Nānākuli High and Intermediate School (NHIS) brought students together on March 4 for its “Spring Into the Spotlight Assembly,” an event celebrating student Achievements, athletic accomplishments, and the many programs that represent the school. The assembly also introduced a new recognition segment called the “Hawk Walk of Honor,” a tradition the school hopes will continue in the future. 

The event focused on recognizing students, staff, and organizations for their dedication and success throughout the school year while giving the school community a chance to celebrate those accomplishments together. 

The assembly took place in the school gym, where students gathered to watch different groups and individuals be recognized. As the event began, the gym quickly filled with energy as students cheered for their classmates and school programs. 

The Nānākuli Performing Arts Center (NPAC) opened the assembly with a performance, setting the tone for the celebration and showcasing the talent of the program as it celebrated 35 years of performing arts at the school.

A major highlight of the assembly was the debut of the “Hawk Walk of Honor.” During this segment, groups and individuals were called up separately and took turns walking down the gym aside while the audience cheered and applauded for them. Instead of simply standing at the front of the gym, participants were able to walk across the court in front of the school community, creating a moment that celebrated their accomplishments.

The purpose of the Walk of Honor is to recognize students who represent the school through academics, athletics, and extracurricular programs while building school pride and encouraging support among peers. 

Another student, Sophomore Varsity Basketball player Zhyrisen Kahalekai, described the moment simply. 

“It felt good,” he said. “It felt like we owned the world.”

NHIS Principal Dr. Christine Udarbe said she appreciated the idea of bringing the school community together to celebrate these achievements.

“I thought it was phenomenal,” she said, “I really loved the concept and the idea of celebrating our students — our student athletes, performers, robotic students, Youth of the Year nominees and awardee, as well as our faculty and staff.”

Several individuals and organizations were recognized throughout the assembly for their achievements. Farm to Table grant winners Khiara Kaleiwahea and Jeremiah Magallones were acknowledged for their accomplishments and walked down the aisle as their names were announced.

Other groups included Robotics, NPAC, ISA sports, Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Nominees and Awardee. The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year nominees were Matthew “Messiah” Cargo, Promise Jellings-Faletogo, and Uriah Aranas, with Cargo winning Youth of the Year.

“It was a nice opportunity to be able to be recognized for my achievements, but it was better to see what everyone else accomplished,” Jellings-Faletogo said. “For a lot of people who walked down that day, I had no idea they were part of that program or that they had accomplished that certain thing.”

In addition to student recognitions, the school leadership team held a surprise segment honoring teachers for their dedication and hard work in supporting students.

Winter sports were also recognized for their hard work and dedication throughout their seasons. Athletes from different teams were called up and walked down the aisle as their accomplishments were announced, giving the school community a chance to acknowledge the efforts athletes put into representing NHIS.

Sophomores Atheena Puou and Kupeʻehina McGinn said they appreciated seeing the athletes recognized.

“I really liked how student government tried something new, even though it might have been difficult to organize. I also liked the recognition for all the sports because I’m part of paddling, so it was really nice to see that,” Puou said

McGinn added, “I think it was a smart idea to recognize the winter sports because earlier in the year they recognized sports like football and volleyball. It was good to see the other sports that also represent Nānākuli High School getting recognition.”

Librarian Pam Yuen said it was important to acknowledge the work happening across campus.

“I thought it was great,” she said. “I think it’s really important for us to recognize a lot of people who work behind the scenes and are doing a great job.”

Student Activities Coordinator Robin Kitsu, who helps organize school events, explained that the idea for the Walk of Honor came after plans for another assembly changed.

Originally, a different assembly had been scheduled but was later canceled. Organizers still wanted to create an event that would recognize students, which led to brainstorming new ideas.

“We brainstormed different ways to do it besides just calling teams up to the front, so we came up with the idea of a ‘Walk of Honor,’” Kitsu said.

He explained that while the first event served as a trial run, organizers are already thinking about ways to improve it in the future. The goal is to continue recognizing students who represent the school and community through sports, activities, and leadership.

“When they succeed, it reflects well on both the school and the community,” Kitsu said.

The Spring Into the Spotlight Assembly highlighted the many accomplishments of Nānākuli students and staff while introducing a new way to celebrate those achievements.

As the school reflects on the first Hawk Walk of Honor, many hope the event will continue in future assemblies, creating a lasting tradition that recognizes the hard work and success of the Nānākuli school community.