COURTESY OF MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL McKinley High School, with its landmark statue of President William McKinley, is home to a wide variety of special programs and activities for students.

Varied activities,
programs help
students excel

Passion for drama

---

By Oscar Loui
McKinley High School

U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Carole Kai, former Gov. George Ariyoshi, former U.S. Sen. Hiram Fong and Duke Kahanamoku are just some notable McKinley alumni. Many graduates, equipped with the skills learned at McKinley, have gone on to become highly successful. With the wide range of activities and opportunities offered to students, many have excelled and found their passion.

With continued support from the community, McKinley's extracurricular programs enjoy success every year. Alumni, parents, friends and others in the community contribute greatly to the accomplishments of McKinley's academic and athletic programs.

Roughly 260 students participate in the music department, whether it be through band, orchestra, guitar, choir or piano.

"I believe that the music program here at McKinley allows students to express themselves in music," said Donna Hesch, McKinley's band and orchestra director. "It also promotes musical excellence and provides students with opportunities they would not normally have."

The McKinley athletic program provides a popular activity for students wishing to exercise or compete in sports. A member of the OIA Eastern division, McKinley offers 20 different sports, most with boys' and girls' programs.

This year, the McKinley Tigers varsity football team fought their way to the semifinals of the state championships, taking third in the state.

McKinley athletes have received All-American honors, OIA first-team positions and recognition for their excellence in sports.

The math team at McKinley also does well, competing against public and private school teams from all over the state. Last year, McKinley placed the highest of the public schools and tied with Kamehameha for third place overall. Team members meet once or twice a week to prepare for the tournament by completing 30-page worksheets and learning new mathematical techniques.

Andrew Lum, co-captain of the varsity team, said: "I think that our math team and the various math competitions provide an opportunity for students to show their talent for math. We also have one of the top math programs here at McKinley, and the teachers have a great deal of knowledge and techniques they want to share."

McKinley also offers a graphic arts program that partners with Repographics Inc., a company that prints materials for the Department of Education. Students in the program learn how to use a printing press, silk-screen shirts, create business cards and design Powerpoint presentations. Using the computer and graphics software, students design their own logos and art. The program includes classes like Industrial Arts and Drawing and Painting. Students can also learn how to develop negatives and photos in a darkroom, located on campus.

The Academy of Finance is also available, aiming to educate students about business and finance.

This year, the AOF has partnered with Hawaii Pacific University to give seniors an opportunity to enroll in HPU courses. The program also worked with Hawaii USA Credit Union to found a branch at McKinley, enabling students to open their own accounts.

Teachers also have "Dress for Success" days, in which AOF students dress in business suits and deliver presentations.

Students participating in the program also went on a camp together, and plan to go to Arizona later this year to attend a business conference. During the summer, internships are available to students who wish to gain job experience.

Each year, the graduating class garners more than half a million dollars through independent scholarships. Thirty percent of graduating seniors go on to a two-year college, while 40 percent go on to a four-year college. Last year, the McKinley Foundation, an organization of alumni who support the school and current students, awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships.

Click for online
calendars and events.