HIKI NŌ highlights four more exceptional graduates from HIKI NŌ’s Class of 2021 in this episode — the second of two HIKI NŌ special episodes.

At PBS Hawai‘i’s studio on O‘ahu, the graduates sat down to share their HIKI NŌ production experiences and lessons learned.

This episode features Sam Tiwanak, who graduated from Kaiser High School in East Honolulu and completed a HIKI NŌ Student Reflection while a student there. According to Tiwanak, working with a professional director (Ryan Kawamoto) as his HIKI NŌ mentor for the project was an invaluable experience. He learned how to take constructive feedback to polish a story — even a personal one. Tiwanak now attends the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and studies digital cinema.

Chazz Coppa from H.P. Baldwin High School on Maui remembers what it was like for the camera lens to turn its gaze on him. Coppa was the subject of a HIKI NŌ story about how he balanced working with school to help support his family. Coppa says the opportunity to share his thoughts with a larger audience was incredible for his personal growth. Coppa is now studying mechanical engineering at Northern Arizona University.

Hope Kanoa, a Kalāheo High School graduate from Windward O‘ahu, reflects on her experience working with classmates to tell the story of her classmate’s sister who was tragically killed by a drunk driver. She says it took courage and collaboration to tell the story. Kanoa plans to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and aspires to become a science teacher.

Ethan Morse, a graduate of Farrington High School on O‘ahu, says working with HIKI NŌ gave him an appreciation for all that goes into video production, including planning, writing, shooting and editing. He found there was no greater satisfaction than completing a HIKI NŌ project, and now Morse wants to continue a career in filmmaking.

This episode is hosted by HIKI NŌ Assistant Editor and fellow HIKI NŌ Class of 2021 graduate Frances Uy.

HIKI NŌ 10|12|21: HIKI NŌ Class of 2021, Part 2