When the 35 fifth graders at Lincoln School in Caldwell entered a classroom set up for a special presentation today, they really had no idea what they'd be seeing - or learning.
Although they knew some special visitor from Hawaii would be there, the exact program was a surprise.
Every year, Native Hawaiians travel to Caldwell as part of their annual pilgrimage to honor President Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States.
Cleveland went to bat for the Hawaiian Queen Lilliuokalani, when she was threatened by the U.S. in a war of words that could have easily grown into violence.
Instead, this Queen gave up her crown sadly, preaching non-violence to her people.
And Cleveland, a strong supporter of peace and the Queen,
is not a revered figure in Hawaiian history.
During the program at Lincoln, Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson told the kids about Cleveland's place of honor in Hawaii.
But she also showed the kids first hand how nature, feelings and thought can enhance their everyday experience - through the traditional Hawaiian dance, the hula.
"Move your hands like they're a wave," she said, gracefully moving her own arms and hands.
Leading them through a poetic journey of her own day, including her visit to Lincoln School, Guanson created an interactive and moving hula dance for the kids.
17-year old Tracey Coryell, who graduated from high school early so he could attend college, also offered a unique sound to the children.
Blowing into a special pu shell, he created a oceanic noise that resonated throughout the hallways.
Then, both Tracy and fellow Hawaiian visitor Jordan Patterson showed the kids numerous martial arts' moves, which brought forth plenty of oohs and ahhs.
One fifth grade girl, watching in amazement as the petite Guanson demonstrated flipping a much larger Tracy with ease, shook her head.
"I wouldn't ever feel scared with them around," she said.
At the end of the entertaining and education session, the children gave the visitors hand made bookmarks.
And the visitors gave the school and district a special shell, engraved with a palm tree, to help them not only think of the islands but also listen to the Pacific Ocean on those dreary winter nights Caldwell knows so well.
