary School Principal Santiago. “This fitness center is a testament to our commitment to the whole child. By prioritizing physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, we’re empowering our students to excel academically, socially, and emotionally. This campaign aligns perfectly with the “Hiki No” (can do) award that our school gives out each semester.”
Santiago is a COE alumnus, having earned a BEd in Secondary Education (Physical Education) and MS in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (Adapted Physical Education). He explained that his school’s growth mindset motivated his team to apply for this opportunity.
“My PE teacher Angela McElfresh, together with a few fifth and sixth graders and staff members, came together to complete the written and video application,” said Santiago. “Everyone shared from their hearts the impact that this center would make on the school, families, and surrounding community.”
McElfresh established a full-time physical education (PE) program at Kahaluʻu Elementary in 2023 with limited resources. With support from grant programs such as the COE I Pa‘a Ka Huewai Pawehe – “So that our prized water gourds are made firm”, the school was able to secure equipment and create a strong PE program, leading to the successful application to the DONʻT QUIT! contest.
Also a two-time COE graduate, McElfresh holds a BS in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (Health and Physical Education) and MS in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science (Adapted Physical Education).
“ʻYou miss 100% of the shots you don’t takeʻ (Wayne Gretzky),” McElfresh said. “I applied for the DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center because I believe in seizing every opportunity to improve the lives of our students, faculty, and community. As a passionate physical education teacher, I’m committed to promoting health and wellness. This incredible facility provides a tangible way to help our students develop lifelong healthy habits and foster a more active school culture.”
Currently used by Lōkahi Fitness Clubs and school faculty and staff, the fitness center will be open to the community in the near future.
Read the Office of the Governor News Release
A partner school of the I Pa‘a Ka Huewai Pawehe program, under the direction of Professors Erin Centeio and Kuʻulei Serna, Kahaluʻu Elementary is committed to offering culturally-relevant health and wellness programs to foster healthy homes and inspire lifelong well-being. This new fitness center will allow them to extend their efforts for increased physical activity.
(L-R) Santiago, McElfresh, and Steinfeld with students
