[Hawaii's Schools]
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Kealakehe teeming Here at Kealakehe High School, there is always something good going on. From sports events to canned-food drives, you name it, we do it. The students involved with the student council at Kealakehe are constantly planning activities for the student body's entertainment.
with activity
From sports to food drives,
students at the Big Island high
school practice involvementKealakehe seniors savor last dance
Junior talent show highlights abilities diverse and versatileABOUT THIS PAGE
YOU ASKEDBy Katie Ogin
Kealakehe High SchoolThe 2001-2002 school year kicked off with the freshman orientation. This was a day that consisted of fun games and icebreakers to give the incoming freshmen a taste of the spirit that fills the halls here at KHS. The orientation was facilitated by the upperclassmen of Kealakehe High School.
In September, Kealakehe put on its first homecoming and its first homecoming parade. The parade of cheers and colors began at Halehalawai (a pavilion at the center of Alii Drive) and ended at the old airport (at the end of Alii Drive). In the groundbreaking football game that followed, Kealakehe went up against, and beat, Keaau.
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In November, KHS had a canned-food drive, in which our school collected 800 cans of food. Also in November, student council members from around the Big Island met at Volcano National Park to take part in a leadership retreat. The purpose of the retreat was for the Big Island councils to get together and share ideas for the upcoming school year.In February, Kealakehe High School students took a day from their busy schedules to facilitate a day of fun for the students of Kealakehe Elementary, called Wacky Olympics. This day consisted of sports, games and competition and fun. At the end of this high-powered day, each elementary student was given a certificate of participation to take home and hang on their walls.
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Kealakehe seniors As the last days of a senior loom near, days become more and more meaningful as students realize that they will never be able to live them again. Only two events remain, Senior Ball and graduation, and for many these will be their high school milestones.
savor last dance
The Senior Ball is a chance for
many to party in style like
it's going out of styleKealakehe High School staff
With Kealakehe's graduation coming up in June, where the graduating seniors will be only the second class to graduate, only one other event is as exciting, the Senior Ball, a long tradition for all high schools toward the end of school.
For many, Senior Ball is not just a dance; it represents how far they have come throughout high school, from the days as a freshman wandering aimlessly through the vast halls that at one time seemed so intimidating, to the day they can hold their heads up high, clutching that little piece of paper that took them four years to earn. The Senior Ball is not something to glorify a high school career; it is just there for the sole purpose of having fun.
Kealakehe High's Senior Ball was held this year at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on March 9. In the days prior to the ball, the countdown began, and the guys were on the mission of trying to find the perfect date, while girls had it much easier, sitting back and waiting to be asked by their hopeful "Prince Charming." For many, a date does not even matter, and for those who choose to go "stag," it means fewer hassles and probably more fun.
"Being on the not so attractive side makes it hard to get the ladies," said Gabe Harris about why he went stag. "It's just more fun because you don't have some girl that you don't even like hanging on your shoulder all night."
Regardless of whether a date is found, there is also the financial issues of tickets, a dress or tux, flowers, a limo and countless other incidentals. For many the financial burden empties their wallets. To compensate, people start saving months in advance or take up part-time jobs.
Whoever said students do not need money to have fun obviously did not go to a prom. Tickets can range from $40 to $100 per person, plus $75 and up for a dress or tux that is probably going to be worn only one night for a few hours.
The least a student would have to pay is around $150, but that number can easily increase into hundreds of dollars, depending on how extravagant they want to get. The money alone turns many people away from prom.
"Tuxedos are too expensive; buying the tickets and making plans just didn't work for me," said Erik Tremain, on why he did not attend the Senior Ball.
Kealakehe High chose to go with a "Moulin Rouge" theme. "Just for One Night" was the theme quote.
"The theme of 'Moulin Rouge' doesn't mean anything to me; it means you can just wear sexy clothes, although I personally prefer a more modest dress," said Misa Maruyama.
For Jason Breed, "Just for One Night" meant "you have to spend all this money, and it's all just for one night."
So even though prom has its ups and downs, it is still something special to high school students and should be cherished and remembered by those that have already been to one or plan on attending one.
