Waiakea High School

Waiākea High School is a public, co-educational secondary school in Hilo, Hawai'i. The school's mascot is the Warriors. It is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. The school graduated its first class in 1980, and has about 1300 students. [ [http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/infodesk/aboutwhs.htm WHS Online ] ] It is across the street from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The campus boasts the sculpture "Landscape on the Ocean" by Satoru Abe. Waiakea High School's crosstown rival is Hilo High School.

Athletics

Athletic Director: Tommy CorreaAssistant Director: Donn YamamotoAssistant Director/Trainer: Kalei Namohala

Waiakea is a member of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Island_Interscholastic_Federation]

Waiakea has won state athletic championships in several sports, including 9 in golf, most recently in 2003. The Boys Air Riflery team also took the state championship in 2004. [ [http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/athletics/index.html WHS Online ] ]

In 1989, the boys soccer team was the BIIF regular season champion.

In 2003 Girls Swimming took the State Championships in both freestyle and individual medley relays.

Principals

Waiakea High School has had a number of principals over its history. They are as follows in chronological order: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba, and currently Kelsy Koga.

A Honolulu Star-Bulletin article (published Monday, February 18, 2002) states, "Since its beginning, Waiakea has had six principals: Robert Bean, John Sosa, Danford Sakai, Michael Tokioka, Patricia Nekoba and currently Judith Saranchock. It has had three principals and two interim principals in the past four years." It is uncertain if all "three principals and two interim principals" were included in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin's list.

Principal John Sosa was seen as a kind and gentle principal. Danford Sakai, who succeeded Sosa, was viewed as a strict, disciplinarian with a "tough guy" image. Many a time at school assemblies, Sakai would do one-handed push-ups in front of all the teachers and students as a morale booster.

The current principal, Kelsy Koga, returned to Waiakea High School after the retirement of Dr. Patricia Nekoba, who left in December 2006. He previously served as Vice Principal until his departure for Ha'aheo Elementary School.

Classes

Freshmen (2012): Dragons

Sopohmores (2011): Pandas

Juniors (2010): Jaguars

Seniors (2009): Sharks

Restructuring

Waiakea High School in 2003 began restructuring itself into Smaller Learning Communities from money allocated through a federal grant. These Smaller Learning Communities (more commonly referred to as SLC's) include 9th and 10th grade houses and career academies for 11th and 12th graders. These academies include Business, Health and Fittness, Public and Human Services, Pacific Rim Cultures and Natural Resources, Industrial Technology and Engineering, and Arts and Communications.

Waiakea has also added a Mentorship program, which is required for all upper level students. Students are placed into a mentorship based on academy preference.

Alma Mater

Ha`aheo O Waiakea:
When we sing to you Waiakea High,
Your name rings far and true (far and true)
We stand in pride and loyalty,
As we sing this song to you,
From your mountains high and your waters so broad,
Our love will never part,
Waiakea high you will always be, firmly standing in our hearts,
Waiakea high you will always be, firmly standing in our hearts (in our hearts).

External links

* [http://waiakeahigh.k12.hi.us/index.html Official Site]
* [http://starbulletin.com/2002/02/18/features/story3.html Honolulu Star-Bulletin articles: "Waiakea shines at silver anniversary" and "School puts kids in real-world classroom"]

References