Talk about surprise. Driving by this sign, I nearly broke my neck with a double-take. My name on a billboard--wow--and also the name of my co-worker, HIKI NO producer/editor extraordinaire Lawrence Pacheco. Thank you, Waialua High, for the fancy-dancy treatment!
Lawrence and I were guests at a potluck dinner and discussion at the North Shore school, as Waialua High's team student journalists prepared for an assignment as a "home base" school on one of PBS Hawaii's HIKI NO weekly newscasts. That means they're going to serve as anchors and generally host the half-hour program. Teacher Andrew Cole, with a ready laugh that approaches glee, is the team advisor and a 30-year veteran of the school.
I was introduced to special-ed teacher Albert Grande's pizza, incorporating ingredients grown on campus. Can't be topped! And the students' homemade manicotti and adobo...so ono!
The Waialua students range from a freshman to seniors, quite a few of them in AP (Advanced Placement) courses. Not one of them plans a career as a journalist. However, they all love digital media and believe it'll help them no matter what they do. Careers being entertained: Pacific archaeologist, engineer, Army officer, nurse...
Lawrence and I gave some advice to the students, but mostly we all just got to know each other. Even though this was an evening gathering, principal Randi Ann Porras-Tang stopped by and so did student activities coordinator Gwen Lavarias and the teacher behind the excellent pizza, Mr. Grande. (His Twitter tag is @pizzatherapy).
We have no doubt that the Waialua High students are going to do a fine job hosting the newscast. And they host a fine potluck! Lawrence and I send many thanks and best wishes.
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