Q3 eSport: Super Smash Bros 2026

In Q3, our very own Student Council leveled up campus rivalry by hosting an epic Super Smash Bros Esports Tournament. The Arcade Room was absolutely electric, packed with roaring spectators and illuminated by flashing disco lights that set the perfect stage for some intense, high-stakes gaming. Representing their respective teams, players stepped up to go head-to-head in fierce four-player qualifiers. The bracket quickly narrowed down to a thrilling final showdown between Carter Jasper and Gavin Wilcox. After a nail-biting match filled with tactical plays and lively crowd reactions, Gavin Wilcox from Team Laulima secured the final knockout to take first place, earning his team a massive 250 spirit points. This event was a historic hit for the gaming community right here at Highlands Intermediate! — Mikayla Mathis, Dance Committee

Q1 eSport: Mario Kart 2025

Racers burned rubber on virtual tracks across the Mushroom Kingdom in our first eSports event of the 2025-2026 school year! Students faced off on Nintendo Switches in a 16-player tournament to determine who would represent their team in the ultimate showdown: a battle between the 7th and 8th-grade champions. Collin, representing Team Hui Haaheo, emerged as the crowned champion, earning 250 spirit points and a $50 GameStop gift card. Congratulations to our top finishers who also raced their way into the rankings:
2nd Place: Kipi (Laule’a)
3rd Place: Gavin (Laulima)
4th Place: Kanoa H. (Koa Kau Lio)
5th Place: Hunter (Kupono)
6th Place: Lynbert (Alaka’i)
7th Place: Kanoa C. (Hui Lokahi)
Great job to everyone who participated in this race to the finish line! Jax Guris, Spirit Committee

Spirit Week 2024: Nintendo Day

The 3rd day of Spirit Week 2024 was Nintendo themed and students immersed themselves in the colorful world of their favorite games, donning costumes from iconic franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon.The school buzzed with excitement as students rallied to the lunch activity for the day, the amazing "Super Nintendo Photo Booth", complete with tons of Nintendo themed props. This interactive activity was so fun and also allowed everyone to create lasting memories together! The photo booth became a highlight of the day, showcasing the spirit and joy that the Nintendo Universe has brought to everyone across campus. All right, Let's-a go! Princess Jei Pelegrina, Dance Committee

eSport: Mario Kart 2024

On your mark, get set, go! Racing through places like Mario Kart Stadium, Bowser’s Castle and the infamous Rainbow Road, players from each Team got the chance to compete for the Q1 eSport: Mario Kart Championship Belt, a $50 GameStop gift card and 250 spirit points! The Student Council Room was inundated with colorful lights as local music filled the room. For four days,16 players from each team competed for the title “Team Champion.” It was so fun to see all the skill and energy each of the competitors displayed each race. Win or lose, they all had fun and showed great sportsmanship. Finally, on the last day, Team Champions from each of the 7 Teams competed to see who would be “School Mario Kart Champion”... After some really close races, an 8th Grader prevailed and was crowned “Mario Kart School Champion 2024!” Congratulations to Maddox from Team Koa Kau Lio and runner up, Kipi from Team Alaka’i!!! Mckenzie Tomimoto, 8th Grade Treasurer

eSports Q4: Super Mario Party!

There’s no party quite like a Super Mario Party!  Several players from each Team competed with each other in the Student Council Room in order to become the School Super Mario Party Champion 2024! It was such a blast as up to 16 players played various Super Mario themed mini games to see who would win the most stars and become their Team’s Super Mario Champion!  It was so fun to see so many skilled players go at each other with such enthusiasm - win or lose - it was never boring, not even for a second ;)  Congratulations to our Q4 eSport  Super Mario Party Champion Takahiro Yoshinaga who won 250 spirit points for Team Koa Kau Lio + $50 GameStop Gift Card! Andrew Spiers, Assembly Committee