LIHU‘E — A downpour couldn’t drown out Red Raiders’ triumphant cheers Friday evening when the Kaua‘i High School Class of 2022 graduated at Vidinha Stadium.
Emotions ran high among students waiting for the event — their school’s first in-person graduation since 2019 — to begin.
“There’s definitely a lot of feelings going on in going through this whole process. It’s been a wild ride,” said Jhorden Balisacan, standing in line behind the Vidinha Stadium bleachers. “I’m excited for what’s ahead of us.”
Then the skies opened up, strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” filled the air, and Balisacan and his classmates strode onto the stadium field.
Student emcees and Principal Marlene Leary greeted the graduating seniors, applauding them for challenges faced with grit and courage.
“High school graduation will be one of many more milestones,” Leary said. “Continue to grow and learn as you make your dreams a reality. Be empowered and engaged to make a difference in the world.”
The night’s keynote speaker, Red Raider alumnus and Hawai‘i News Now anchor Ashley Nagaoka, acknowledged the Class of 2022’s tumultuous high school experience.
“You all have been through so much. COVID forced you guys to miss out on some important high school milestones and events, valuable time with your families and friends,” said Nagaoka, who graduated from Kaua‘i High in 2002.
“And yet you are all here today. You made it. You have persevered,” Nagaoka continued. “You’ve worked so hard to get to this moment, and you have proven that — like all us Kaua‘i natives — that you are resilient.”
Speakers also recognized Red Raiders who earned academic and athletic achievements at Kaua‘i High School, before asking valedictorian speaker Aidan Gregerson to the stage.
Gregerson turned to the seniors’ friends and family members, who filled the stands on either side of the stadium.
“We are who we are today because of the sacrifices and devotion of parents and guardians,” Gregerson said. “We continue to persevere in life with support from our wonderful families and friends, parents and guardians. Your dedication and love will not be forgotten.”
The night ended with scarlet mortarboards tossed up into the sky above, even as the rain came down.
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Scott Yunker, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or syunker@thegardenisland.com.
