Kaimana Award Recipients
HMSA would like to congratulate all Kaimana Award winners and Kaimana Scholarship recipients.
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Tayler Guerrero
Honokaa High & Intermediate School
As a result of Tayler Guerrero’s impressive volleyball and leaderships skills, she served as captain of the girls’ varsity volleyball team and was named Outstanding Player of the Year. In fact, Tayler was known to strike fear in her opponents due to her powerful arm and accurate aim.
Though she doesn’t consider math one of her strong subjects, Tayler earned an exceptional grade for AP calculus in her senior year. She’s also proud to have earned Red Cross CPR certification. “I took a clinical health class where I learned medical terms and CPR,” Tayler says. “This experience inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field.”
Even with her busy schedule, she still made community service a priority. In addition to fundraising for her school’s science club, Tayler planted and harvested crops at Ulu Mau Puanui. “Working with ulu was entirely new to me,” she says. “And I enjoyed every minute of it!”
Tayler is looking forward to attending Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She plans to major in biology and has her sights set on optometry as a profession.
Rebecca Tang
Parker School
An ace on the court, Rebecca Tang was a four-year varsity tennis letterwinner. One of her proudest achievements was winning the Most Improved Girls Varsity Tennis Player award. “It meant more to me than winning a match because it reflects not only my personal growth but also the spirit of growth,” Rebecca says. “The award represents the culmination of our hard work and determination and I'm grateful to have been a part of such an incredible team.”
Rebecca feels honored that her classmates selected her to serve as Parker School’s National Honor Society president. During her time in NHS, she organized and participated in initiatives including toy drives, volunteering, organizing voter registration drives, creating 3D printed personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and tutoring students.
While she was still in high school, Rebecca took classes at a community college where she explored a variety of subjects including psychology, criminology, and women’s and gender studies. She was also active in Parker School’s policy and debate team. Rebecca helped lead her team to win the state tournament and served as team captain in her senior year.
This fall, Rebecca will attend Columbia University in New York City, where she’ll study political science and women’s studies. Her goal is to become a lawyer and focus on advocating for women and other gender minorities’ rights.
Kaimana School Winners
Small school: Parker School
Large school: Keaau High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Landon Choy
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
The sky’s the limit when it comes to Landon Choy’s future and it’s not just because he’s an accomplished pole vaulter. He’s an all-around student athlete who volunteers his time to make the community a better place.
Landon enjoyed his time on Kamehameha Schools Men’s varsity pole vault team because of all the knowledgeable people who helped him refine his technique. He also relished in the thrill of the sport. “I loved the feeling of sprinting down the runway with the pole in hand and giving everything I had into each jump,” he says.
Also determined to achieve academically, Landon devoted countless hours to his studies. As a result, he participated in many competitions and received many accolades. One of his proudest moments was advancing to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair during his junior year.
Though sports and academics kept him busy, Landon prioritized giving back through volunteer work. Helping host a community imu in his neighborhood was a rewarding experience. “Seeing everyone come together after being isolated by the pandemic was amazing,” he says. “I also enjoyed leading volunteer groups at the Ulupo Heiau to restore the overgrown land.”
As for college, Landon has the opportunity to choose either Stanford University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “I plan on majoring in either electrical engineering or computer science,” he says. “And being able to choose between Stanford and MIT is a dream come true.”
Kaimana Kau
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
A skillful soccer player, Kaimana Kau racked up many awards for the sport and was a six-time Hawaii Premier club champion, a U.S. Club national finalist, and an ILH Division I All-Star. His proudest athletic achievement was scoring the winning goal against Punahou this past season. “We’d never beaten Punahou during my time on the team,” Kaimana says. “It was my first goal on varsity and a moment I’ll never forget!”
When he wasn’t playing soccer, Kaimana was either studying or volunteering. He earned a 4.5 weighted grade point average, was named a Coca-Cola Scholars finalist, came in first place at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair in his senior year, and won awards such as the U.S. Metric Research Award.
During the pandemic, Kaimana volunteered at Adventist Health Castle with the medical-surgical unit and in the vaccine clinic. “I was proud to serve the community during such a challenging time,” he says.
All of Kaimana’s hard work paid off because he got into the college he’d dreamed of attending since he was in the first grade: Stanford University in California. After graduating, he would like to either earn a master’s degree at Stanford or return to Hawaii to attend medical school. “I’m interested in contributing to the field of medicine,” he says. “But I’m still undecided whether I want to be a physician or focus on the tech side.”
Chancen Law
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
With an impressive record of playing JV and varsity volleyball, basketball, and bowling, it’s no surprise that Chancen Law received the Kamehameha Schools Scholar Athlete Award. “I made it a point to learn from any challenges I encountered and was always sure to show humility when victorious,” he says. “I also strive to lead by example so younger athletes can see how success in sports gives them the skills to succeed in all aspects of life.”
