Wai'anae, Hawai'i
December 3rd, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

“A dream’s never too big, and in the end, it’s only you,” said Esteban Vilchez. “It’s you who has to decide what you want to be, what you need, what you what to do in life, because it’s you that’s gonna be your spine, your backbone. You need to think, is this gonna make me happy? Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?”

Wai’anae High School has, roughly, a 30-percent dropout rate. In his junior year, Esteban Vilchez became part of that statistic that dropped-out of Wai’anae High.

“The reason I left public school is to further my education and exceed in what I needed for my courses, and just for everything, so I can get ready for college,” said Esteban. “I really wanted AP Sciences- like AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics. I guess that I was skeptical, afraid that I wouldn't get enough information from Wai`anae High School.”

WHS offers a total of five Advanced Placement classes: two AP Literature and Composition, two AP Language and Composition, and one AP Calculus class. WHS Counselor Shane Nakamura said that Wai’anae High does not offer more AP classes because resources are being assigned to teach repeat classes for those that failed that specific class. But for those at WHS that want to be challenged in another way, there are other means.

“There is this program called Running Start. In Running Start, you can earn dual credit, high school and college credit," said Nakamura. "You can challenge yourself a lot. Last school year we started it off, we offered one English 100 class, so that was pretty innovative."

After Esteban left the public school system, he enrolled into Orion High School. Orion is an online schooling program that is accredited by Advanced Education. Orion is also an accepted schooling by Esteban’s goal college, John Hopkins University, which has one of the top education programs that Esteban feels he needs to achieve his goal career.

“At first I wanted to become a teacher, then an actor, and a architect,” said Esteban. “I decided I wanted to be a Biomedical Engineering just the science of it... I would study Biomedical Engineering to help the world, make a change and cure diseases.”

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 29th, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

Can do guys can do! Even though Waianae High School has not had a male cheerleader in three years, sophomore Stephen Kaopuiki decided to change that this year.

Kaopuiki never pictured himself cheering, he was the guy who would make fun of the cheerleaders. He thought cheerleading was so easy he could do it no problem, not knowing how much work it really is.

“I’ve never pictured myself cheering, I thought it was stupid but now I love it. I began to feel more comfortable being around a crowd and people," Kaopuiki said.

Kaopuiki decided to try out for the team.

“What encouraged me to jon was my friend Jazmine a returnee telling me to join," Kaopuiki said.

However after making the team and is experiencing his first year Kaopuiki is noticing that some people do talk about the cheerleaders especially Kaopuiki because he is the only male, he doesn’t care what other people think about him but say but he thinks “they shouldn’t knock it till they try it”.

Not only is Kaopuiki learning what people say about cheerleading, but he’s learning what work cheerleaders put.

Kaopuiki said, “I like stunting and dancing, its fun and I feel proud when I hit a stunt” and so he did.

Kaopuiki says his team is his support because they push and tell me to try new things. To illustrate Kaopuiki motivation to becoming the best he can be is to keep going because “once I hit it I feel proud”.

When being doubted by others one thing that can lift him back up is friends because ‘they help me improve so that I can prove the ones who doubted me wrong”.

Kaopuiki says if you like it and have fun doing it you shouldn’t need to care what others think. In the future he plans on coming back for his Junior year but doesn’t know yet if wants to get scholarships to do college cheerleading.

Stephen plans on showing his school spirit by doing what he loves for the next years to come.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 31st, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

According to the Hawaii Department of Education, truancy is considered a Chapter 19 Class C offense, punishable by law. At Waianae High School, it has become all too common. Although students around the state are introduced to the rules of Chapter 19 at the start of every year, many students are still unfamiliar with this offense.

“I didn’t know I couldn’t leave campus during recess and lunch, students do it all the time,” said senior Kayla Kauwe.

Waianae High School administration are working on a new plan to keep students in class and ready to learn. This new plan will involve the Honolulu Police Department, hopefully providing quicker results.

“Now if students are found in the act of truancy, we will identify the student and file a police report,” said Matsumoto.

Historically, students at Waianae High School do not feel that truancy this is a serious offense, Including attending family court and Saturday school.

“What would happen is we’d send the student and parents to family court and usually they would have to attend Saturday school,” said Waianae High School dean of students. "It takes too long, too much time wasted,” added Matsumoto.

Teachers and staff feel that this process is as effective as a slap on the wrist. Although this system has been around for a long time, the consequences have not been stopping students from leaving campus.

