Every Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 PM after school in the ISS portable or room 218, Sierra Vista High School’s Polynesian Club encourages students of all ethnic backgrounds to come by and unwind with “aloha” energy after a long school day. With every meeting, the club strengthens its ohana, connecting every student with culture that empowers them through a sense of family and community.
Continuing her third year advising the Polynesian Club, Campus Security Monitor Coach Penina Wiley dedicates her time to making sure everybody wears their IDs, organizing practices, lifting spirits, and pushing the club toward new horizons. Wiley shares, “I am proud of our kids this year, starting the year strong and performing in the first assembly. Since we came back to school, the girls locked in and practiced so they could be ready in time, and they killed it!” Wiley continues, “I hope that students gain a sense of belonging and a respect for culture. We are very big on family in the Polynesian culture, and anyone in our club is considered family. If you ever feel like you don’t have someone to talk to or hang out with, your fellow club members are your family!”
Club co-president, Calaya Saunders ( 12 ), carries her leadership with energy, aloha, and pride, transforming Sierra Vista High School’s Polynesian Club into a welcoming and enjoyable environment. Saunders cheerfully adds, “Students can look forward to fun cultural activities, performances, and a welcoming community that celebrates different Pacific Island cultures. We promote our club to welcome everyone and anyone into a safe space they can enjoy.” Saunders also added insight to the club’s future events, sharing the club’s plan to expand the club’s connections beyond Sierra Vista High School. Saunders notes, “We’re planning more cultural dances with the seasonal assemblies and multicultural night in the upcoming April! It’s in our interests to get in contact with other Poly Clubs to collaborate.” With this being Saunders’ final year at Sierra Vista High School, she continues to dedicate herself to elevating the Polynesian Club to present more dances and events for students to look forward to.
Serving alongside Saunders, co-president, Iriena Misailegalu ( 12 ), continues to lead the club after the previous president, and also her brother, Isaiah Misailegalu. Passionate about the club, Misailegalu explains, “Calaya and I have been part of SV’s Poly club since we were freshmen so being able to lead together our senior year has been a relatable & meaningful journey! I enjoy being a part of something that showcases our ways of life while exemplifying to others that they should take pride in their roots.” Misailegalu and Saunders’ leadership continues to light the way for the Polynesian Club, turning the space into a haven where culture, community, and pride can flourish.
For updates on upcoming events, performances, and club highlights, students can follow the club on Instagram at @vistapolyclub, keeping the aloha spirit going in person and online as well. With open arms and open hearts, Polynesian Club invites students to discover culture, make friends, and find their found ohana.
