Kahuku HS Graduation Senior Medley and haka for 2023

For several years we've been highlighting the unique graduation ceremonies of Kahuku High School on Oahu's North Shore because, well, it brings us joy.

The high school has gained national attention for its graduation which includes a  celebration that incorporates bleacher choreography, singing and climaxed with a haka performed by the male members of the senior class.

This last February, the high school was featured in a 30-minute segment on NFL 360 since the Kahuku Red Raiders had won two straight championships and several alumni have gone on to careers in professional football.

Last night, the high school was shown on the popular reality show, American Idol, as it gave an honorary degree to Iam Tongi, who was named this year's winner in the singing competition. Tongi was born in the North Shore and attended the school before his family moved to the mainland.

The 1,400 student body is 83% Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian and Asian and they celebrate its island heritage during the graduation ceremonies.

In these uneasy times as America seeks to right itself, anything that brings pride and joy should be celebrated such as the graduation of the next generation of AANHPI who will carry on the fight seeking equity,  justice, economic security and visibility.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.