High school seniors from across the Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa regions visited on April 17 for Senior Bash 2026, an event designed to help students explore college pathways, connect with campus resources and experience student life before graduation.
Hosted by Windward CC‘s outreach team and supported by Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education, the annual event brought prospective students to campus for a day of workshops, program showcases and community-building activities.
Students engaged with faculty, staff and current students while learning about academic pathways including veterinary technology, marine biology and natural resources, theatre, transfer opportunities, student employment and new student orientation.
“Senior Bash celebrates seniors’ achievements while inspiring their next steps,” said Windward CC Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg. “Many of us do not grow up seeing college as the natural next step after high school. Senior Bash welcomes everyone to campus and lets students know they belong here at Windward CC. Welcome to our ʻohana.”
“Senior Bash is a meaningful opportunity to showcase the faculty, staff and programs that make Windward Community College special,” said Outreach Coordinator Makana Tani. “We want every student to leave knowing they belong here.”
College within reach
For many students, visiting campus helps make college feel more within reach.
“Senior Bash is important because it gives our haumāna (students) the chance to meet faculty, staff and current students and see that college isn’t this big, intimidating place,” said First Year Experience Counselor Alysa Tomasa. “Many of us were the first in our families to attend college and come from these same communities—we’re here to support them and want them to succeed.”
“This year focused on building pilina and giving students time to connect with others from Koʻolaupoko and Koʻolauloa,” Tomasa added. “It felt like a true celebration of the Class of 2026—and hopefully future students at Windward CC.”
For some students, the event also highlighted immediate opportunities to take the next step.
Kalāheo High School senior Lucca Blood attended Senior Bash with a clear goal in mind and applied to Windward CC while beginning to set up his class schedule during the event.
“I came to Senior Bash to learn more about Windward CC and take advantage of the Hoʻolei scholarship,” Blood said. “Knowing that support is there makes it feel more possible to come here.”
The provides one year of free tuition for graduating DOE high school seniors from Windward district schools, helping reduce financial barriers for students transitioning into college.