ʻEWA BEACH AND WAIALUA  —  The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education today recognized ʻEwa Makai Middle and Waialua High & Intermediate as the state’s inaugural middle-level Hawaiʻi Schools of Democracy, honoring the schools’ exemplary commitment to civic education, student voice and democratic engagement.

The Hawaiʻi Schools of Democracy initiative recognizes schools that excel at preparing students for active civic life by fostering critical thinking, community engagement and the values of the Aloha Spirit a Nā Hopena Aʻo. The designation highlights schools that create meaningful opportunities for students to practice democratic principles through hands-on learning, respectful discourse and real-world connections.

“This designation aligns with the Department’s commitment to ensuring all students are globally competitive and locally committed, prepared to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in our democracy,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “We proudly celebrate the schools’ leadership in preparing students at this critical stage to become civic-minded, constitutionally informed citizens.”

Both schools were recognized Tuesday during campus ceremonies attended by area lawmakers, Hawaiʻi State Board of Education members, HIDOE leadership, school administrators, teachers and students.

Ke kula waena o ʻEwa Makai

Upon receiving the honorary award, ʻEwa Makai Middle Principal Corey Barton recognized the hard work and vision of the school’s social studies teachers, and emphasized what the award means for the students. 

“Here at ʻEwa Makai we donʻt just learn about history — we learn how to make history,” he said. “In your classes you’re learning to ask compelling questions to make informed decisions, and whether you are taking a stance or defending your claim, working on a group project, performing community service or simply being respectful or kind to your classmates, you are practicing what it means to be a good citizen. You are proving that even as middle-schoolers, you have the power to influence how we live together.”

Through activities such as mock trials, personal narratives and civic-focused coursework, students deepen their understanding of democratic principles, diverse perspectives and their roles within society. A key strength of the school is its elective offerings, including Leadership, which intentionally develops critical thinking, collaboration, communication and civic responsibility through group projects and structured discussions.

These efforts are grounded in the school’s vision, “Empower, Explore, Excel Together,” and reflect its mission to foster an inclusive learning environment, strengthen community connections and prepare students to be informed, engaged citizens.

Kula Kiekie & Kuwaena o Waialua

Waialua High & Intermediate School Principal Christine Alexander proudly accepted the award on behalf of the intermediate grade levels, crediting students for challenging staff to be strong role models, and teachers for guiding students with intention and purpose. 

“On our campus, democracy is more than just a chapter in a social studies book — it is a lived experience,” she said. “Being a School of Democracy means we have committed to fostering a fair environment where every student has a voice, where civil discourse is practiced daily, and where our students understand that they don’t have to wait until graduation to have an impact or participate in our community… .We look forward to nurturing the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens who will carry the torch of democracy far beyond our campus.”

At Waialua, seventh- and eighth-grade social studies students research legislation, create testimony, illustrate the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and participate in debates — building a strong foundation in democratic principles, civic responsibility and persuasive communication. Project-based learning is integrated across disciplines, with core courses and electives such as agriculture and Fostering Civic Discourse engaging students in real-world problem-solving, critical thinking and civil discourse. 

These efforts are reinforced by a school culture rooted in aloha, inclusion and mutual respect, as well as restorative practices like ho‘oponopono, which promote accountability and constructive conflict resolution. Together, these practices empower students to be informed, responsible and active members of their school and community.

The Hawaiʻi Schools of Democracy initiative is one of several programs supported by the Judiciary’s Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education (PACE), established in 2021 to elevate civic education and engagement statewide. The selection panel included public school educators, PACE Commission members and representatives from local organizations with civic and public missions.

“By achieving this School of Democracy seal, you are letting the world know that your school is building capacity, that each and every one of you is developing the capacity to be a democratic citizen — a citizen in a democracy — that is to deliberate, engage and participate civilly with each other,” PACE Commission Vice Chair Rep. Amy Perruso said. 

“I hope each one of you takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that your school is offering because you are our future — our future judges, our future elected officials, our future police officers, our future teachers — you are our future leaders,” added Judge Sonja McCullen, associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals, representing the Hawaiʻi Judiciary. “As a Hawaiʻi School of Democracy, your school is equipping you with tools you need to make a difference in the lives of your ʻohana, your friends and your community. The skills you learn today in your school will help steer Hawaiʻi to a bigger, better and bright tomorrow.”

This marks the third annual Hawaiʻi Schools of Democracy recognition. Mililani High and Maui High were named the inaugural Schools of Democracy in 2024, followed by Kalani High and Kailua High in 2025.