Welcome Back Assembly unites all
McKinley High School celebrates the 150th anniversary
By Jasmin Purdy
Students hold hands as they sing together.
August 18, 2015
Genuine happiness for McKinley High School was illustrated at the Welcome Back Assembly; it was a way in which everyone on campus came together and showed their tiger pride. Unlike any other year, this assembly held a huge impact as McKinley High School celebrates their 150th year anniversary.
With vivacious chanting, symphonic music playing, and students smiling, the welcome back assembly brought most students out of approximately 1,757 students together in one room.
The volume of the room grew as the assembly opened with a special presentation hosted by seniors Rinell Marin and Jasteen Baldonado. Several students from different areas of the gymnasium all combined together in the middle of the gym and presented a flash mob dance. Almost the majority of all students were delighted as they cheered with joy and some even stood up and began to dance. As the dance came to an end, all dancers pointed to the “150” in the balloon arch and thus, it welcomed every class from freshmen to seniors.
Principal Ron Okamura is one to show his excitement for the big, awaited year.
“It’s a very special year because when time goes on and you’re 80 years old, and when McKinley celebrates their 200th, you guys said I remember when I was there, when it was 150th, and it was special, and nothing is going to beat that,” Okamura said.
According to McKinley High School’s website, McKinley has been one of the contributors that established Oahu to grow with the school’s rich history. Thus, several events were announced to celebrate the exciting anniversary including a luau that will be held on Friday, September 25. Students, parents, alumni, staff and faculty are invited as they will celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime event.
