School History
History
Waipahu High School was founded in 1938 under the Sessions Laws of 1937 and Act 191 of 1938. The school was established to give students in Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, Ewa, Nanakuli and Waianae better educational opportunities.
Mr. Dallas C. McClaren was the first principal of Waipahu High and Intermediate School which was then located at the present site of Waipahu Elementary School.
The first graduates of Waipahu High School were the members of the class of 1941.
Mr. Clarence B. Dyson became principal in 1942. In the same year the Alumni Association was formed.
In April 1953, Principal Dyson passed away. In honor of him the football field at what is now Waipahu Intermediate was named after him.
Mr. Alton V. Armstrong became principal of Waipahu High School in September 1953. Succeeding Mr. Armstrong was Mr. Gordon Kushimaejo in September 1974, then Milton Shishido till 1996, followed by Mrs. Patricia Pedersen in 1997.
In September 1969, the move to the present site was made to accommodate the growing student enrollment. In 1972, Waipahu gained its status as a four year high school.
In May 1976, the administration building was dedicated to former principal Alton V. Armstrong. In 1995, this building was renovated to classrooms. A new administration building was dedicated in April, 1996.
Waipahu High School is accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges.
Traditions
Besides high school classics such as homecoming, Junior-Senior Proms, Senior Commencement and Banquet, we at WHS have a few traditions which are uniquely our own:
Arthur: To many, Arthur Award Competition is the high point of the year. It promotes school unity and spirit among the students of Waipahu High School through interclass competition during Homecoming Week. Arthur Competition consists of the Arthur Award Rally, Blue/Gold Day, and Alma Mater competition. For complete rules of the Arthur Award Competition, see your class advisor or ask for a copy of the rules in the student government room.
Cane Knife: This is a traditional football rivalry between Waipahu and Campbell High Schools.
Career Day: The primary purpose of Career Day is to introduce students to the many vocational opportunities available in the world today. This is done through presentation, speakers and off-campus visits. Career Day is scheduled at varying times during the school year.
May Day: Traditionally held in late April or early May, May Day involves the election of a Hawaiian and ethnic court made up of Waipahu High students and includes Polynesian cultural dances. May Day is held during even-numbered years alternating with May Fair.
May Fair: The "Celebration of Life" has been held at Waipahu High since 1970 and is held on odd-numbered years. This is a day of entertainment, assemblies, and trade fairs. School recognized clubs are invited to open booths and most do. Various school approved ethnic clubs participate in May Fair through cultural presentations, demonstrations, as well as food booths. Items sold range from Teri Chicken plate to personalized name tags.
New Year's Ball: Scheduled during the winter season, this dance is open to all interested Waipahu High students. It is non-floral, informal attire, originally intended to provide an economical social gathering.
Waipahu High School was founded in 1938 under the Sessions Laws of 1937 and Act 191 of 1938. The school was established to give students in Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, Ewa, Nanakuli and Waianae better educational opportunities.
Mr. Dallas C. McClaren was the first principal of Waipahu High and Intermediate School which was then located at the present site of Waipahu Elementary School.
The first graduates of Waipahu High School were the members of the class of 1941.
Mr. Clarence B. Dyson became principal in 1942. In the same year the Alumni Association was formed.
In April 1953, Principal Dyson passed away. In honor of him the football field at what is now Waipahu Intermediate was named after him.
Mr. Alton V. Armstrong became principal of Waipahu High School in September 1953. Succeeding Mr. Armstrong was Mr. Gordon Kushimaejo in September 1974, then Milton Shishido till 1996, followed by Mrs. Patricia Pedersen in 1997.
In September 1969, the move to the present site was made to accommodate the growing student enrollment. In 1972, Waipahu gained its status as a four year high school.
In May 1976, the administration building was dedicated to former principal Alton V. Armstrong. In 1995, this building was renovated to classrooms. A new administration building was dedicated in April, 1996.
Waipahu High School is accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges.
Traditions
Besides high school classics such as homecoming, Junior-Senior Proms, Senior Commencement and Banquet, we at WHS have a few traditions which are uniquely our own:
Arthur: To many, Arthur Award Competition is the high point of the year. It promotes school unity and spirit among the students of Waipahu High School through interclass competition during Homecoming Week. Arthur Competition consists of the Arthur Award Rally, Blue/Gold Day, and Alma Mater competition. For complete rules of the Arthur Award Competition, see your class advisor or ask for a copy of the rules in the student government room.
Cane Knife: This is a traditional football rivalry between Waipahu and Campbell High Schools.
Career Day: The primary purpose of Career Day is to introduce students to the many vocational opportunities available in the world today. This is done through presentation, speakers and off-campus visits. Career Day is scheduled at varying times during the school year.
May Day: Traditionally held in late April or early May, May Day involves the election of a Hawaiian and ethnic court made up of Waipahu High students and includes Polynesian cultural dances. May Day is held during even-numbered years alternating with May Fair.
May Fair: The "Celebration of Life" has been held at Waipahu High since 1970 and is held on odd-numbered years. This is a day of entertainment, assemblies, and trade fairs. School recognized clubs are invited to open booths and most do. Various school approved ethnic clubs participate in May Fair through cultural presentations, demonstrations, as well as food booths. Items sold range from Teri Chicken plate to personalized name tags.
New Year's Ball: Scheduled during the winter season, this dance is open to all interested Waipahu High students. It is non-floral, informal attire, originally intended to provide an economical social gathering.
Read more about our Marauder history on the articles below!