Thursday, May 28 marked a long-awaited commencement for the graduating seniors of Kahuku High and Intermediate School. The highlight of the graduation was a senior medley prepared several days in advance by the graduating seniors. A video of the medley performance has gone viral with over 3 million views on YouTube and was featured on news sources like BuzzFeed and Good Morning America.
“We started Monday and had six-hour practices each day from Monday to this Thursday,” said Tyson Vimahi, a graduating senior from Kahuku. The seniors performed to various modern and classic songs such as Wiz Kalifa’s “See You Again,” Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” and the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.”
Tei said, “It’s a tradition.” It began with a welcome from the Hawaiian immersion senior graduates.
After the procession of the red- and white-robed graduates, members of the Kahuku High and Intermediate junior ROTC conducted the posting of the American flag. The senior members of the Kahuku musical group Vocal Motion sang the National Anthem and the Hawai‘i Pono‘i.
Kenner Shumway, a 2014 graduate from Laie whose little sister walked, said, “It wasn’t too long, but I loved how the class was able to showcase everything from academics to athletics to musical talents.” He said he enjoyed watching the graduates have the same experience he had just a year earlier.
Senior class officers Elena Jacopo, Malia Tupola, Morgan-Melissa Muaina, and Tumusa Tei acted as the M.C.s for the ceremony. “I was nervous and felt it was awful,” said Tumusa Tei, originally from Kaneohe. “I’m a class officer, so it’s mandatory for us to M.C.” She shared her nerves about conducting the ceremony with her classmates.
The valedictory address was given by eight students and consisted of busting and confirming the many myths about going through high school.
The graduating seniors were lauded for the many scholarships awarded to them. Several other awards were given from faculty to the students for various accomplishments from athletics to community service. After the awards were given out, the ceremony proceeded with the presentation of diplomas.
Shumway said, “I think because music is such a huge part of the community, it just seems natural to include it in one of the most important events in the community.” The now-graduated seniors ended the ceremony singing the Kahuku Alma Mater.
After the recessional, the graduates celebrated outside of the CAC with family and friends. Vimahi said, “It’s sort of surreal, just thinking that I just walked down the stage and grabbed my diploma.” He expressed his excitement about the future of studying at Brigham Young University in Provo. He also shared his gratitude to those who supported the senior class. “It was all made possible just because we have good supportive families that love to help out.”