Expanding the REACH in Response to the Pandemic’s Impact on Youth
Written by Anthony Kaauamo
During the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Lāna‘i High & Elementary School (LHES) faced considerable challenges, primarily due to increased isolation and limited opportunities for social interaction. This period significantly altered their daily routines and access to after-school activities. Among these changes was the suspension of the REACH Program, which had been active from the 2016–2017 through the 2019–2020 school years. While not the sole focus of student activities, the program’s absence was one of several factors that contributed to a reduced availability of structured, group-based enrichment opportunities during this time.
The REACH program, part of the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s Community Engagement Branch, stands for “Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, & Health.” It provides critical Out-of-School Time (OST) opportunities for intermediate students across Hawai‘i. The program is unique in its comprehensive approach, offering a blend of academic enrichment, arts, culture and athletics, and is one of the few OST programs nationally supported by state funds.
Zachary Holsomback, an LHES middle school social studies teacher and the current volunteer coordinator for Lāna‘i’s REACH Program, closely witnessed the varied impacts of the pandemic on his students. He saw firsthand the decline in their social, emotional and mental well-being as a result of prolonged isolation and the disruption of their regular school and social routines.
Understanding the critical role that structured activities play in student life, Mr. Holsomback recognized the pressing need to not only reactivate but also expand the REACH Program. He aimed to address these observed challenges by offering students more opportunities for engagement in a post-pandemic world. “The social, emotional and mental health of kids were badly impacted,” Mr. Holsomback said. “After COVID, we faced the question of what we could do to help our students reengage socially, improve their health and rekindle their athletic and academic interests.”
His concern extended beyond the physical aspects of student life to encompass their overall holistic development. Mr. Holsomback’s approach was to create an environment that would support the students in regaining their confidence, reestablishing social connections, and enhancing their academic and athletic skills. The expansion of the REACH Program under his guidance was envisioned as a key strategy in this endeavor, aiming to provide a diverse array of activities that would cater to the varied interests and needs of the students at LHES.
On Lāna‘i, the program’s primary focus has been on the letter “A” in REACH, representing Athletics. This focus is significantly influenced by Mr. Holsomback’s extensive background in sports coaching. His nine-year tenure as Lāna‘i’s high school varsity volleyball coach, from 2008 to 2017, equipped him with an understanding of the importance of sports in student development.
He focused on skill-building, discipline and fostering a team spirit, elements he now integrates into the REACH Program at LHES.
The 2023-2024 school year marked an expansion for Lāna‘i’s REACH program which now includes a diverse array of sports: basketball, volleyball, cross-country, flag football and wrestling. This expansion was a strategic response to the pandemic’s impact. “We initially offered basketball, volleyball and cross-country,” Mr. Holsomback recalled. “Post-pandemic, we realized the need to offer more options to our students.”
The program’s growth is not just about providing a variety of sports; it’s about addressing the broader needs of students in the post-pandemic era. The isolation and lack of physical activity during the pandemic years necessitated a robust response to reengage students in a supportive and active environment. Managing the expanded program involves significant challenges, including scheduling, budgeting and coordinating travel for competitions, especially given Lāna‘i’s unique geographical location. “Travel is our biggest expense,” Mr. Holsomback pointed out. “We plan for our students to get the full experience by competing with other schools.”
The program operates on a legislative-funded budget, with a maximum of around $12,000 each year. Despite the budgetary constraints, Mr. Holsomback and his team are committed to maximizing the impact of these funds for the benefit of the students.
Volunteer coaches and community support are vital to the program’s success. “Securing dedicated adults to coach was a crucial step. Their contributions are invaluable in providing quality coaching and mentorship to our students,” he said. This community involvement is a testament to the spirit of Lāna‘i and the collective effort to support the youth.
Beyond athletics, the program has positively influenced students’ academic performance. Regular grade checks ensure students maintain a 2.0 GPA with no F’s. “We’ve seen improvements in student motivation and engagement. It’s about teaching them responsibility, time management, and the value of hard work,” Mr. Holsomback shared.
The future of the REACH Program on Lāna‘i looks promising, with plans to embrace the full scope of its acronym: Resources for Enrichment, Athletics, Culture, and Health. “We’re looking at additional funding sources like Uplink to expand our program to include a wider range of interests like esports and cultural activities like hula and paddling,” Mr. Holsomback said.
Participation in the program’s sports has been robust, with 103 out of 130 middle schoolers so far involved.
Mr. Holsomback, along with the LHES community, extends heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff of LHES for their unwavering support. Special appreciation is also given to the volunteer coaches of the REACH Program, including Kendra Sabin, Tuma Fauatea, Jane Fauatea and Rahnia Boyer for Girls Volleyball; Andrei Badillo and Reylan Aguete for Boys Volleyball; Marylou Kaukeano, Christian Yumol and Gina Anton for Girls Basketball; Rodrigo Mirafuentes, Mar Dela Rosa, Keleah Koloi, Arjen Uminga, Chant’e Sproat and Kennidi Valladolid for Boys Basketball; Jesse Del Rosario, Jake Ballesteros and Liko Kuhnz for Wrestling; Jennifer Montgomery for Cross Country; and Roderick Noble for Flag Football.
Additional gratitude goes to the community and high school volunteers, including Douglas Boyer, Cody Patterson, Philip Bolo, Ross Morita, Jenel Uminga, Linfred Olter, Aiyana Hawkins, Roxy Sumalbag, Jaeden Ranis, Kahea Tabucbuc, Leland Soriano, Diesel Del Rosario, Kalikar Debrum, Cash Atacador, Alex Hawkins, Roderick Sumagit, Michele Holsomback, Stacie Koanui Nefalar and many others for their invaluable support and dedication.
Under Mr. Holsomback’s guidance, the REACH Program at LHES has evolved into a multifaceted platform that not only addresses the athletic needs of students but also contributes significantly to their overall development. It stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience, adaptability and commitment to nurturing its youth in a post-pandemic world.