Watching the clock as the night lingers on, still having homework to complete on an empty stomach– the night doesn’t age any faster but instead time seems to be going slower than ever. A scenario like this may be true for many high school students who earn their money at a part time job and for Class of 1976 Kalāheo alum Willard Holck– it was not different. From memories of the past to hard work and dedication early in life through sports and jobs— these are all aspects that would later translate in Holck’s career and life. 

Like many students at Kalāheo, Holck’s high school journey led to his future success and the person he is today. It was in his high school years that Holck would get his first job.A job in high school, for many of us, would mean working fast food or retail. For Holck– that would prove to be no different either. He worked long hours for a company known as Kuulei Union Service Station, gas station company that continues to serve the small town of Kailua today. 

But apart from working in his teen years, Holck also reminisced on the unique mix of students and culture of Kalāheo. “We had such a diverse group of students from all different nationalities.  Potlucks after Games and events were the best.  Always too much food and lots of Aloha and support from families, friends and Kalaheo Staff,” he recalled. 

Holck is one of the few that can recount the significance of being a part of the first varsity football team of Kalāheo. Looking back on the past sports program— there were many parallels to the teams of today. Holck remembered him and his team mates being looked down upon by other schools due to the small number of athletes on the team. However Holck never let that drag him down and instead used that as a motivation to become better and more successful. “In our first year of Varsity Football we only had Juniors and Sophomores.  Everyone predicted that we would finish last in the OIA.   We had great coaches and staff that believed in us and we worked very hard.  Our Senior year we beat Kahuku and also upset Waipahu.  We ended the season 4-4 but had a great season,” he explained. 

Holck would then go on to study at Windward Community College. |First obtaining his real estate license, and then ultimately working at Hawaiian Electric s.  He started as Lineman Apprentice and retired as a Senior Supervisor in the Construction and Maintenance Division after 36 years.

“In my life after Kalaheo, the lessons I learned there was that no matter how hard or impossible something may seem, with hard work and perseverance you can achieve your goals.

Thanks to the never ending support of our Coaches, Teachers and Staff for everything they have done for all of us—-Failure is the stepping stone to success!”