With the theme of “Waiakea Warriors… Hawaii’s Treasure,” Waiakea High School celebrated Homecoming Week Sept. 23-28.
With the theme of “Waiakea Warriors… Hawaii’s Treasure,” Waiakea High School celebrated Homecoming Week Sept. 23-28.
“This year’s theme emphasized the natural beauty and aloha spirit of Hawaii, which made it easy for the Homecoming Committee to plan the week’s exciting activities,” said Student Government Association President Lindsey Kimura.
“Class spirit and participation were at an all-time high with students kicking off the week wearing their class T-shirt or their respective class colors. The opening rally consisted of competitions between classes: banner, cheer, mascot, shields, and gym decorations. The introduction of the 2013 Homecoming Court and a surprise announcement of the Homecoming Parade grand marshals were highlights of the program,” said Kimura.
After the morning competitions, Buster Fritz, a class of 2013 graduate and first-place winner in the 2013 Variety Show, entertained the students as they picnicked in the quad.
Camouflage attire was abundant, as Tuesday was declared “Hunt, Fish, and Dive Day.” At lunch, students who were dressed as hunters, fishermen and divers fished for freebies and played games of skill.
Wednesday was “Diamond in the Sky Day,” which celebrated the Big Island’s mountains, observatories, stars and galactic discoveries. Dressed in glitzy, shiny attire, or Diamond brand attire, students participated in an obstacle course and answered Big Island trivia questions during lunch recess.
“Lucky U Live Hawaii 5-0” was recognized on Thursday as students wore aloha attire and promoted the spirit of living in Hawaii. It was the school’s fourth year of promoting this day, an inception when the new “Hawaii 5-0” series first began. Students provided chanting, hula and Tahitian entertainment, answered trivia questions and were given samples of edible Hawaiian treats.
On “School Pride Friday,” Warriors eagerly awaited the annual Male Cheerleading Competition. After weeks of practicing, each grade level performed and provided their captivating audience with cool moves and energetic enthusiasm.
In the afternoon, the Homecoming Parade honored science teacher Layne Takahashi and counselor Toni Sakai-Kawada as the grand marshals. Kimura added, “For many years, these individuals have dedicated much of their time to the athletic and student government programs, and have generously provided academic guidance to the many students whom they have encountered. We are happy to recognize them.”
The football games against Konawaena High School followed, and despite the losses, the Warrior spirit continued to prevail throughout the evening as the four classes presented their male cheerleading routines, the current and alumni cheerleaders performed, the court was introduced, and the football parents provided entertainment and the lighting of the W-H-S letters.
The week came to a close with a Homecoming Dance on Saturday night.
Reigning over the week’s festivities were King Devin Preston and Queen Kylie Robertson; seniors Austin Kuahuia and Vanessa Ignacio; juniors Coleman Chaves and May Chang; sophomores Joey Ongais and Sayge Ramos; and freshmen Kien Uyeda and Haruko Harbour.
The results of the week’s activities were: Banner: junior class, first place; seniors, second; gym decorations: sophomores, first; juniors, second; shields: seniors, first; sophomores, second; mascot: seniors, first; juniors, second; cheer: seniors, first; freshmen and juniors, tied for second; male cheerleading: seniors, first; juniors, second; parade: juniors, first; seniors, second.