By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin
After incoming state schools Superintendent Paul LeMahieu
spoke at the Hawaii State Student Council's leadership workshop
yesterday, students said they felt LeMahieu wanted to be
in touch with young people.

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Student leaders
hear LeMahieu’s
challenge

Incoming schools chief
urges youth to 'give back'
to Hawaii

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

It was a good omen.

That's what students said after incoming state schools Superintendent Paul LeMahieu spoke yesterday at the Hawaii State Student Council's leadership workshop at the University of Hawaii.

"I feel he will be more in touch with students than (others) in the past," said senior Christopher Petersen of Mili-lani High School.

"He showed up like this, and we greatly appreciate it."

"It shows he wants to have a part in what we do as leaders," said Cherry Torres, a junior at Molokai High Intermediate School.

LeMahieu's challenge to the students: "Give back to the community.... Refine your skills and stay here to benefit the community."

Both Petersen and Torres felt his message was good, especially in light of the state's financial crisis.

"A lot of well-educated, effective leaders have left our state because of the economic situation," Torres said. "It actually depends on us and the use of our knowledge to better Hawaii's economy and future."

LeMahieu will wrap up a week in Hawaii with a "Getting to Know You" public forum on Kauai Friday from 10:15-11:15 a.m. at the Kapaa Elementary School cafetorium.

While on Kauai, he will also speak to the Kauai District educational officers.