Every quarter, the Freshman Academy Advisory Classes collaborate to compete in different contests.  The entries are judged by the Freshman Academy Staff, and sometimes the entire WHS Staff is invited to judge as well.  Winners are acknowledged in Advisory Classes and at the Semester Awards Assemblies for the Freshman Academy.  Starting in the 2025-26 school year, there will also be a perpetual trophy for each of the quarterly contests called the Nā Hopena Aʻo Award  because it promotes many of the components of the HĀ Framework.

Quarter 1 - WHS Alma Mater Singing Competition

Advisories learn, practice and, finally, record their class singing the Waiākea High School Alma Mater.  This activity not only helps the students learn the Alma Mater but gives them a Strengthened Sense of Belonging and Excellence (two of the HĀ components)!  It is also perfect timing to go along with the Homecoming Week events.  Click to see the lyrics for the Waiākea High School Alma Mater,

Quarter 2 - Recycled Wreath Competition

For this competition, the Advisory students are tasked with designing, bringing materials for and constucting a wreath made of at least 50% recycled material (organic or man-made).  The wreath needs to show evidence of collaboration by all members of the Advisory Class.  Strengthened Sense of Responsibility and Excellence are accentuated by this competition.  Below are some examples:

Quarter 3 - Eggcelent Eggstravaganza Competition

New in the 2024-25 school year, the Eggcelent Eggstravaganza Competition was a successful activity with almost 100% of Freshman Academy students participating.  Advisory classes are asked to choose a theme and create a display that uses artificial eggs to exemplify their chosen theme.  Completed displays are to be donated to a local adult care facility for the spring season.  Collaborating on the displays and donating to the local community provide students with a Strengthened Sense of Belonging and Total Well-Being.  Here are some examples:

Quarter 4 - Memorial Day Ti-Leaf Lei Competition

In the 4th Quarter, schools statewide make and contribute ti-leaf lei to the veterans' gravesites throughout Hawai'i for Memorial Day.  At Waiākea High School, it is tradition for the classes to compete to see who can produce the most ti-leaf lei for Memorial Day.  Each Freshman Academy Advisory Class is asked to bring in ti-leaves and make as many lei as possible.  Students learn from videos and from their classmates how to make the ti-leaf lei properly and with care.  The completed lei are added to the Freshman Class total for the school-wide competition.  This activity promotes the HĀ components of Strengthened Sense of Aloha and Hawai'i.