SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Jaylen Pabelonia, president of the John F. Kennedy High School Pacific Islanders Club, said, “The major goal of the club is to celebrate and promote the culture and contributions of Pacific Islander students and families.”

Jaylen also said, “The club organizes events such as the annual Pacific Islanders Family Night, which showcases cultural performances and community engagement.” The club also seeks to educate the broader school community about Pacific Islander heritage.

The club held a car wash at the GreenHaven Pocket (GHP) Farmers Market on Sunday to raise funds for its activities. The car wash took place in the Elks Lodge parking lot at 6446 Riverside Blvd. Club members plan to hold additional car washes in the future.

The club collaborates with local organizations to support Pacific Islander youth and families. Jaylen said, “We provide a platform for students to connect with one another and celebrate their cultural identity.” Students also participate in traditional dances and performances, including the Kiribati dance.

These activities foster pride in Pacific Islander traditions and help to raise awareness of the culture within the school community.

Dance in Kiribati includes several styles unique to the island nation. Unlike many other forms of Pacific Island dance, Kiribati dance emphasizes dancers’ outstretched arms and sudden birdlike head movements. The frigatebird (Fregata minor), which appears on the Kiribati flag, symbolizes this distinctive style of dancing. Most dances are performed either standing or seated, with controlled and deliberate movements.

Besides serving as president of the Pacific Islanders Club, Jaylen was a 5-foot-11, 275-pound guard, center and defensive tackle for Kennedy High’s 2025 varsity football team. He was a senior who wore jersey number 52.

According to Yahoo Scout, “Pacific Islanders, especially those of Samoan and Tongan descent, have a strong presence in American football. This is often attributed to cultural values emphasizing strength, teamwork, and resilience.”

While watching Jaylen wash cars at the farmers market, Vic Cima, the general manager of the GHP Farmers Market, said, “Jaylen looks like a football player.”