The Pacific Islander Student Union and the choir hosted a fundraiser on March 14 in the cafeteria. It was an “all-you-can-eat” luau with performances of island dancing by PISU. Tickets were $15 per a person, and as a promotion, those who showed up with tickets to the musical, “Chicago, were given first priority in line.

The island dancing included styles from Hawaii, Tonga, and Samoa. Family members and friends of PISU were also included in the community event. “It was fun to learn and perform for everyone,” said senior Shaily Smith, president of PISU and a choir member. “Some of the dancers were from other high schools like Reynolds and Centennial. We neglected a lot of other island styles, but if we could have fit them all in, we would have.”

This is the first time PISU and the choir have jointly hosted an event. “[Pacific Islander Student Union] approached me,” said Bethany Schweitzer-Goshorn, the choir teacher. “I was looking for a fundraising idea, and I came up with the idea of a food fundraiser, and their president suggested doing it as a luau so that both groups would be involved.”

Their work paid off because between the sales of tickets and added donations, they were able to break even on the food and buy a new set of choir music. “Good friends, good food, good time,” said senior Jasmine Humbert, choir member. Freshman Evan Ipock, another choir member, agreed. “It was a great cultural experience,” he said, “and the food was phenomenal.”

Gallery • 3 Photos

PISU and friends performing traditional dances for the Lincoln Luau. Courtesy of Andrew Yates.