Multilingual Waipahu High students become published authors with books two and three in series

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​WAIPAHU - Waipahu High School is celebrating the recent release of two published books featuring stories multilingual students penned over the past two years about their unique experiences and diverse cultures.

In all, some 175 students in the school's English Learner (EL) Program - students with limited English language proficiency - participated by writing stories reflecting their heritages from Chuuk, Pohnpei, the Marshall Islands, the Philippines, Samoa and Tonga.

The students wrote the stories in English while incorporating their home languages. Some were paired with non-EL students who helped edit the pieces or create accompanying artwork for the stories.

Approximately 50 stories were selected for publication in each of the books by Bess Press:

• "Windows and Mirrors"- Described as an anthology that serves as a window into the student authors' cultures and a mirror reflecting universal human experiences. The students' voices provide insights into their lives and reflect the diversity of the Waipahu community. Students said the book explores themes of family, identity, challenges and loss, new beginnings and love.
  

• "Holding on" - Described as a collection of folktales from the Philippines, the Marshall Islands and Chuuk that have been passed down through the generations and kept alive for the next generation and new audiences.
  

The glossy book covers feature student artwork and list the authors as: Multilingual Marauders, referring to Waipahu High's mascot.

Waipahu is the state's second-largest public school with more than 2,500 students, and approximately 18% of students receive EL supports. Double that amount are current or former EL students, according to Principal Zachary Sheets.

These are the second and third books in a series, funded through a grant under the Hawai'i State Department of Education's Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. The first book - "Rising from our Roots" - was released last year; two more are in the works.

The project came to life under Waipahu High's EL Program coordinator, Jeremiah Brown, who credits the support of students, teachers, Bilingual/Bicultural School-Home Assistant liaisons, local and national authors, and the school's administration for the initiative's success.

"The students all have super interesting stories, what they've been through in their lives and that they come from interesting places. We knew that there was material there that could fill a book," Brown said, "but I think what surprised me the most is how having the physical book really makes a difference. Having it to share really made it real and memorable for them."

"This has definitely been one of the most rewarding projects I've worked on in my teaching career - to have them share their stories, to see them read their stories in front of a big crowd, to see their confidence and see them empowered," Brown said.

Waipahu senior Pauleen Keith Figuracion, whose story about a Filipino fable warning against greed was published in "Rising from our Roots," said being a published author has helped her gain confidence and not be as self-conscious about her accent. She's gone on to read her story to elementary students in the community.

"It was a nice experience for me since I get to show my multilingual skills. I'm actually scared of public speaking but I overcame it," said Figuracion, who has earned a Seal of Biliteracy in Ilokano and Tagalog, a designation for public school graduates who demonstrate a high proficiency in either of the state's two official languages (English or Hawaiian) and at least one additional language.

Figuracion was also one of four Waipahu students awarded a $1,000 scholarship funded by sales of the books. Seniors Christian Dave Tangonan (earned Seal of Biliteracy in Ilokano) and Evon Jyka Lozano (earned Seal of Biliteracy in Ilokano and Tagalog), along with Amleht Netwan (earned Seal of Biliteracy in Marshallese) who graduated last year, also received $1,000 scholarships.

California-based author Elizabeth Jimenez, who helped with the project, provided keynote remarks during a celebration event held Tuesday in Waipahu High's library that was attended by students, school staff and supporters.

She emphasized the responsibility and importance of students telling their stories by sharing an African proverb that says: "Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero."

"We are here today to celebrate the Waipahu pride of lions and lionesses who have found their voices, learned to write and tell their stories for all time," Jimenez said. "We present their legacy to this community (and) honor their authorship."