The Yes Effect: Campbell High School

For decades, First Hawaiian Bank has been a leader in supporting nonprofits in Hawaii, continuously coming out on top in Hawaii Business’ most charitable businesses list. They are generous with their financial support, employees volunteer time, and First Hawaiian executives also sit on many nonprofit boards of directors.

This year is no different. In March, the bank kicked off its 165th anniversary celebration by pledging $1.65 million to various community organizations. The giving started with Campbell High School, in Ewa Beach, with a $50,000 check to support girls’ athletic programs.

With almost 3,000 students, the high school is the largest in the state. The girls’ athletic program includes volleyball, basketball, soccer, water polo, and many other sporting activities.

Photo: courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank

In its continued commitment to supporting the community, First Hawaiian Bank values the role of high school athletic participation in a child’s development, emphasizing the promotion of physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and time management skills. Moreover, it cultivates self-confidence, resilience, and imparts crucial values of sportsmanship and leadership, contributing significantly to a teenager’s academic and social development and laying a robust groundwork for their future accomplishments.

“This amount was very generous,” says Principal Jon Henry Lee. “We really appreciate their support. We want a lot of girls to come and try out for our teams, and this will help.”

Because of funding restraints, Lee says the school is not always able to purchase uniforms each year, plus cover travel costs to compete in games either on or off island.

Thanks in part to the donation, the girls’ volleyball team just competed in Las Vegas, and in November, the basketball team will travel to Japan.

Photo: courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank

“These excursions help give students different kinds of experiences that are just as important to learning as in a traditional classroom,” says Lee.

The funding from First Hawaiian Bank will also allow the school to refresh jerseys and equipment a lot faster, which benefits the students greatly, Lee says.

“First Hawaiian’s donation is a great opportunity to draw attention to the need in our schools. It just goes to show that support for public education is viewed as a team effort. I think it sends a strong message that people care, and they are looking for ways to give back.”

Sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank, Member FDIC.