More than 300 high school students from Windward Oʻahu converged and grooved at Windward Community College for the second annual Senior Bash on February 27.
The day included an inspiring speech by alumna Shar Tuiasoa, author and illustrator of Punky Aloha, hands-on workshops, tours of the campus, and ended with lunch and a reggae concert by The Vitals 808 to celebrate the Class of 2024’s upcoming graduation.
“The entire event was electric, and to experience it on the most beautiful campus on Oʻahu was a treat,” said Tuiasoa. “These kids are so lucky!!! I so wish I had something like this when I was in high school.”
The massive outreach event included Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Hawaiʻi P–20 and Harold K. L. Castle Foundation representatives. The goal was for the students to learn about Windward CC’s programs and to feel a sense of belonging on the campus.
“We accomplished these objectives by providing them with engaging workshops and activities and opportunities to connect with our faculty, staff and students, to experience firsthand ‘He pūnāwai kahe wale ke aloha,’ serving and supporting with aloha, which is one of Windward CC’s core values,” said co-organizer Cyndy Masatsugu.
Participating seniors were from mostly Windward high schools: Kailua, Kalāheo, Castle, Kahuku, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau, Hālau Kū Māna, and Olomana.
Co-organizer Alysa Tomasa said, “Senior Bash is an opportunity to mālama the graduating seniors from our secondary school partners, primarily from the Windward District, and show them that Windward CC can be a wonderful start to their journey in higher education.”
