The Generation That Will Change the Word

At HTA, we don't just want our students to succeed in their academic career; we want our students to succeed in this ever-changing world. That's why we equip them with the knowledge, skills, and freedom to become whoever they want to be. After all, our students are the future's innovators, designers, thinkers, dreamers, inventors, and pioneers. Our students are the generation that will change the world.

We are continuously in awe of the inquisitive nature and love of learning demonstrated by our HTA students. Their creativity, conscientious minds, and desire to impact their communities is truly commendable. Whatever their passion, they follow through with the leadership, tenacity, and curiosity needed to excel. Check out some of our students' accomplishments below!

Grade 7 Student Ocean Cabigas Presents "Mo'olelo of the Past"

For a 7th grade project-based learning (PBL) assignment, students in Leilani Pena's Hawaiian History class were posed the following question:⁣ "What can we learn from the stories of those who came before us?"⁣

Students had to interview three people at least one generation older and ask questions -- some already provided, as well as five of their own. Then, they reflected on what they learned from each person in order to make meaningful connections and identify key takeaways. ⁣To share his findings with us, 7th grader Ocean Cabigas created (and edited) his very own video titled "Mo'olelo of the Past". We can testify that it is certainly worth the watch! ⁣

HTA's Work-Based Learning Students Collaborate With Oceanit and Hawaii Department of Transportation on DOT Highways Speed Study

In response to recent deadly crashes on the Farrington Highway, HTA's Oceanit work-based learning students will be working with the Hawaii Department of Transportation to use Design Thinking (human-centered creative problem-solving process that provides "how-to" in order to think "outside the box") and Aloha AI to collect speed data at the installation sites in an effort to determine the efficacy of the raised crosswalks in slowing down drivers.

​Our students participated in the virtual DOT Highways Speed Study and Student Kickoff and were joined by Governor Ige, Ed Sniffen (DOT Deputy Director Highways), Ian Kitajima (Oceanit), as well as Uncle Eddie, who lost his beloved son a few years ago on the Farrington Highway.

HTA Students Launch Statewide Volunteerism Initiative: 808 Volunteers (featured on Hawaii News Now)

808 Volunteers was developed by HTA's very own National Honor Society students as a service-learning project originally supported by a grant from Youth Service Hawai'i. The initiative was created to promote, encourage, and celebrate Hawai'i youth volunteerism. The team encompasses a group of dedicated students and faculty who will manage an online community, consisting of a website and social media accounts. The goal? To be a one-stop-shop for youth volunteerism in the state to find and share volunteer opportunities and connect with youth volunteers statewide. You can watch their feature on Hawaii News Now here!

HTA High School Siblings Receive Bronze Award in Junior Film Category of 2020 Ocean Awareness Contest

Sophia Findley (Grade 9) and Connor Findley (Grade 11) won the Bronze Award in the Junior Film category of the 2020 Ocean Awareness Contest -- a global arts competition sponsored by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs that engages youth to come up with creative ways to increase awareness of environmental issues impacting our beautiful blue planet. The dynamic duo was selected from approximately 5,300 participants from around the world! Check out their piece below.

Waipahu Innovation Project - Students Utilize Innovation Grant to Update Hawaii's Plantation Village Signage

In the fall of 2019, HTA teachers Marybeth Baldwin and Mark Buelow teamed up to offer a collaboratively taught STEM/English two-credit class after identifying a need for students to apply STEM and English content and skills in the real world. After witnessing their students’ impact projects in the community, they were inspired to apply for HIDOE’s Innovation Grant to help their students bring their innovative ideas to life in the Spring Semester.

For one of the class projects, they partnered with Hawaii’s Plantation Village, a non-profit organization that tells the story of life on Hawaii's sugar plantations through an outdoor museum. This year, students are implementing the project they developed to update the village’s signage for outdoor plants and exhibits by using a laser cutter to manufacture the signs. They will also assemble and install the signs throughout the village.

HTA 5th Graders Win 1st and 2nd Place in 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Contest

Last year, 5th graders Alan R. and Ellie R. each wrote an incredibly inspiring poem that they submitted to the 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Contest. They won first and second place for their work and were commended for their efforts to promote peace in our community, nation, and world!⁣
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Their poetry will be included in the International Peace Poem -- a poem whose lines were started by a six-year-old girl on Maui in 1996. Now, the poem has grown to more than 180,000 lines of poetry from over 120 nations. Its purpose is to express hope for peace in the new millennium In fact, the International Peace Poem was presented to the United Nations in New York on September 19th, 2000 during its Millenium Peace Day!⁣

HIKI NŌ Student Reflections on Distance Learning - HTA Student Featured on PBS Hawaii

With the guidance of HTA High School Electives teacher, Deborah Morita, and media industry professional Ryan Kawamoto, Hawaii Technology Academy senior Ayanna Brenner produced an insightful story for the show reflecting on her experiences with distance learning and other aspects of her life that have changed in the COVID-19 era. Watch the segment here!

Grade 10 Student Receives Honorable Mention & Prize for 2020 Eddie Aikau Essay Contest

Talented 10th grader, Ethan Sampaia-Iglesias, entered the 2020 Eddie Aikau Essay Contest earlier in August, submitting an inspiring piece that highlighted what the word Aloha means to him.⁣ We are thrilled to announce that Ethan received an Honorable Mention and prize for his excellent, and very moving, essay.
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For those that know Ethan, this accomplishment comes as no surprise. This young man spreads Aloha and compassion everywhere he goes. In his spare time, you can find Ethan going out of his way to help others, such as feeding the homeless in his community. During class, he is always there to lend a helping hand to his peers and teachers. ⁣

Dispatches From the Field: Interview With HawiiKidsCAN

For an episode of the Dispatches from The Field series, Founding Executive Director of HawiiKidsCAN, David Miyashiro, spoke to two students who shed light on their unique experiences at different schools. One of the students is an HTA middleschooler, Mia. 
CLICK HERE TO WATCH

HTA Graduate Wins Award at the 2020 Youth Xchange Student Video Competition!

HTA graduate, Alexus Delary, entered the category “Forest Inspired” sponsored by The Hawai’i Division of Forestry and Wildlife and won. This special category highlighted the importance of healthy forests and natural areas in our lives. ⁣⁣Alexus’ insightful video, titled “Could You Survive”, focuses on our deep connection to the land around us. She notes, “The way I grew up is that the land is a part of you, and to take care of yourself you must take care of the land. The land will then take care of you in return.”

Grade 9 Student Rylee W. Creates Impactful Video for her Work-Based Learning Project

HTA High School Students Earn 2nd place for the World of 7 Billion International Contest for their short film titled “Anti-Plastic Party”

Students Raenelle Torres, Glenna Curioso, Riko Mizuta and Scarlet Ramelb came up with a concept worthy of a win. The contest challenged students around the world to create a one-minute video sharing a problem the world faces and proposing sustainable solutions.

HTA Grade 9 Students Receive "Best in State" award for their video titled "Air Wells, Snow, and the Ocean: Three Things to Think About". 

Kauai Students Share Their HTA Pride