KAHILI — David “DJ” Adams, celebrating the graduation of 15 St. Catherine School Grade 8s, Saturday night, will be opening new doors starting Wednesday.
Adams was selected the new director for Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i to assume the position left vacant with the retirement of current Alaka‘i Director Fred Birkett.
“During this unprecedented time of changes due to COVID —19, we can trust David, as our school director, to be Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i’s strong educational leader responsible for ensuring that all learners, administration, and staff are supervised in a safe and healthy environment that supports the mission and vision of our school,” states an announcement from the Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i.
Adams’ position as director takes effect July 1, amounting to a shortened trip to work from his residence in Kekaha.
“It is an incredible blessing that my journey in life has found Alaka‘i O Kaua‘i Charter School as we share common values and beliefs about quality education,” Adams said. “The learning community already has a dedicated board, talented staff, supportive parents, and inquisitive learners so it is exciting to see where we can all grow together, positively going into the future.”
Adams’ most recent experience was as principal for St. Catherine School where he guided the community through the experiences of COVID-19 that closed the school to in-person education that continued through graduating 15 Grade 8 students in an in-person ceremony whose audience was impacted by the current pandemic restrictions.
“DJ, as David is known to his friends, is a wonderful fit for this position as he has more than 30 years of experience in education, including being a successful principal at six different school in three different countries,” states the Alaka‘i release. “His achievements include significantly improving poorly performing schools, and opening a Project-Based Learning school in Muscat, Oman. He comes to us already well-versed in inquiry-based and project-based learning.”
Adams’ service extends beyond education as he bring his love for health and fitness. He runs a nonprofit that donates running shoes to local people in need.
Adams was married to Dr. Pamela Adams on O‘ahu for more than 30 years and presently lives in Kekaha. During his spare time, Adams competes in triathlons and is currently training for the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2021.
