College Gives Nod To West Side With Daylong Party

Del.icio.us

UHWO freshman Kimberly Cinco of Waipahu gets down with Ricky and Billy Lam during their high-energy hip-hop routine at the college’s West Oahu Day. Photo from Julie Funasaki Yuen.

UH West Oahu’s “West Oahu Day” is a yearly celebration of the college’s surrounding community hosted by the Associated Students of UH West Oahu (ASUHWO).

This year’s April 17 festivities filled the campus courtyard with students and families eager to participate in fun-filled events that included raffles, prize giveaways, student club activities and booths, a student talent show hosted by Lina Girl from KCCN FM100, live entertainment and booths for local organizations, including the Institute of Human Rights Hawaii, UH Federal Credit Union and Hawaii Foodbank.

“It has taken different forms over the years,” said Julie Funasaki Yuen, UHWO public information officer, of the event. “It’s always at the same time of year, not on the same day, (but) toward the end of spring semester. It’s basically a celebration of everything that is West Oahu.”

Winning first place in the talent show were Kimberly Cinco, a UHWO freshman and Waipahu resident, along with Ricky and Billy Lam of Kalihi for their hip-hop dance routine. UHWO senior and Pearl City resident Bueno Chen took third for singing a Spanish version of The Police song Every Breath You Take. Chen also presented UHWO chancellor Gene Awakuni with a $200 donation to the Barbara Newton Memorial Scholarship Fund, on behalf of the Psychology Club. UHWO junior and Waipahu resident Dawn Mizuuchi won the raffle grand prize, a Nintendo Wii game system.

This year marks the 11th year of West Oahu Day since 1997.