Leading up to Election Day, the Davis Democracy Initiative organized a series of events to engage the Punahou community in civic participation and political discourse. These events offered students valuable real-time learning during the election process – encouraging students to explore different perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and take part in hands-on political activities.
Ally Milford’s first graders got a hands-on lesson in civic engagement by voting for their Nov. 5 lunch. The students cast their ballots in October, choosing Spam musubis and Samurai Frost Cups, then enjoyed their winning lunch – a fun and tasty way to learn about democracy. 
Ally Milford’s first graders got a hands-on lesson in civic engagement by voting for their Nov. 5 lunch. The students cast their ballots in October, choosing Spam musubis and Samurai Frost Cups, then enjoyed their winning lunch – a fun and tasty way to learn about democracy. 
Current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) spoke about his work in Washington and his hopes for young people to become civically active and engaged. It was a well-attended event with questions from students and 40 people in attendance. 
Current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) spoke about his work in Washington and his hopes for young people to become civically active and engaged. It was a well-attended event with questions from students and 40 people in attendance. 
During a classroom visit, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou ’88 (R-Hawaii) shared about his journey into politics, which started at Punahou when he volunteered to do sign waving for Pat Saiki’s campaign. A little over 20 years later, Djou assumed her same role in congress, where he served from 2010 – 2011. 
Students sent postcards to voters in swing states, encouraging them to vote. 
From Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event” was a reader’s theater performance of interview excerpts with Americans on politics, brought to life by students, staff and faculty. 
From Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event” was a reader’s theater performance of interview excerpts with Americans on politics, brought to life by students, staff and faculty. 
From Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event” was a reader’s theater performance of interview excerpts with Americans on politics, brought to life by students, staff and faculty. 
From Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event” was a reader’s theater performance of interview excerpts with Americans on politics, brought to life by students, staff and faculty. 
From Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event” was a reader’s theater performance of interview excerpts with Americans on politics, brought to life by students, staff and faculty. 
Grade 9 Dean Emily Silver coordinated the performance.
Here’s a look at the various events:
- Key political figures, former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou ’88 (R-Hawaii) and current U.S. Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii), provided insights into the political parties and the campaigning process.
- Leaders from the Young Republicans and Young Democrats of Hawai‘i participated in a campus dialogue, giving students the chance to witness real-time debate and ask questions of both party representatives.
- An evening storytelling event hosted in partnership with Civil Beat featured notable O‘ahu kūpuna sharing stories that highlight intergenerational wisdom and history. The program, held in Dillingham Hall, blended political and cultural themes and showcased how history shapes present-day issues. The event was hosted by Civil Beat’s Vice President of Operations and Philanthropy Ben Nishimoto and featured Punahou’s own Kumu Kimo Keaulana.
- An interactive theater performance from Verbatim Performance Lab and NYU Steinhardt, “That’s Not a Partisan Feeling, That’s Patriotic: A Portraits US Election 2024 Event,” took place in Dillingham’s Drama Workshop, coordinated by Grade 9 Dean Emily Silver. The reader’s theater production featured excerpts of interviews taken from across the U.S. between 2020 and 2024, exploring how Americans view elections, political parties and national identity. Students, admin and faculty volunteered as readers to bring the interviews to life.
- After-school postcard writing parties gave students the opportunity to write to swing-state voters, supporting their preferred candidates and contributing to the election process in a direct, hands-on way.
- A class of first graders got involved with the election in a fun, age-appropriate way by voting on their lunch menu for Nov. 5.
- On Election Day, the Initiative hosted an all-day teach-in and watch party. Students were invited to stop by throughout the day to follow election coverage, participate in discussions, and hear from guest speakers. This event provided a central hub for those who wanted to stay informed and engaged as results come in.
The Davis Democracy Initiative aims to give students multiple opportunities to explore politics, engage in the democratic process, and gain a broader understanding of the issues shaping the election.
