Eighth graders visit Kadena High for Rising Panthers Open House
During the second annual Rising Panthers 8th Grade Open House, Kadena High School welcomed hundreds of eighth grade students Ryukyu Middle School, Kadena Middle School, and Lester Middle School onto its campus for an afternoon filled with exploration, connection, and personalized guidance, all with the goal of ensuring a smooth and confident transition into high school.
The event was designed to welcome future KDHS students and prepare them for the exciting opportunities that await at Kadena High School, as well as help prepare them for high school success.
Students participated in a student‑led schoolwide campus tour, giving rising freshmen their first real look at the classrooms, labs, learning spaces, and common areas that will soon become part of their daily lives. Guided by KDHS student ambassadors, eighth graders were able to ask questions, learn school traditions, and get a feel for the layout of their future campus. For many students, it was their first time seeing the Panther community in action. Next, they were able to meet their school counselor, a key highlight of the open house. Counselors offered an overview of graduation requirements, explained the importance of developing a four‑year academic plan, and shared resources to help students begin thinking about long‑term goals. Families appreciated the chance to build this early connection, setting the stage for a supportive and collaborative counseling relationship throughout high school.
Students then participated in an interactive course fair where departments, programs, clubs, and activities came together to highlight what makes KDHS unique. Eighth graders engaged directly with current upperclassmen, who shared firsthand experiences about the schoolwide AVID program and how it has strengthened their academic and organizational skills; over twenty-two Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including teacher expectations, workload insights, and how AP courses support college readiness; JROTC, with cadets providing insight into leadership development, teamwork, and community service; and CTE pathways, spanning fields such as technology, engineering, digital design, and health science. Additionally, students were exposed to three different world languages (Japanese, Spanish, and French), P.E. electives, including fitness, sports performance, and lifelong wellness options, as well as clubs, activities, and athletics, offering opportunities for students to pursue interests, build friendships, and take on leadership roles.
This peer‑to‑peer exchange gave middle school students an authentic understanding of KDHS programs and helped them imagine the pathways they may choose when they join the Panther family.
The event provided a strong start for the next rising class of future Panthers and showcased the collaborative spirit of Kadena High School.