On the academic front, Chancen is proud that he was one of the only high school interns with the Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Internship Program. He assisted in leading his research team to win the Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Best Poster/Abstract of the Year Award and also helped get the team’s research published in the American Academy of Neurology National Conference Journal.
With the needs of others always top of mind, Chancen spent countless hours volunteering to help everyone from keiki to kupuna improve their health and well-being through education, research, and personal interaction. “I’m also proud of giving back to the land,” he says. “I want to do my part to preserve Hawaiian cultural traditions.”
In the fall, Chancen is headed to Cambridge, Massachusetts. “I’m grateful that I’ll attend Harvard University,” he says. “I plan to major in human developmental and regenerative biology, go to medical school, and eventually provide quality health care to underserved populations.”
Jasmine Lianalyn Rocha
Maryknoll School
When all of her friends in middle school joined the volleyball team, Jasmine Lianalyn Rocha thought she’d like to play, too. “I didn’t make the team the first time I tried out,” Jasmine says. “So I worked hard to sharpen my skills. The next year at tryouts, the coaches didn’t even recognize me because of how much I’d improved.” In 2019, her team secured the title of AAU Champs League Division 2 champion, but shortly after, Jasmine stopped playing volleyball due to an injury. Despite this, she volunteered as the boy's volleyball team manager for two years."
Jasmine’s tenacity also served her well off the court. Not only was she class valedictorian, she was also named Student of the Year in World History, Religion, AP U.S. History, and AP U.S. Government and Politics; was the president of the National Honor Society, an AP scholar, and a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar.
With her school motto, Noblesse Oblige — to whom much is given, much is expected — in mind, Jasmine dedicated herself to community service and servant leadership. “You don’t have to participate in extravagant acts of service or an extreme variety of acts for your service to be meaningful,” she says. “Yes, giving back to your community is important, but you can do it in small, heartfelt ways, too.” As the Key Club vice president, Jasmine made a difference through volunteerism while building character and developing leadership skills.
In the fall, Jasmine is headed to Columbia University in New York City where she plans on double majoring in political science and philosophy with a minor in psychology. Jasmine’s plan is to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a civil rights lawyer to advocate for mental health care equity and justice system reform.
Kaimana School Winners
Small school: University Laboratory School
Large school: Saint Louis School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Emma Burgess
Kauai High School
Always on the go, Emma Burgess participated in track and field and cross country. While she claimed the title of Kauai Interscholastic Federation Cross Country Female Champion throughout her entire high school career, her proudest athletic achievement was placing fifth in the 1,500-meter race at the HHSAA State Track Meet at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama. “The competition was intense,” Emma says, “and the sprint in the final 100 meters pushed me to clock my first sub-5-minute, 1,500-meter time.”
When she wasn’t running or training, Emma could be found studying. Her diligence paid off as she placed first in Translational Sciences at the Kauai Regional Science and Engineering Fair, third in Translational Sciences at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, and received Best Presenter Award at the Junior Science Symposium.
Even with her full schedule, Emma started a nonprofit organization, Run Club Kauai, in 2021. This community-based organization is meant to “empower all people to participate in the sport of running in the pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being, and competition.” The club hosts events such as group runs, fun runs, and training runs, as well as programs about running on the road, track, and trails.
In the fall, Emma is heading to Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where she was accepted into the direct entry nursing program. “This is a huge honor,” Emma says, “because TCU is one of the highest-ranked nursing programs in the nation.” Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner and return to Kauai to help meet the health needs of her community.
Hope Newton
Waimea High School
As a lifelong runner, it’s no surprise that Hope Newton’s favorite sport is cross country. “I like running on the different courses,” she says, “and I enjoy going to practice with my teammates.” She competed in the 2021 HHSAA Cross Country Championship on the Big Island and was the girls cross country team captain for the 2022 season. Her proudest athletic moment was running on her school's varsity 4x4 relay team.
Hope knew that taking academics seriously would benefit her and as a result of her impressive work ethic, she served as valedictorian of her class and was student president of the Robotics FTC Club. Hope is proud that she had the opportunity to intern for NASA at the University of Texas at Austin in the summer of 2022. She performed so well that during winter break that year, NASA invited her back to work on a new project with the Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone program, or LunaSats.
When she realized that there was a lack of robotics opportunities for the children in her community, Hope organized a VEX robotics summer camp. “It gave middle school students a chance to learn about robotics,” she says. “Our hope was to ignite a passion for STEM and robotics in these leaders of tomorrow.”
Hope is planning to attend the University of Texas at Austin where she’ll major in aerospace engineering. After she graduates, she hopes to work for a space and rocket company.
