Keaau High celebrates 280 seniors, teacher of the year inspires grads

Keaau High School’s graduation drew a crowd of families, leis and cameras for 280 seniors, but the night carried more weight than a typical school ceremony. In Puna, where the campus serves as both an education hub and a community gathering place, the class of 2026 marked a major milestone for one of the Big Island’s largest public school communities.

The celebration came as part of Hawaii’s spring graduation season, with the state Department of Education having released the Class of 2026 ceremony schedule on March 31. At Keaau High, the size of the senior class underscored how many East Hawaii families had reached this point together, after years of school, work, caregiving and the disruptions that often shape life on the island.

Judith Elise Hannigan, Keaau High’s Freshman Academy coordinator and senior mentor teacher, served as keynote speaker and brought statewide recognition to the stage. Hannigan was named the 2026 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year on September 19, 2025, at Washington Place, where Gov. Josh Green, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Superintendent Keith Hayashi recognized her as the top educator chosen from more than 13,000 HIDOE teachers.

Her message to the graduates centered on ownership, resilience and moving ahead even when the path is uncertain. That theme fit a class finishing high school in a region where students often balance academics with family responsibilities and where teachers can become long-term anchors, especially through programs that help freshmen and students aiming for college.

Hayashi also addressed the seniors, praising them for reaching a milestone despite the struggles they faced and reminding them that their success reflected the sacrifices of others. The remarks framed the diplomas as more than individual wins. They reflected parents who stayed involved, teachers who kept students moving, and classmates who made it to the finish together.

Keaau High’s role in the community gave the ceremony added meaning. The school has served as an emergency shelter for Puna residents, a reminder that it stands as more than a campus. On graduation night, that same place became a marker of what 280 diplomas meant for Keaau and the wider region: another class ready to become workers, students and service members carrying Puna forward.