LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i celebrated the graduation of nearly 700 students on Friday when the three public high schools were joined by a handful of charter schools in marking the end of a 13-year career in school by the graduating seniors.
Kaua‘i High School celebrated the commencement of 225 students with 32 valedictorians, as Vidinha Stadium was closed to the public on Friday and Saturday to accommodate the Red Raiders’ change in venue due to logistics.
“I’m excited,” said Cairee Quinones, one of the Kaua‘i High School graduation emcees. “I’m going to Pacific University to study computer science. “
Earlier in the week, Ellen Ching of the Boards and Commissions commented on the success of La‘akea Chun, a graduate of Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School. Chun, nominated by Ching with the strong support of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, became the youngest member of the Charter Review Commission after being installed by the Kaua‘i County Council.
“She had her first meeting,” said Ching during the Fire Commission meeting honoring four Kaua‘i Fire Department personnel. “She even succeeded in getting some things on the ballot for this coming election.”
A California grandmother was buying up copies of TGI with graduation coverage.
“I have relatives at Kaua‘i High School, and Kapa‘a High School. I’m going to Kapa‘a because of Carlee-Rose Keale,” the visiting grandma said.
“She’s a member of the state Division II softball. I followed that tournament online. When she was announced the pitcher of the Division II All-Tournament team, I said I was going to come. I need to bring back papers for all those people who didn’t come.”
Graduation also goes head-to-head with other major celebrations in marking the end of the school year and the start of summer.
On O‘ahu, television news reported a shortage of flowers to create lei for the grave markers at Memorial Day, and how creative Girl Scouts turned to creating yarn lei in the absence of fresh flowers.
The crashing celebrations continue on Saturday when Island School hosts graduation for 43 of its Voyager students at Wilcox Gymnasium starting at 10 a.m.
The Voyager celebration goes up against the Pride Parade and Festival, which takes place on the lawn of the historic County Building starting at 9 a.m.