Kaimana School Winner
Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Kristen Otsubo
Baldwin High School
While she played soccer and softball from the age of 6, when she turned 10, Kristen Otsubo had to choose just one sport to play competitively. She chose softball. As a result of years of dedicating herself to the sport, she helped her team win the Maui Interscholastic League Championship for softball in 2022. Kristen also served as team captain in her junior year and was voted most valuable player by her coaches.
With the goal of getting into her dream school, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Kristen studied hard and made academics a priority. She earned consistent straight As and made it on the honor roll throughout high school. She was also a member of Baldwin High School’s National Honor Society and served as secretary in her senior year.
When she wasn’t busy with school and softball, Kristen gave back to the community. Her proudest achievement was planning a winter camp in 2020 for Kahului Union Church. “It took months of planning and communicating with the rest of our youth group to organize the event,” she says. “Since this was during the pandemic, we had to plan things virtually, which was a challenge. However, we were able to pull off the event and received lots of positive feedback.”
Even though California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, has a 30% acceptance rate, that’s where Kristen is headed for college. Her hard work made her dreams come true! She plans to go into the architecture program, and after she graduates, she would like to return to Maui and work as an architect.
Gabriella Pinheiro
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Soccer has always been a huge part of Gabriella Pinheiro’s life. “I love the thrill and excitement that comes with playing soccer,” she says. “There’s a sense of anticipation and strategy that goes into each play and the fast pace of the game keeps me on my toes.” Due to an injury she sustained during her freshman year, she switched to basketball. Though she was able to succeed in basketball, her heart always belonged to soccer. During her senior year, she decided to play both soccer and basketball. “I had to put in a lot of extra work to balance the demands of both sports, but in the end, I think I was successful,” Gabriella says.
Understanding the value of academics, she also spent a lot of time on her studies. As a result, she earned a 3.9 unweighted cumulative grade point average, was on the principal’s and headmaster’s lists, and earned college credits in psychology, English, information and computer science, and communications. “I got As in all the classes I took at Maui College and Hawaii Pacific University,” Gabriella says. “Taking on and excelling in advanced coursework is something I’m very proud of.”
Though she had little free time, Gabriella made community service a priority. “I volunteered as an assistant basketball coach for a group of younger students,” she says. “While my primary responsibility was coaching and improving their skills, I also made sure to encourage them to pursue their aspirations and live up to their full potential.” This positive experience for both Gabriella and the kids she coached will stay with them forever.
In the fall, Gabriella will attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she’ll major in biochemistry on a prepharmacy track. “I was accepted into Creighton’s accelerated pharmacy program, which means I’ll complete my PharmD in six years instead of the traditional eight years,” she says. Her ultimate goal is to work in a laboratory setting and make a meaningful impact in the field of pharmacy.
Kaimana School Winners
Small school: Maui Preparatory Academy
Large school: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Oahu Interscholastic Association
David Kalili
Nanakuli High & Intermediate School
Though David Kalili paddled for three years and ran track and field for four years, his heart belonged to football. This past season, he broke an incredible three school records, including single game receiving yards, single season receiving yards, and all-time leading receiver.
On the academic front, he maintained a 4.0 grade point average for four years and ranked number one in his graduating class every semester of high school. David’s proudest educational moment was being named Student Athlete of the Year. “This means a lot to me,” David says. “It showcases both my academic and athletic abilities.”
Understanding the value of service from his parents, David donated much of his time and energy to giving back. During the pandemic, he volunteered at St. Rita’s Church to deliver food, personal hygiene items, and masks to the homeless. He even helped build a wheelchair ramp at a fellow church parishioner’s home. “I’m proud that these efforts improved a kupuna’s daily life,” David says.
David is excited to attend California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. “I was accepted into the accelerated business program where I’ll have the opportunity to earn a master’s of business administration in five years,” he says. “My business focus is entrepreneurship and I’ll also minor in physics.”
After graduating with his MBA, David plans to open a business in the renewable energy field with the ultimate goal to own and operate a business and provide jobs for residents of the Leeward Coast.
Andrew Lee
Kalani High School
Ask Andrew Lee what his favorite sport is and he’ll say it’s swimming. He was a state finalist in the 50-yard freestyle two years in a row and won the 50-yard freestyle at the 2022 Oahu Interscholastic Association swimming championships. “At the beginning of that swim season, I thought that the pandemic had killed my athletic career,” says Andrew. “But winning the championship helped me realize that it will never be too late.”
His love for swimming inspired several award-winning science fair projects. Andrew also maintained a 4.1 grade point average while taking six AP and three honors classes. He’s most proud of receiving the Harvard Book Award, which recognized his academic achievements, character, and dedication to other fields. “This award has encouraged me to continue striving for academic excellence. It’s opened doors to opportunities that I may not have had otherwise,” he says.