“The punishment is too lenient as far as administration or whoever is controlling it,” said Waianae High School custodian Mika Telona.

Although, some students are unaware of this offense, others do it just because they know they can get away with it.

“I feel kids leave school because they know they can. The security doesn’t stop us and their policies aren’t enforced,” said Waianae High School student union Treasurer Reynice Silva.

This new system has been long overdue and will hopefully have a bigger impact on student attendance.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
November 1st, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii



“I would say we serve about 1000 to 2000 families a month."

The Honolulu Community Action Program of the Leeward District provides support for the citizens of Wai`anae. The organization’s philosophy is all about self support.

“Cause everybody needs some kind of safety net in terms of what they need,” Head Manager of Leeward H.C.A.P, Val Taiva explains.

Not only is there the food event, that can help Wai`anae citizens. But also things like helping with taxes, getting an idea for better education and qualifying for bill credits.

In a month, they host different local events that low-income citizens of the Wai`anae coast can benefit from now and in the future. One event in particular, is the distribution of food which is a common issue for residents which is sponsored by the Hawaii Food Bank.

The Hawaii Food Bank is a nonprofit agency that collects, categorizes and stores perishable and nonperishable foods. Their mission is to serve and help the people of Hawaii, as they see everyone as one ohana and provide food to keep the ohana satisfied and never hungry.

It’s through the different charitable organizations, where the Hawaii Food Bank helps to sponsor food. One of the many 250 member agencies is H.C.A.P, where the event is hosted at Wai`anae Boat Harbor on the last two Tuesdays.

“Cause a lot of times food stamps don't really last the whole month and depends on what size your family is. So a lot of folks actually need food in Wai`anae,” Taiva explained.

“From the food I have money to pay the bills,” Sose Sosene said.

That is where the truth of Wai`anae’s poverty rate comes in line. Statistics from www.hawaii-demographics.com states in 2011, the percentage of poverty residents from Wai`anae is 15.6% compared to the rest of island. With that percentage being below, families from Wai`anae show a great turn out during the food events, thanks to the sponsor of Hawaii Food Bank each month. H.C.A.P doesn’t stop there as they want to keep helping people with getting their life on track.

“We do a lot of holiday projects, so its holidays coming up we do a lot of christmas projects for the homeless, for families in need,” Taiva informs.

The H.C.A.P won’t be stopping soon, as they been going on for 45 years and counting. With the start back in the 60s with the war in poverty.

In all, the Honolulu Community Action Program of the Leeward District gives the citizens of Wai`anae a chance hope taken for the better life.

“I’m happy, I’m happy with what I get, I appreciate what food I get,” Sosene said.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 29th, 2013

The Waianae High School bell rings, marking the end of another school day. Students file out of classes, ready to enjoy a relaxing three day weekend. However, hardly anyone moves a muscle in the Searider Productions building.  The atmosphere is anything but relaxing. The students are only hours away from producing a project that usually takes five-weeks in the next 24 hours.

Abilities are tested and limits are pushed in the race against time. The hunt for stories began earlier in the week. New mobile journalists and veterans alike found ways to ensure the success of their project despite running into crippling obstacles.

“I used to use procrastination as my crutch, but that’s not really an option in SP,” says SP Student Marcela Bator.

Some could argue that giving up precious weekend time is a questionable price for a completely optional event.

“Maybe if it were something I were passionate about, then I would probably stay. But you guys are crazy, just jumping right into it like that,” said Waianae High School student Lester Aquino. 

Still, there are others that believe in the power of new experience.

“This is something I want to do,” said Bator. “I’d say that they’re missing out, ‘cause we are here learning about work ethic and this is probably the toughest assignment we’re gonna get.”

Maybe not the toughest. The reason for the camp was also in preparation for Student Televison Network, a competition held in March to find the best of the best in the nation.

“I don’t wanna just meet, I mean, that would be nice, I’d like to not fail, but I’d also like to be one of the best,” added Bator. 

But under all the self-improvement that is emphasized, the real goal is to get the students to bond and interact. Twisted Twenty-Four knocks social barriers that might prevent the SP members from working together as a team.

It turns out that the purpose behind these hocurs aren’t so “twisted” after all. Exposing young adults to time pressure, social interactions, and real life career challenges isn’t just for kicks. How efficiently you perform with school work can tie directly in to your work ethic as a successful working adult.

