Beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets and extremely engaged students. The perfect environment for learning happens at Wai’anae High School on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. A rural public school that ranked at the bottom of nearly every academic report for the last few decades. How is it done? This talk tells a success story about looking at students' engagement through a different lens. As Program Director for Wai`anae High School - Searider Productions, Candy Suiso oversees one of the most innovative Creative Media programs in the state of Hawaii. Searider Productions is an integrated program on the island of Oahu that integrates photography, video production, journalism, and graphic arts. Currently, she is focused on increasing the number of commercial and professional projects in which students participate. She also oversees fundraising initiatives, and has successfully spearheaded efforts securing state, federal, and private grants. Candy grew up in Makaha, Hawaii - graduated from Wai`anae High School, received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Northern Iowa and teaching certificate from Chaminade University of Honolulu, In 1999, she received a prestigious National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. She began her teaching career using a VHS video camera as a Spanish teacher at Wai`anae High before starting Searider Productions in 1993.
Candy owns and operates the Makaha Mango farm with husband Mark, a Financial Planner for First Hawaiian Bank. Makaha Mangoes, located in Makaha Valley on Oahu, is home to over 70 mango trees of 12 different varieties and numerous other tropical exotic fruits. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx