They've missed nearly a month of classes. So when they came back, the school held a parade. That's what happens when you're a Little League World Champion.

Highlands Intermediate School has three players from the World Champion Waipio team. Khade Paris, Jedd Andrade, and Matthew Yap, served as grand marshals as a thousand students cheered them on. The players say they are learning to deal with their celebrity status.

"It feels exciting because we had to sign a lot of autographs and being a world champion is a lot of fun because we're number one in the world," said Jedd Andrade.

Their welcome committee also included state legislators, who presented them with a commendation.

"All three of you put Waipahu on the map."

Everyone wants to talk to them about the come from behind win against Louisiana, down four runs and scoring six in the last inning. But even before that, Waipio lost their first game in the state tournament and in the Western regionals. Along with being champions, the players are also getting known for their resiliency.

"It came from our coach. He kept telling us one team, one goal and never give up, always believe," said Khade Paris.

"Tells you to never give up and just be positive no matter what happens," said Matthew Yap.

No one in their school is more proud than their principal, who prefers to think that education also played a major role in winning the championship.

"You've gotta be disciplined, you've gotta be smart, you've gotta have teamwork, I mean leadership, they get it here," said Highlands Intermediate Principal Amy Martinson.

But even though they are now part of an elite crowd, they still have to deal with some pretty common problems.

"This is my first day. I'm really nervous," said Paris.
"\What are you nervous about?"
"Meeting new friends, meeting new teachers."