At the end of the day, it’s the new wisdom that stays once the last laptop closes, marking the end of the day for a job well done.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 29th, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

It can be very difficult to feel comfortable in your own skin, especially if you’re a teenager. However, creative outlets like Drama Club have been proven to increase confidence, especially in teens.

Junior Rachel Marshall is living proof that the creative arts can change a person’s life.

“Before I joined drama club, I was really, well awkward and I didn’t have many friends and I just, I wasn’t having a good life. Drama club changed my ability to make friends because it helped me learn to trust people more, and they were like the first people that ever really heard me I guess,” said Rachel.

However, last year, Drama Club advisor Ms. VanHentenryck had to move, and the school decided not to hire a new Drama teacher, thus putting an end to Drama Club and any creative outlet the students had.

“When I was told that they might cancel drama club, I was really upset and kind of almost depressed because drama club was kind of the thing that brought me out of my shell and allowed me to meet so many amazing people that I really care about today,” said Rachel.

Rachel’s friend and club president Abreenie Padeken said, “Drama Club has really helped people come out of their shells and sparkle like jelly fish.”

Not only do these programs help students to “sparkle,” they have also been clinically proven to relieve depression among teens. According to an article Chris Iliades, MD wrote, art therapy is a unique approach to depression treatment that helps you get in touch with your feelings and use creative expression as an outlet.

With this in mind, you can imagine the relief Rachel felt when she found out another teacher would be taking over Drama Club.

“This year’s drama club seems to be pretty good so far, I miss my old advisor Ms. V, but the new ones seem like they’re pretty cool but it seems like they’ll do a good job.”

In addition, Rachel’s peers have witnessed firsthand the gains she’s made socially and emotionally since she joined Drama Club.

“Since Rachel joined Drama Club, she’s been more talkative, and I dare say, she’s made more friends because of it,” said Raeanna Labrador.

Rachel Marshall is living proof that something as simple as an after school activity can change a person’s life for the better. She found her sparkle.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 31st, 2013

The public school system is designed to educate all children. However, not all children are on the same educational level.

In the United States, Hawaii Public Schools are ranked “forty­second in education”, according to The Learning Coalition, a non­profit organization that focuses on assisting Hawaii Public School systems.

This means that some children are not being challenged or pushed to do more. Students who need the most help are failing to receive the help they need. On the opposite end an education system that tries to cater to all students will have some students fall through the cracks. Not just students who are under performing, but advanced students who need to be challenged.

That’s where one meets a student like Ethan Hoppe. Ethan is what most teachers would call above average because of the many traits he holds, which other students have not acquired yet.

Ethan Hoppe is a second grader attending Maili Elementary school, and is quite different from most eight year olds.

“For spelling mostly B’s, but for reading A’s,” said Ethan.

He enjoys reading books, and tries to grab a good book whenever he can.

By far, his favorite book is the Star Wars series. He likes to see and read “Ordon Yoda, all of the series. It’s all because it’s Star Wars, what I really like, and it also has a lot of jokes and drawings,” said Ethan.

Besides the Star Wars series, he enjoys reading Calvin and Hobbes strips. In one of the Calvin and Hobbes strips, that is where Ethan was introduced to a piece from Hamlet. Even Ethan’s dad knows that he is constantly gaining many skills from reading.

“That came from like a Calvin and Hobbes strip, but then that got him interested in Shakespeare,” said David Hoppe.

Ethan became so confident at reciting Hamlet, that he actually performed it.

“He took it from there and just went to the, went to the next level a bit, like a fundraiser at the farm...he recited it in front of like 200 people,” said David.

Not only does Ethan excel in his education, he also participates in numerous extracurricular activities. From music lessons to soccer, Ethan loves to spend his extra time finding things to occupy his time.

“We still try to challenge him here and there, we’ll just ask him a question...that you know...what is six plus fifteen? or something like that just to try and keep him on his toes,” said David Hoppe.

They may try to keep him on his toes at home, but how is he getting challenged at school?

“Like on either end, the slower students and the faster students, it’s like they kinda got of shoot for the middle, so that’s just kind of like what I understand about public schools,” said David.

So while the schools are busy aiming for the middle, where does that leave children like Ethan? Those children are left to become more reliant on their parents or legal guardians.

As for Ethan’s family, they try to enrich him and challenge him to make sure he stays “mentally and physically challenged,” David said.

This is why parents like David Hoppe are considering private schooling.

“I think he’s going to need to be enriched more,” he said.

