More than 350 students enjoyed a free concert by the Last Minute and college exposure at Windward Community College’s 4th annual Senior Bash on April 11.
Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg said, “The purpose of today is getting all of our seniors across the entire Windward side in the schools that we serve ready to succeed in college.”
The students came from Windward area high schools and schools served by Windward CC, including: Kailua, Kalaheo, Castle, Kahuku, Ke Kula Kalapuni ʻŌ Ānuenue, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau, Hālau Kū Mānā and Olomana.
ʻŌlali Wong, a Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau senior, is already enrolled at Windward CC through the Early College program.
Wong said, “I’m really excited to meet new people to be honest, especially if there’s other students who are going to be continuing at Windward CC, just to make friends for next year.”
The annual Senior Bash is a chance for students to discover Windward CC’s programs and to feel a sense of belonging to the campus. This year, students also learned that Windward CC covers the first year of tuition for Windward Oʻahu public and charter high school graduating seniors from the Class of 2025. Through a grant from the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, the Hoʻolei Scholarship provides that first year of tuition not covered by other financial aid.
Castle High School senior Dayeisha Tauga described Windward CC as “right down the road” and has already been accepted.
“My family came here,” Tauga said. “I liked learning more about them and free tuition for the first year. It’s just a really good school and it’s a community that kind of reminds me of my family a little bit, so it’s a college that I’m comfortable with.”
Benjamin Roberts, a senior at Kahuku High School, said, “I didn’t think I was gonna go here, but after coming here, I feel a lot more interested in the program and the school.”
In February, Windward Community College was honored for its innovative efforts in higher education, earning the 2025 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. Presented by the American Council on Education (ACE), this award honors institutions that have implemented transformative changes to meet the evolving needs of students and their communities.
