School: Waiʻanae High School
Grade Level: Grades 9-12
Teacher: Jameil Saez and Richie Gardenhire
Driving Question: How do we as gamers use video games to foster a sense of community, belonging, and teamwork while preparing ourselves to reach for our post-high school goals?
What did the students DO?
The ESports PALS group at WHS has experienced tremendous growth and success this year, both in numbers and in performance. With a large roster of haumāna meeting multiple times per week and competing across the state, this group has demonstrated teamwork, discipline, and post-high school ambition. From building gaming PCs together to competing — and winning — at the Hawaiʻi Pacific University VANTA Spring Finals, these students have cultivated a space of belonging and representation for the west side. With strong support from kumu, administration, and ʻohana, the group has evolved into a respected and competitive program that continues to inspire pride and open future pathways.
- Large Competitive Roster & Consistent Participation: The ESports team launched the school year with over 40 active students and 8 different teams competing across three days per week. Their steady attendance and high energy built a positive and inclusive space where students could thrive.
- Statewide Competition Participation: Students competed in regular matches and playoff games through the VANTA league. Their dedication culminated in a live statewide competition hosted by Hawaiʻi Pacific University — a milestone experience for many participants.
- First Place Victory at HPU Finals: In a historic achievement, the WHS ESports team’s APEX squad took first place at the HPU VANTA Spring Finals, defeating Roosevelt and Moanalua in thrilling matches. This marked the first championship title in ESports for a Leeward Coast high school, bringing pride and recognition to their community.
- Hands-On Computer Building & New ESports Space: With the support of their principal and IT team, students helped build new gaming PCs and transitioned into a larger, dedicated ESports room on campus. This new space allowed more haumāna to join and provided a true learning lab for technical and engineering skills.
- Community & Communication on Discord: Beyond practice and competition, the team maintained communication through Discord — extending peer mentorship and strategic collaboration outside of in-person meetings.
- College & Career Pathways Exploration: The group is preparing for an academic focus post-season, including a planned visit to Hawaiʻi Pacific University to learn about college scholarships and careers in ESports and the tech industry. This forward-thinking approach supports their post-high school readiness.
- Mahalo to Supporters: The program thrived with the collective support of WHS admin, PALS and PLACES, IT staff, and cultural champions like Kumu Jameil and Mr. Gardenhire. Their investment created a lasting and meaningful opportunity for students to shine.
The WHS ESports team has grown into a pillar of innovation, unity, and post-secondary preparation. By blending passion for gaming with kuleana, discipline, and teamwork, this group has empowered students to take pride in their identity and to pursue excellence both in and out of the digital arena. Their first-place win not only elevated their school, but also gave voice to the brilliance and potential of west side youth. This program is a testament to what happens when haumāna are trusted, supported, and given the tools to grow.
