Kahuku seniors give back to school
| • | Scholarships reflect family's love of Kahuku |
By Shayna Coleon
Advertiser Staff Writer
The seniors of Kahuku High and Intermediate School didn't want to leave without saying thanks.
During graduation tonight, they will award the school a $5,000 endowment as a way of giving back to their alma mater and the close-knit community that has supported them.
The endowment will come from their Project Graduation money, a total of $55,000 raised for their after-commencement party.
"Without the school as a whole, we wouldn't be where we are today," said senior Brandi Nihipali. "So we decided we should save something for the next class, and then they can do it for the next. It's just a way of thanking the school and helping everyone else out along the way."
The Project Graduation committee also planned to use some of the money to award $500 scholarships to two students, to be announced tonight, said principal Lisa DeLong.
"This year, the students and parents really raised the bar to a tremendous standard," DeLong said. "I'm very proud that the students have the belief that when someone helps you, you will remember that, and you'll want to give back."
Most of the $55,000 was raised during a carnival held in the community, and the Project Graduation committee was shocked when it exceeded its $35,000 goal, said Margaret Priacio, assistant chairman.
"That carnival came as a total surprise," Priacio said. "It was so great and heart-warming to see parents and the community reaching out to help these students."
Nihipali, whose parents were part of the committee, said when their class realized the incredible amount of community support, the seniors wanted to be the first Kahuku class to create an endowment for their school to show their appreciation.
Priacio said more than 95 percent of the seniors, about 270 graduates, will participate in Project Graduation, a drug-free, alcohol-free celebration that lasts all night.
The newest alumni of Kahuku High will visit three destinations, and one senior will win a Ford Explorer through a student lottery during the night's events. The Explorer is being donated by Windward auto dealer Mike McKenna.
Senior Jerold Martinez, 17, said the entire class is excited because no one knows where they're headed after graduation ceremonies.
"It's all a secret," Priacio said. "All the students know is that they'll be sharing a meal, getting their feet wet and dancing the night away. It's a nice way to spend graduation because it raises students' awareness that their lives are valuable, and that we want them to be substance free."
Many graduates also see Project Graduation as the last time for their entire class to be together, said 17-year-old LeGrand Goo. Goo's mother, Helen Goo, was the committee chairperson.
"It's been a real fun, special year," LeGrand Goo said. "And, Project Graduation gives you that last class activity, that last time you'll probably see some people in class and then go off to do your own things."