This is what parents are resorting to because the public school system aren’t providing the children with enough education. Unfortunately, even though private schools may offer a better and more challenging curriculum, finances can be an issue in some families.

“When we can afford it, we’re going to send him to private school,” David said.

Ethan’s family are exploring the private school options, but as for right now, they will continue to provide Ethan with the push that he needs.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 29th 2013

McDonald’s is a 20 minute walk that serves food in the Wai’anae High School students' price range. They provide AC vents and a space, known as the dining room area. Its a convenience to students looking for a place to do what they please.

Students crowd the dining room of Wai`anae McDonalds, on a daily basis of the late afternoon, but they are making Wai`anae McDonalds better in sales as well as McDonalds benefiting them of having a job. McDonalds sales go up during school season versus any other season.

“Well during the school season after school when school gets done the kids normally come over so they help the noon sales, whereas during the summer time its pretty steady, but mainly at night we get the we get the little bit of business from the school kids.”

The after noon sales happen because of the students, they are the majority of the customers. During the summer times its steady, but its because of the students that things get busy and have action.

The kids aren’t the only ones giving benefits, but McDonalds benefits the students as well.

“They have me work 3 days a week so, I can do my school work and work at the same time.” “Flexible hours, they can work here after school and when they’re off of school so.”

McDonalds has about 8 to 10 Wai`anae students working through the week days. With the company, they understand that students need flexibility to manage work time and school work.

"McDonalds is a convenient, cheap and quick place for students to hang out, eat feel safe.Because the food is good and usually meet up with my friends.”

“Its just a cool chill place and its just who doesn’t like to eat at McDonalds? “Probably 3 or 2 a week after practice”.

Parents know where their kids are at, the people are friendly, the food is good and its just a calm and chill hangout spots for the teens. Wai`anae McDonald’s not only provides a second home for those students, but also an opportunity to become a part of their home.

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 29th, 2013

"I don’t know how the rest of the year’s going to go, but since it’s only the beginning of the year. So, I’m pretty good,” said Wai`anae High School Sophomore, Mosiah Brame, Junior Varsity Quarterback, when asked about his grades.

All high school athletes are required to keep at least a 2.0 average in order to stay in their choice sport, as well as having no Fs in their core classes, and keeping a ‘clean’ record. No constantly unexcused truancies, violent behavior, or insubordinate reports are allowed by the athlete, else they would either be on probation or left to consequences deemed by their school.

 “I’ve always wanted to be a football player growing up,” Mosiah said. “...I plan to go to college, um, Ohio State.” To stand out amongst a sea of jerseys in high school, to show that they are a special player, one would dream-but the reality is more than just a flicker of imagination. Pro-football leagues, like the NFL, only draft players who have at least 3 years of college experience

 “I know some students have qualified enough to play football at the next level, but weren’t able to make score and whatnot, so weren’t offered,” stated Wai`anae High School Counselor, Shane Nakamura.

Chances are very minimal that one could get into a decent college on a full-ride scholarship for football. 

Though chances are slim, it doesn’t stop the players from hoping, and loving the sport they play, “Everyone in my family played football, I wanted to take on the torch, you know, pass on the tradition,” Mosiah said.  

Wai'anae, Hawai'i
October 28th, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

John Quizon, a high school dropout, has faced challenges while going to Waianae High School.

“My grades and my ability to come to class. I was a very troubled kid at Waianae High," Quizon said. Because of that, he had become a 10 RR, later dropping out of school altogether. But rather than staying home and doing nothing, he decided to become a student at the Competency Based High School Diploma Program, also known as C-Base. The program is located at the Waianae Boys and Girls Club and has been in Waianae for 2 years, helping student pursue an alternative path of education.

John went from missing school 7 hours a day, 5 days a week of school, to going to school 4 hours a day, 3 days a week at C-Base. The program was made to help 5% of the student population who couldn’t make it through high school due to personal problems or financial issues. “It’s a 5 month class with five units and we take each unit and learn life skills,” Program Specialist, Michelle Wilkins said.

The units include occupational knowledge, community resources, and consumer economics, which provide each student with the basics they need to succeed in the real world. These skills can also help them in life financially, teaching them things like how to manage or open a bank account and find a job. "I just like building stuff and I would like to know how to make my own skate ramps and skate my own types of ramps," Quizon said.

In the end of July, John will be taking his final exam to see if he can get closer to reaching his goal in being an architect. One day, he would like to build his very own state park where he can skate, appreciate and show off his design.