‘A’ohe hana nui ka alu ‘la.  No task is too big when done together by all. Hawai`i ACAC will continue to promote this message as we work together to serve our students and parents.  College admission directors, financial aid officers, and college counselors are all involved in serving our students as they look at choices and make decisions in pursuing post secondary education or career options.

HACAC will continue to be visible in community service activities.  We will continue our partnership with First Hawaiian Bank to conduct the College Planning workshops for parents and students.  The 12 sessions that were held on all islands serviced nearly 2500 people.  Counselors and members of the Pacific Financial Aid Association (PacFAA) held College Goal Sunday at seven sites to help families complete the FAFSA, get a PIN number, or do a fast check for those who completed the application.  We were able to assist 2400 people throughout the state.  The National College Fair attracted 4000 people.  Counselors and financial aid officers were available at the Counseling Center to help students and parents during the fair. 

Three Professional Development workshops were also held, and plans are underway for the coming year.  We are looking at presentations that will be of interest to all high school counselors and college personnel to enhance their professional growth.  Also, consider attending the 2008 National Conference in Seattle on September 25-27, for an opportunity to visit colleges and universities, make new professional acquaintances, and engage in current issues on college admission.  Our 2009 state conference will be held on May 1st and 2nd, 2009. It will be held at the Brigham Young University - Hawai`i Campus in beautiful Laie on the north shore of O`ahu.

Renew your membership and take part in the activities, encourage your grade level colleagues, and others to enroll and be a member.  We need to increase our membership to be able to service the increasing number of students around our state.  We can be the driving force and work together toward a common goal to help our youth become tomorrow’s leaders.

Have a great, exciting and productive year.

Sincerely, 

Asai Gilman

President