In the past 16 years, AFY’s Annual Student Convention (STC) has reached nearly 160,000 5th and 6th graders. Children who saw it first in 1991 are now adults, whose kids are now enjoying and learning from the STC on how to resist peer pressure, to stay away from drugs, how to respond to bullies, and to cope with the uncertainties of transitioning from elementary school to middle school. And these thousands all know Uncle Frank De Lima and the Principal Ms. Kamaboko, the Shy Guy Glen Misoyaki, Blahla the Bully, Tita Turner, and the Funny Guy Bart Souza!

So, the STC has become somewhat of a Hawaii tradition for those moving on to middle school. This year, it’s being held for the 17th year on Oahu, the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

The program encourages a healthy transition for 5th and 6th graders as they experience the physical and emotional changes while coping with the vulnerabilities of growing up. They’re not alone, and the message is, that they matter very much! The STC helps students get off on the right foot and stay out of trouble on their journey to early adolescence.

Last year, 9,580 students from 118 public schools were on their feet, laughing and cheering, as they focused on the challenges of adapting to changes in schools and friends and teachers.

April 22 Neal Blaisdell Center Arena 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM

April 29 Polynesian Cultural Center 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM

May 8 Kealakehe High School Gym (Kona) 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM

May 9 Afook Chinen Auditorium (Hilo) 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM

May 13 Kauai War Memorial 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM

May 22 & 23 Maui Arts & Cultural Center 9:00 AM — 12:45 PM