Koko Head Lions Phil Sharp, Ric Ching, Gavin Hall and Sue Saffery presented "Lions Flag Day" to the 250 8th grade students and 12 teachers at Niu Valley Middle School on September 4, 2019.
This was our largest Flag Day audience to date, and the first time for middle-school students. Our presentation was linked to their lesson plan on "The Preamble." Several students were asked to hold and display the American flag, which Lion Sue received from Air Force Capt. Reid Nishizuka, and the vintage American flag with 48 stars. Students were asked to note the differences between the two, and to state the probable age of the older flag. We discussed Hawaii's Statehood in 1959 and that the flag would have to be at least 60 years old.
A Boy Scout and former Junior Police Officers volunteered to fold the flags. Each of the students was offered a 4" x 6" flag and informational flyer, and reminded to treat their flags with honor and respect.
Mr. Joe Lileikis, who coordinated the event, is full of passion for his job, having graduated from the University of Hawaii, and taught 14 years at Kalani High School, and is in his 13th year at Niu Valley Middle School. We spoke with him for 20 minutes after the students were dismissed, and were very impressed with his enthusiasm and patriotism. We look forward to our presentation in September 2020!
