Waiakea High School

Waiākea High School is a public, co-educational secondary school in Hilo, Hawai'i. The school's mascot is the Warrior. It is part of the Hawaii State Department of Education. The school graduated its first class in 1980, and has about 1300 students.^[1] 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 Tomato Correa
Assistant Director: Donn Yamamoto
Assistant Director/Trainer: Kalei Namahala

Waiakea is a member of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation.

Waiakea has won state athletic championships in several sports, including 11 in boys golf, most recently in 2003. The Boys Air Riflery team also took the state championship in 2004 and in 2010.^[2]

In 1989, the boy's soccer team was the BIIF regular season champion.

In 1998 and 2000, the boy's baseball team was the BIIF season champions.

In 2003, the girl's swimming team took the State Championships in both freestyle and individual medley relays.

In 2008, Ryan Higa took 1st in state for his weight division for wrestling and took second in Judo.

In 2011, the boy's wrestling, track and field, and judo teams won BIIF championships.

In 2003 & 2009, the cheerleading team placed second at the State Championships.

In 2012, the cheerleading team placed second at the JAMZ National Cheer & Dance Competition.

Football BIIF Champions (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2002).

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 Kelcy 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.

The current principal, Kelcy 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 Haʻaheo Elementary School.

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 SLCs) include 9th and 10th grade houses and career academies for 11th and 12th graders. These academies include Business, Health and Fitness, 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.

A new all weather track and football field were constructed in 2008, replacing the original aging track and football field.

In 2002, a fire started overnight in building R and caused an estimated $400,000 in damage. The building was restored and reopened in 2005. ^[3]

In 2006, another fire broke out, purportedly started by an arsonist, causing a purported $1.5 million in damage. ^[4]

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 your hearts (in our hearts).

Famous Alumni

• Ryan Higa - popular YouTube sensation since 2006
• Onan Masaoka - Former professional baseball player (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• Darren Kimura - American Businessman
• Brad Tavares - MMA Fighter (UFC)
• Kodi Medeiros - baseball player
• Billy Kenoi - Mayor Hawaii County 2008-Present, WHS 1982-1986, Ironman 2014
• Ryan Kalei Tsuji - ABC affiliate KITV anchor/reporter , OCSports Commentator ,WHS 2001

External links

• Official Site
• Honolulu Star-Bulletin articles: "Waiakea shines at silver anniversary" and "School puts kids in real-world classroom"

References

Coordinates: 19°42′04″N 155°04′34″W / 19.70098°N 155.07610°W / 19.70098; -155.07610