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Kidani\u2019s Korner\u2026Sen. Michelle Kidani<\/em><\/p>\n Late May and early June are filled with celebrations for many Oahu families as the school year ends with honors assemblies and graduation ceremonies.<\/p>\n I was in the audience at Blaisdell Center May 29 for Waipahu High School\u2019s commencement, and everyone there was definitely in a mood to celebrate.<\/p>\n Some 560 seniors marked the end of their high school careers \u2014 and what a year it was!<\/p>\n Ever since principal Keith Hayashi and his dedicated corps of teachers and administrators refocused the school on college and career readiness, a new \u201ccan do\u201d spirit has taken over.<\/p>\n The results are clear: Waipahu High was cited as one of five Hawaii public high schools that increased the number of graduates going to college by 10 percent or more over a twoyear period.<\/p>\n Head Start, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, put on a Read Aloud event at Waikele Elementary. Pictured are (from left) state Sen. Michelle Kidani, Waikele vice principal Kevin Ginoza, Kapolei-to- Waipahu Head Start program manager Suzie Uyeda and Head Start director Lynn Cabato. PHOTO FROM SEN. KIDANI\u2019S OFFICE.<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n The Class of 2012 sent 43 percent of graduates off to college; the Class of 2014 enrolled 53 percent in college.<\/p>\n Numbers aren\u2019t available for the current class, but it\u2019s likely we can expect an even higher percentage since more than 160 seniors who received their diplomas this year \u2014 nearly a third of the class \u2014 already had earned college credits Here are some other numbers to celebrate: Thirteen graduates shared the honor of being designated class valedictorian this year; nine graduating seniors were named National Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa, the nation\u2019s oldest and most prestigious honor society; and the Class of 2015 earned a staggering $15.2 million in scholarships and grants for exceptional achievements in academics and athletics.<\/p>\n Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the successes of Waipahu High School\u2019s students, including the proud families of these young men and women.<\/p>\n![\"Head](\"https:\/\/hawaii.carpentermediagroup.com\/midweekpro\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2015\/06\/Screen-Shot-2015-06-08-at-2.07.41-PM.png\")
\nthrough the school\u2019s early college initiatives.<\/p>\n