GALLERY: Keaʻau High kicks off graduation weekend with 280 diplomas on Thursday

With stoles, cords, medals and personal accessories decorating their red robes, 280 students celebrated their graduation day on the football field at Keaʻau High School.

The parking lot overflowed onto the roads surrounding the high school as loved ones held leis, waiting to adorn the graduates with symbols of congratulations and celebration.

Before receiving their diplomas, Judith “Elise” Hannigan, an English teacher at Keaʻau High School, delivered the keynote address to the outgoing seniors.

“Today, the narrator moves into the first person,” Hannigan told the graduates. “From this moment on, you are the protagonist, you are the one holding the pen. It is up to you to keep the story moving forward.

“You are making the choices that will take you to your next step, whatever that may be.”

In September 2025, Hannigan was announced as the 2026 Hawaiʻi Teacher of the Year for her approach to student success, like setting up early college programs for outgoing seniors, which is where she has been able to connect with students entering their next phase of life.

“Donʻt be the unreliable narrator,” Hannigan said. “Donʻt tell yourself the lie that you have to have it all figured out and don’t let the internal critic edit out your best parts because you are afraid of conflict.

“Don’t let anyone else write your chapter for you. Be honest about your struggles, but proud of your triumphs.”

Hawaiʻi Department of Education Superintendent Keith Hayashi made a final speech to recognize the graduates as well as all the people that have helped them get to this milestone.

“You’ve earned this moment,” Hayashi said. “It is a culmination of moments that were exciting and others that were hard. Despite the struggles you all faced, every one of you kept moving forward and today we celebrate everything you accomplished.”

He added: “There are people who sacrificed a lot to see you where you are today. So when the lei begin to stack around your neck and you hear the ʻchee-hoosʻ from the stands, remember that graduation is not just about the ceremony, but about the community behind it.”

When each name was called, cheers, whistles, horns and “chee-hoos” bellowed from family and friends crowded on the bleachers. Luckily for the graduating seniors, they walked toward the crowd after receiving their diploma, giving them ample time to showcase their personalities in their achievement.

Check out a gallery of graduates showcasing their personalities after receiving their diplomas:

The remaining graduation ceremonies at Department of Education schools on the Big Island include:

Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino
12 p.m. Friday, May 22
Konawaena High Julian Yates Baseball Field

Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary
5 p.m. Friday, May 22
Robert Herks Ka‘u District Gymnasium

Hilo High
6:30 p.m. Friday, May 22
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium

Honokaʻa High
9 a.m. Saturday, May 23
Honokaʻa High and Intermediate School Gym (The Armory)

Konawaena High
9 a.m. Saturday, May 23
Konawaena High School Julian Yates Football Field

Kohala High
2 p.m. Saturday, May 23
Isao Hisaoka Gym (Kamehameha Park)

Kealakehe High
6 p.m. Saturday, May 23
Kealakehe High School Waveriders Stadium

Pāhoa High & Intermediate
6 p.m. Saturday, May 23
PHIS Helene H. Hale Gym

Waiākea High
6 p.m. Saturday, May 23
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium