At the heart of the design is a student-artist’s vision of connection, culture, and community. Inspired by the natural beauty of Mid-Pacific’s campus, Emma created a flowing fern lei composed of plants found throughout our grounds with each chosen for both its presence and its meaning.

Interwoven within the design are Pele’s Hair, kupukupu fern, plumeria, pikake, ʻulu, and thunbergia. Together, these elements reflect qualities that define our school: growth and resilience, cheerful determination, persistent love, and optimism. Like the kupukupu fern and the student body it represents, the lei symbolizes continuous renewal and strength.

The movement within the design mirrors the dynamic spirit of Mid-Pacific, while the intertwining plants speak to the blending of diverse talents, identities, and stories into one vibrant community. It is a visual expression of belonging where each individual contributes to something greater.

This piece is also a tribute to a shared moment at the start of the school year, when faculty and staff came together at convocation to weave a kupukupu fern lei as a symbol of unity. In many ways, this artwork carries that tradition forward—reminding us that, like the lei itself, we are strongest when we are connected.