There are few events in high school more memorable than prom.
A group of Silverswords made sure that was especially true for more than 120 special education high schoolers, who gathered on November 18 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center for the 2025 West Oʻahu Unity Prom.
Students in Chaminade’s Business and Sport and Event Management programs planned the event, from the decorations to the live music and photo booth to the buffet. Meanwhile, some 80 Chaminade student-athletes volunteered as dance partners for the guests of honor.
Wendy Lam, Ph.D., associate professor of Business Administration and Sport and Event Management, said students from Waianae, Waipahu, Nanakuli high schools, DreamHouse Ewa Beach and Kamaile Academy attended. There were also a number of Chaminade administrators there, including President Lynn Babington, Ph.D., along with community members.
The event was sponsored by Ho’ea—The Foundation.
Lam said last year, Chaminade students volunteered at the East Oʻahu Unity Prom and were inspired to put together a special event for students on the other side of the island. She added Silverswords were integral to all elements of the gathering as part of field experience courses.
“This event exemplifies Chaminade’s commitment to community engagement, servant leadership, and the Marianist values of inclusivity, compassion, and formation through service,” Lam said.
“Our students are not only applying their classroom learning but also living out our mission to serve others and build a more just and caring community.”
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Trysten Mooney ’27, who is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Sport and Event Management, was among those who helped put the event together. At the prom, he joined classmates to manage activity booths, including fun make-up and photo stations.
“Seeing all of the smiles from the students and teachers made all the work worth it,” Mooney said.
“This project helps connect Chaminade to the community by showing our love and core values with everyone. It is a cool experience for both the students involved and us students working it.”