Henry J. Kaiser High School recently held its annual IB Recognition Night on April 22nd at 6:30 PM, a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the commitment and achievements of its International Baccalaureate (IB) students. During the event, students were honored with the presentation of certificates and IB Pins, recognizing their hard work and dedication within the rigorous IB Programme.
Established after the disruptions of the 2020 COVID-19 year, Henry J. Kaiser High School’s annual IB Recognition Night continues to be a meaningful event for students in both the Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Career-related Programme (IB CP). The ceremony offered a valuable opportunity for these students to look back on their experiences within the challenging International Baccalaureate curriculum. While it appeared straightforward, this recognition held the same significance as the general Recognition Night, recognizing the advanced level of study and unique difficulties these students had faced. This dedicated event underscored the ongoing value of the IB program and ensured the hard work of these Kaiser students is acknowledged.
The recent IB Recognition Night at Henry J. Kaiser High School was organized through the efforts of Bradley Bogard, the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) coordinator. Bogard expressed his satisfaction in planning and enhancing these significant events for the Honolulu student community, stating, “What I enjoy about my job is the opportunity to work with students of such a high level. It is a privilege to work with motivated people.”
IB Career-related Programme (IB CP) Coordinator Candace Sandstrom played a key role in the smooth execution of the IB Recognition Night at Henry J. Kaiser High School, with support from Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) teacher Jane McCallister and Theory of Knowledge (DOK) teacher Paul Dela Balazs, who also delivered speeches. Vice Principal Andrew Szkotak further contributed to the evening by offering his best wishes to the graduating IB students.
The event opened with Bradley Bogard’s speech and explanation of the agenda. After his and other members’ speeches, the agenda came to an open mic moment. Open mic started last year, when Mr. Bogard wanted to try something new. He realized it was a very touching and enjoyable moment for students, so they continued with the idea.
One by one students who wanted to share their feelings and experiences, stood up in front of everyone and shared the moments that everyone enjoyed. They all thanked each other and appreciated the people they were surrounded by. All the speeches were very touching, and it represented the close relationship they established. The moments they remembered made them sound like a family that sees each other every day, and every day there was a new challenge that they solved together. The bond they created with eachother; it seems like they are not just students and teachers, but they are friends. Students can rely on their teachers, and enjoy spending time with them.
John Cudjoe, a Kaiser High School senior who took an IB Diploma Program, shared some of his meaningful experiences during the program. Cudjoe explained that he would struggle from thoughts of not being disciplined or not good enough, but the people around him helped him overcome the negativity. He strives to get better every day, and by doing that he creates a motivating influence on others, to work hard towards goals and not give up.
Cudjoe really appreciated IB Recognition Night. He really cares about the people around him, and the friends he had made throughout his path. That is one of the things that John Cudjoe found enjoyable about the IB Program. “Getting close with cohorts and the teachers you see every day, and who are willing to help you.” Cudjoe showed one of the strengths IB teaches, and that is the community.
After all the speeches were done, IB juniors shared the gifts they had made for seniors. They made a triangle flag with each student’s name and some lei. These gifts were included in the certificate presentation.
When the presentation began, CP students were called first. They lined up and, one by one, received their certificates and other gifts. For CP Candace Sandstrom read the names, and everyone else handed out the gifts. Then the DP students lined up and were given their certificates. That time, for DP, Bradley Bogard read the students’ names.
Zuri Pagel, who is Kaiser High School’s CP student, and she shared some of her importance or something that was meaningful to her in the program. Pagel shared that the program was pushing herself forward, forcing her to study, and that way it helped her to grow. She really enjoyed the Global Politics course. “It’s interesting, same as the projects and all the conversations.” She has opened up new resources for herself that helped her with learning throughout the courses. Pagel showed how, through the IB Program, it is possible to establish an improvement in academics and learning.
After all the activities for the events done, the very last part on the agenda was the food and taking pictures. Of course, the parents wanted to take pictures first, same as the teachers. They took a picture of CP and DP students together, and then individual programs. Next was food; the food choice included pizza, cupcakes with frosting of the school colors: yellow and blue, and chips.
The rest of the evening went pleasantly, people chatting and enjoying their food. It was a very pleasant atmosphere, where everyone appreciated each other.
The IB Recognition Night might not be a huge event, but it is very meaningful to IB students who have gotten so close with each other and, as many of them mentioned, it will be hard for them to say “goodbye.” This event represented the community people create by overcoming their struggles and being there for each other. It is also very motivating to work hard towards goals, and it is always possible to achieve success as long as you try and don’t give up.