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As the first act of the Kealakehe High School Junior Talent Show walked on stage, the usually noisy cafeteria became oddly silent as teachers, students and parents waited to hear the talented performances the students had to offer. Junior talent show highlights
abilities diverse and versatileBy Megan Seeley
Kealakehe High SchoolThey were not disappointed. Students from all grades sang, played instruments and performed other abilities for the chance at the first-place award.
The show consisted of three bands, two solos, one martial artist, guitarists, singers and more.
In addition to the entertainment, the Japanese class sold authentic Japanese food to raise money for their trip to Japan, and door prizes ranging from koa trees to gift certificates were given away between acts.
As the judges tallied their votes, the crowd was entertained by junior class counselor Virginia Lawson and her partner, who performed a medley of different dancing styles.
Finally, the winners were announced. In third place was Adam Sonson, who amazed the audience with his expert martial arts technique. In second place was Dean Schaumburg with his guitar and song solo.
The band Unlimited -- consisting of Matt Liulama, Wes Espiritu, Colin Coleman, Roderick Palafox and Richard Chan -- won first place.
The talent show's master of ceremonies was Becca Petrowich who, with the help of Kealakehe High dance teacher Ms. Ama, was responsible for the organization that allowed the talent show to be put on.
Tickets sold for $3 and went to the junior class treasury.
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ABOUT THIS PAGE
Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their high school. This week's school is Kealakehe High School on the Big Island.
Newspaper: The Wave
Editor: Katie Ogin
Staff writers: Bryson Alcordo, Kekoa Cahill, Amanda Engelhard, Morgan Kruger-Burgess, Jenna Lasich, Brandon Lindsey, Blake Peckham, Kevin Richardson, Ely Sather, Megan Seeley, Cheyenne Summer
Faculty adviser: Robin O'Hara
Next week: Kaiser High School
Kealakehe facts and figures
Address: 74-5000 Pouhuluhuli St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: 327-4300
Founded: 1998
Principal: Wilfred Murakami
Vice principals: Tim Lino, Brian Simone and Ruth Smith
Athletics director: Jimmy Kalaukoa
Nickname: Waveriders
Colors: Blue, white and silver
Mission statement: Encouraging participation among students, parents, faculty, staff and the community by offering curriculum that will address multi-intelligence and awareness; providing a safe environment that expects mutual respect; and providing opportunities in which all students can develop their gifts and talents to be productive members of the community.
BY THE NUMBERS
Enrollment: 1,319 (749 boys, 570 girls)
Faculty: 87
Library books: 24,210
Computers: 550
Laptops: 70
Stairs: 970
INTERESTING TRIVIA
>> The first two classes of students -- the first graduating class of 2001 and the class of 2002 -- voted on the school colors and the school mascot when they were seventh- and eighth-graders.>> Upcoming events include junior prom, on April 27 at the Keauhou Beach Resort; and graduation ceremonies, on June 1, held on the Kealakehe High School front lawn.
>> On-campus clubs include the Interact Club, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Travel Club, Hiking Club, Math League and the All-Americans.
>> Vision: Harmony, Unity and Community Through Dynamic Education for Everyone, Every Time.
>> This year's schoolwide theme is "Take Two."
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Tyson Vea YOU ASKED
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?
Compiled by Blake Peckham
Sophomore
"The Tick, because he represents small people."Jairus Mahoe
Sophomore
"Maui, the 'Hawaiian Superman,' so I can make the days longer and play music all day."Ashley Shimamoto
Sophomore
"Superwoman, because she's the only girl superhero."Ryan Campogan
Junior
"Spider-man, because he can climb walls."Charles Kaneshiro
Junior
"Bart Simpson, because he's the man."Matt Akiona
Senior
"Superman, because he can do anything."Robert Kojis
Freshman
"Superman, so I would fly around."Maile Silva
Freshman
"The Powerpuff Girls, so we could save the world before bedtime."Erin Goodall
Junior
"The Powerpuff Girls, so we could save the world before bedtime."Carlen Crockett
Junior
"Storm from the X-Men, because she can have control of nature to defend against her enemies."
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