PHOTO ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL
Kapolei class built
a new moldKapolei High School’s first
graduating class prepares for
commencement with pride
in their school
It has been almost 25 years since the island of Oahu has had a "first" graduating class. The last public school on record was Mililani High School in 1977. Now, more than two decades later, the chain has been broken. In two months, Kapolei High School will hold its first commencement ceremony.
The home of the Hurricanes welcomed its first class in July 2000 with 375 enthusiastic and nervous freshmen. "Everybody was lost because we had no one above us to set an example. We all were clueless," laughed senior Alex Sharp.
Principal Alvin Nagasako also was ready to begin new traditions. "I was anxious and excited about the potential of creating a place of learning that was safe, nurturing and meaningful," Nagasako said.
After that first year, the construction trucks lingered on campus as new buildings were created. In addition to the buildings, each year added new faces and new traditions, making the school more complete.
"With all four classes, the school is becoming more like other high schools," said the student activities coordinator, Robin Ogino. He also feels that there is a feeling of "school energy" throughout the classes.
"It's exciting to be a part of the first graduating class," said senior Tiffany Hill. "Each day, we contribute to making history for this school."
The year is now 2004, and the Kapolei senior class has established a positive profile. Students are placing high in a variety of academic programs such as art and science contests, and the athletic teams are breaking records. Just last month, the varsity softball team won the school its first team state title.
Senior Tanya Menino said: "Athletics at Kapolei are more than just sports. I am proud to be a part of earning this title for the school."
Looking toward graduation day on June 4, Nagasako said: "I am gratified with the emotional growth of our seniors and am still very excited about the continued growth and maturation of our school. Together we are creating this special place for learning. I am very optimistic about our growth and look forward to creating a place that is second to none in the state and in the nation."
As the 375 seniors count down the days until graduation, it is evident that these students tested the waters of a new community and approved. These seniors have gained a sense of caring, dignity and integrity during their time at Kapolei.
Student body president Edward Afualo stated it best when he said, "Many things may be said about the class of 2004, but one thing is certain: The senior class has 'broken in' the mold, established an identity and paved the way for future generations at Kapolei High School."
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O’opu sculptures
capture can-do spiritStudents will help prepare
enduring art of the spunky
isle fish
All of Kapolei High School's characteristics, summed up by a fish?
Around this time next year, Kapolei students will be sharing their campus with 13 to 15 sculptures of o'opu alama'o, a freshwater fish found only in Hawaii. The sculptures will start from the planned Malama Learning Center (a gathering place for lessons about environmental responsibility) and will weave their way through the campus.
The last fish, sculpted out of bronze, will be placed in front of the library, a symbol of how Kapolei High School strives to produce quality thinkers and effective communicators.
What makes the o'opu the perfect symbol of the school is its determination to strive for the best, even if it means going against the flow.
This goby fish is both rare and unique. The fish scales waterfalls by using a suction cup disk on its belly to anchor itself to wet rocks, as well as pectoral fins to pull itself up.
Kapolei High is a new school that is different from many other schools because of its project-based learning, much like the o'opu is different from other fish because of its superb ability to swim against the currents and up waterfalls.
The artist behind these sculptures is Kazu Fukuda. After submitting a proposal, Fukuda was chosen by a group of art students, art teacher Lynn Kimble and staff and community members.
Fukuda attended the University of Hawaii, where he received a bachelor's degree in fine arts. He then earned his Master's of Fine Arts in sculpture at the University of Colorado.
While working at the Colorado Bronze Factory, he discovered that bronze sculpting was "an education in itself." A few years later he came back to Hawaii, where he taught art at Radford High School.
COURTESY OF KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL
Sculptures of o'opu alama'o, a freshwater fish found only in Hawaii, will be sculpted by artist Kazu Fukuda with the help of Kapolei students and placed around campus.
As a widely known and respected artist, Fukuda became involved in Art in Public Places, a state program that enhances and promotes visual arts. His sculptures and abstract art can be found across the nation as well as here on Oahu, at places like Campbell High School and Kuhio Elementary School.
The artist loves to get the students involved in his work. He believes that "knowledge is freedom," and wants to inspire students with that philosophy.
Fukuda has adopted Kapolei High School's philosophy of "one team" and has joined up with various students and staff to create a campus full of dynamic art: "I believe each student has a special skill to contribute into making the o'opu."
The first step in creating the sculptures is to research the fish. After investigating every aspect of the fish, the next step is to create a model out of clay, with which the ceramics students will be able to assist. Next, he makes a mold of the model and casts the pieces in concrete, with which the students will again aid him.
When all the fish are sculpted, a dedication ceremony will be held. There will be two plaques to educate staff, students and visitors about the o'opu.
The o'opu is a perfect match for Kapolei High School students and staff. As the students make their way through the school's campus and curriculum, they will have to work hard to achieve their goals, just as the o'opu works hard to maneuver the waterfall.
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About ‘Hawaii’s Schools’
Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their high school. This week's school is Kapolei High School.
Newspaper: Eye of the Hurricane Editor: Tiffany Garrett Faculty adviser: Leilani Ward Next week: Kahuku High School
Hurricane facts
Address: 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway Phone number: 692-8200 Fax number: 692-8255 Web site: www.k12.hi.us/~khshome Mascot: Hurricanes Colors: Teal, black and silver Principal: Alvin Nagasako Enrollment: 1,939 (capacity: 1,850) Number of faculty: 118 Established: July 2000 Number of clubs: 15 Number of sports: 18 (52 teams) Average classroom temperature: 70 degrees Girl-boy ratio: 49:51 Computers: 565 Electives: 123 State championships: Seven individual; two team Library books: 9,796
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You Asked...
"What do you consider to be
the most unique thing about
Kapolei High School?"
Ku'ualoha Kane
Freshman
"We are unique because of the diversity of people that we have here and how everyone is helpful and caring -- that whenever someone falls or gets hurt, someone helps you up or asks you if you are OK."Alex Leito
Freshman
"The teachers and the classes here are wonderful! We have a very nice campus. Kapolei is a peaceful place. Its athletic department is spectacular!"Brandi Yoro
Sophomore
"The students work as one team."Carlisle Catacutan
Junior
"We are the newest school on the island. What could be cooler?"Darlene Flores
Senior
"Our project-based learning system and the academies we have, because it helps us become more developed in the field we wish to pursue in the future."Sheldon Yoneda
Senior
"How all the classes intertwine with each other to create the curriculum."
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