Zavier Cummings
School: Kapaʻa High School
Career: Comedian
Growing up in country Kapaʻa, Zavier understood what was expected from him after graduating high school. "You go to college and then find one job in the state or county," says Zavier. So when he landed a part-time job as an elementary school custodian, his whole family was excited.
Working at the school, Zavier took on the role of an "older brother," be-friending and mentoring some of the kids. Noticing how well he interacted with the students, the principal invited him to host the welcome-back school assembly.
"I just started rifting and all the kids were loving it, screaming," says Zavier. Some teachers posted the assembly on Facebook, and his performance received great feedback. One of the teachers even asked Zavier to emcee her wedding!
"For the first time ever, I had a vision of what I wanted to do— to create these positive environments and experiences."
Fast forward to today, Zavier has built a living as one of Hawaiʻi's comedians for the next generation. His performances, whether it be Sistah Moki or Nīele Patrol, have brought a smile to thousands of people across Hawaiʻi'—a dream this Kauaʻi boy never thought possible.
