KANEOHE, ISLAND OF OAHU, Hawaii -- KANEOHE--While units stationed aboard MCB Hawaii continue the healthy Adopt-a-School program with relationships started long ago, some programs are still blossoming.
Patrol Squadron 4 began a relationship with He'eia Elementary School the week of Jan. 13, and supporters on both sides committed to make the program a long-lasting, beneficial, and fun one.
Skinny Dragon volunteers help with the school's recess and physical education training, and also help tutor individual students in the classrooms.
"It's really a great relationship, and it's the beginning of a friendship we want to develop," said He'eia Vice Principal Sheri Sunabe. "We're willing to make a commitment to this program, and so is Patrol Squadron 4."
He'eia has more than 620 students, and the Sailors bring some added excitement to the campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week.
"We have a big percentage of the squadron involved in the program," said Lt. j.g. Bob Novotny, a Naval flight officer with VP-4. "We need to be able to support the program during training and deployments, so we have a lot of people who can rotate through and help out."
While the program has been underway for only one week, it's already having an effect on the students.
"These guys are a big help, and they are already becoming role models for some of these students," said Elizabeth "Becca" Falelua, intramural sports coordinator at the school. "The students are so excited to see them and play sports with them that their eyes light up."
"This program is a great chance for us to get out in the community and meet some of the people we're working to protect," said Novotny.
The intramural sports program has cut down on behavioral referrals, according to Sunabe, and with the Sailors' help, organization, and enthusiasm, it can only get better.