Stepping Up

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  November 25, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii
  
  According to bigstory.ap.org, almost a third of this year's high school graduates who took the ACT tests are not prepared for college-level writing, biology, algebra or social science classes. “Compared to other students in the state, I don’t feel like I’m ready,” said Wai’anae High School senior Gloria Baniaga.
  
  The state of Hawaii offers two types of diplomas, a regular high school diploma and the Board of Recognition Diploma. The Board of Recognition Diploma not only holds students to the same elements as the regular high school diploma, but also requires students to pass the Algebra 2 end of course exam, complete a senior project and earn one more credit of math.
  
  “I know that this is a challenge for me, but I want the BOE recognition diploma because I work hard in class so I want to be recognized for all my hard work,” said Wai’anae High School senior Alyssa Jade Grande.
  
  Although students struggle to meet these requirements, teachers and staff hope that a little added pressure will help prepare students for college. “I think a healthy bit of struggle is important because if you’re not struggling you’re not expanding and challenging yourself basically you’re just cruising and doing assignments in class,” said Wai’anae High School Academic Counselor Shane Nakamura.
  
  The current requirements for the BOE diploma have been in effect for the graduating class of 2013, 2014 and 2015, but this too did not have the effect that officials hoped for. “Out of all the students who graduated from Waianae High School 10% got accepted to a four year university and 20% got accepted to a two year college,“ said Nakamura.
  
  In the year 2016 the requirements are to change yet again. There will be four types of diplomas, the basic high school diploma, the Academic Honors, the CTE honors and the STEM honors. “So they’re really upping the standards,” said Nakamura.
  
  Some students strive for these requirements. “Boe Recognition diplomas are important because it shows you took the effort to accomplish more than your peers.” said senior Alissa Cateil
  
  Others feel that receiving this diploma is nothing more than just the icing on the cake. “I don’t think getting BOE Recognition Diploma is important because colleges don’t require it.” said senior Jonathan Dannog.
  
  “Boe Recognition diplomas are important because it shows you took the effort to accomplish more than your peers.” said senior Alissa Cateil
  
  Although the requirements for recognition diplomas require more rigorous standards, it is the challenge students need to prepare themselves for college level courses.

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Looking Back

I learned more about the graduation statistics here at Wai'anae High School and I think it's a good thing that they are making higher standards for students who want to pursue more than a basic diploma.


Courtney Anne Aboy, Reporter

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 During this project, I met many people in this school who are very driven to succeed. I'm very proud to call them Seariders- roughing out the waves of life, gripping onto the fin of their dreams, and diving head-first into the ocean of triumph.

Abreen Padeken, Photographer

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