Waialua Raising Funds For Tutors

Waialua High School kicked off its fundraising campaign last month to support its After-School Tutorial Program.

“The after-school tutorial focuses on assisting students with homework and provides extra assistance with classwork,” said principal Randi-Ann Porras Tang.

The service will provide one-on-one tutorial sessions for struggling students with teachers in mathematics, social studies and other subjects.

“During the after-school and evening tutorial, concepts learned in class are either reinforced or re-taught,” explained Porras Tang.

This extra practice, she hopes, will support students in their academics and achievement tests.

Lending a helping hand was Stanley Matsumoto, owner of Matsumoto Shave Ice, who presented a $1,000 check to Foundation Fund Raising Committee chairwoman Jill Komperda and Porras Tang in front of his shop.

Matsumoto, who graduated from Waialua High School in 1969, wanted to show his support for his alma mater and its students’ futures, and simply because he believes the after-school program will be useful for students who need the extra help.

“We need people with good education so they can be better leaders in the future,” Matsumoto said. “Things are going to get tougher, especially with the economy, and we need to get kids a better education to make sure Hawaii, and the United States as whole, is better as a country.”

Fundraising chairwoman Komperda said the goal for its first year is to reach $10,000 by Nov. 30. So far, they’ve received nearly $3,000.

“Our community and the school’s alumni have impressed us with their speedy and generous response to our fundraising effort,” she said. “We have received donation amounts ranging from $25 to $1,000.

Those wanting to make a donation can remit it to Waialua High School Foundation Fund Raising Committee, Waialua High and Intermediate School; 67-160 Farrington Hwy., Waialua, HI 96791.