May is officially AAPI Month or Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, the AAPI Club at Oak Knoll launched the celebration with a presentation at an Upper School Assembly. In addition, two exciting Global Learning Opportunities were announced to dovetail with the month. A brand new excursion to the Land of the Rising Sun will take place during 2025 entitled, The Exploration and Faith Tour in Japan. Also, Science Department Chair Jeff Yuhas announced that he will once again host a science-themed trip to Hawaii.

In their assembly presentation, Amelia Pace ’25, Steph Aguinaldo ’24, and Mina McNulty ’25 shared fascinating facts about up and coming musical genres and performers from India, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan. Participants in next year’s Japan trip can now prepare by streaming the latest music by popular artists such as Yoasobi, ONE OK ROCK, Official Hige Dandism, Arashi, Fuiji Kaze, and more. 

 The trip to Japan will be open to next year’s grade 11 and 12 students and grade 10 students pending available space. In Tokyo, students will tour temples & shrines, visit the Imperial Palace, be entertained in the Harajuku District, get spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, and join a Sushi-making class. In Kyoto, they will visit more temples and shrines, participate in a Kimono Tea Ceremony, and visit the International Manga Museum. In Nara, more beautiful temples and shrines are on offer, as well as historic monuments of ancient Nara and the beloved Deer Park. Lastly, Osaka offers a historic Castle, the Shinsaibashi shopping district, the delicious street food at Dotonbori, and a thrilling ride on a bullet train.

“Japan is a unique blend of a country that is rich in cultural heritage with centuries-old traditions and ancient ornate temples alongside the dazzling lights and technical innovation of ultra-modern cities,” said Director of the Hope Memorial Library Elinor Takenaga, one of the trip’s organizers. “I want our Oak Knoll students to have an opportunity to enjoy the rich culture of the East and its abundant learning opportunities. I am happy to be able to share with our girls the many years of knowledge and experience I have from being immersed in the Japanese culture.”

Science Department Chair Jeff Yuhas will again host an immersive learning experience in Hawaii. Participants will hike in Volcano National Park swim at Green Sand Beach, visit Mauna Kea Visitor Center and hike to an elevation of 9000 feet, take a charter boat to a snorkeling excursion, shop at Hilo Farmers Market, visit an organic coffee farm, tour downtown Kona, paddleboard and sea kayak in Hilo Bay, explore a lava tube, perform community service in Volcanoes National Park, and visit a black sand beach in Waipio Valley. The trip will be open to next year’s grade 10 and 11 students. Read Learning at the Lip of a Volcano to learn more.

Oak Knoll offers a host of Global Learning opportunities. Visit our website to learn more about educational trips and student exchanges.