From 'Ewa Beach, you can see ... the whole world.

Not in a physical sense, of course — Campbell High School is on the low-lying 'Ewa Plain, after all. But in the academic sense, there's no reason why Campbell students shouldn't get a glimpse of the possibilities after graduation, and an awakening to other cultures.

That's the thinking of its principal, Gail Awakuni, who helped bring the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to the campus. The college-preparatory program is used at Mid-Pacific Institute and at 2,000 schools beyond the Islands, but Campbell is the first of Hawai'i's public schools on the roster.

The program emphasizes independent research and writing and encourages the study of other languages and cultures. Service projects are stressed, too.

Campbell has encountered some significant challenges over the years, and is facing sanctions under the No Child Left Behind mandate. The school has committed to improving scores, and has had success.

For example: A decade ago, the percentage of Campbell graduates who went on to college stood at 10 percent. In 2006, 70 percent of graduates were enrolled in two- or four-year colleges.

This is a school that's struggling but is determined to offer its students the best opportunities. That's an inspiring attitude. Campbell's high achievers also deserve academic enrichment, and every chance to stretch their boundaries.