When the videojournalists at Waianae Intermediate planned to produce a story about a transgender classmate for "Hiki No," the student news show on PBS Hawaii, Robert Pennybacker held his breath — but only for a moment.
Pennybacker, who oversees the weekly show, wasn’t worried. The students in the statewide program have a reputation for tackling stories some might call controversial. That didn’t mean Pennybacker wasn’t curious.
"I expected they would do a good story, but I was surprised at how good it was," he said. "What they came up with was just the most nonjudgmental and humane perspective on this person."
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the story, "Raquel’s World," is a nominee in this year’s annual "Hiki No" awards program. Or that the nominees include similarly adult topics: a homeless high school student, mental health, same-sex marriage, bullies, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings.
The stories were produced during the last school year by students in the 86 public, private and charter schools that participate in the "Hiki No" program.
The winners won’t be announced until Sept. 17 — online at PBSHawaii.org — but there will be plenty to celebrate before then. This year, the awards ceremony will be preceded by the Hiki No Festival, a series of free screenings of all the nominees at select locations statewide, starting Monday.
"HIKINO," which debuted in February 2011, has become a showcase for student journalists.
"I don’t want to sound schmaltzy, but Ithink we are in good shape when this generation takes over," Pennybacker said. "I am impressed with their sense of fairness."
The teachers involved have often told Pennybacker that they can see student growth happening right in front of them, he said.
"They see students discover their talents and get excited by it," he said. "It’s anecdotal but we have heard many stories that students before this experience didn’t stand out and blended in with the crowd. They had not found their specialty or identity."
Kevin Matsunaga, who teaches technology at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai and advises the school’s "Hiki No" participants, said he has seen confidence blossom when students were given a camera and a story to tell.
"I have had quite a few parents say that our program has helped their child," he said. "It really helps kids break out of their shell."
Matsunaga often tells students (and their parents) that learning to make a video is more about life skills than it is about technology. Students have to set up and complete interviews, solve problems, work with people they are likely not familiar with and learn how to be an effective communicator, he said.
One of the first lessons "Hiki No" participants learn is that PBS Hawaii has high standards, Matsunaga said. Stories are often sent back for revisions — six, seven, eight times.
"But if you set the bar high they will strive for that," he said. "The kids won’t give up. When they finally get that approval, they feel so good about their work, and they are so proud. And when they see it on screen it boosts their confidence so much."
The Hiki No Festival will screen Monday at Consolidated Theatre’s Kaahumanu 6 on Maui, Tuesday at Waimea Theater on Kauai, Thursday at Waiakea High School and Hawaii Preparatory Academy, both on Hawaii island, Wednesday at Consolidated’s Ward Stadium and Saturday at Consolidated’s Pearlridge West on Oahu.
All screenings are free and begin at 6 p.m.
AND that’s a wrap …
Mike Gordon is the Star-Advertiser’s film and television writer. Read his Outtakes Online blog at honolulupulse.com. Reach him at 529-4803 or email mgordon@staradvertiser.com.