Andrew loves sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to study science and engineering. During a laser-cutting class he teaches, one of his students who struggled with fine motor skills found it difficult to complete detailed projects. With Andrew’s support and encouragement, the student managed to create jewelry with the laser cutter. “He was incredibly proud of himself and that moment, among others, is what makes teaching so rewarding,” says Andrew. “It’s not about what my students accomplish; it’s about the skill and confidence they gain through these projects.”
In the fall, Andrew will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he’ll major in mechanical engineering. Once he graduates, he hopes to improve Hawaii’s food waste management systems through engineering, infrastructure, and policy-based action.
Erin Nakamura
Roosevelt High School
Erin Nakamura loves volleyball not just for the game, but for the camaraderie that comes with it. She’s accomplished so much with her team, including placing third at the Spring Break Madness championship and in the top 15 at the Las Vegas Classic tournament. She’s not just a team player; Erin served as varsity team captain. “Becoming a captain made me so proud because of its fulfilling nature,” she says. “It’s been amazing to see and experience the growth of both my teammates and me.”
Erin’s leadership skills are clear in the classroom. Not only does she maintain a 4.0 grade point average, she’s also vice president of her school’s National Honor Society. “It was really rewarding to be able to help lead such an amazing group of future leaders,” Erin says.
She’s passionate about shaping the future generation, too. She started her own community service club at her high school. Members of Between the Lines connect with first graders at Lincoln Elementary and help them learn how to read. Erin was also a junior leader at Manoa Summer Fun for three summers. “It’s allowed me to connect with my community,” she says. “I gained a lot of leadership skills that I use in my everyday life.”
Erin will attend Seattle University in the fall, where she’ll major in nursing. She plans to return to Hawaii and work in critical shortage facilities to help in understaffed areas. She also hopes to pursue further research in the field of pediatric oncology.
Aimee Vierra
Kaiser High School
Aimee Vierra didn’t think she was going to make the Kaiser High School volleyball team when she tried out in her freshman year. She was 4 feet, 11 inches tall, and had no experience. “I’d never touched a ball in my life,” she says. “But during the summer conditioning and tryouts, I did my best, had fun, and made spectacular memories despite my lack of skill.” The JV coach recognized her spirit and determination and made an exception to allow her to practice with the team. “He had faith in me when I didn’t. His support was one of the most encouraging things in my life,” Aimee says. Before long, she was selected as team manager and by her junior year, Aimee became a captain and starting player on the varsity team.
Aimee’s perseverance shone in school as well. She was recognized with CTE Honors and was student body secretary and treasurer. Aimee was also a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme, where students engage in career-related learning and real-world experience.
While she was busy with volleyball, school, and extracurriculars, Aimee still found the time to volunteer. She helped create a video for A Family Tree Adoption Center, where she portrayed an adoptee from China. The goal of the video was to depict the adoptee’s perspective to future adoptive parents and encourage them to preserve their child’s culture. “My role revealed how rewarding this line of work is,” says Aimee. “I stepped out of that building feeling elated, like I had just done something with meaning and purpose. I knew what passion felt like and I aspire to feel that high again.”
Aimee’s career goals also reflect that. She’ll be attending a six-year law program at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Once she graduates, she hopes to pursue adoption law and work with local communities to improve Hawaii’s foster care system.
Maverick Yasuda
Waipahu High School
While Maverick Yasuda loves watching basketball, his favorite sport to play is volleyball. “Everyone on my team is competitive and skillful, yet prioritizes having fun and enjoying the game,” he says. Maverick played both sports throughout his high school career, helping his volleyball team progress from Division II to Division I.
Maverick balanced sports with both high school and college classes. He’s graduating from Waipahu High School with a 5.0 grade point average, as well as from Leeward Community College with honors and an associate degree in liberal arts.
Maverick is also involved in politics. He represented Hawaii in the U.S. Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., and was a U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate. Closer to home, he serves on the Hawaii Board of Education as a student member. “I had the chance to attend, facilitate, and emcee many statewide and district events,” he says. “I enjoyed meeting new people and building connections at these different events.”
In the fall, Maverick will be taking his talents to Massachusetts, where he’ll attend Harvard University with a double concentration in environmental science and public policy and economics. He plans to minor in political science and come back to Hawaii. “I hope to contribute to progressive change to better our local communities and people,” he says. “And I hope to use my degree to find a job or career that makes me genuinely happy.”
Kaimana School Winners
Small school: Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Large school: Moanalua High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Montana Lagat
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
In 2019 and 2020, Montana Lagat earned the designation of Kamehameha Schools Hawaii scholar athlete. She was a four-year member of the air riflery team. Montana’s coach credits her studious habits and willingness to help as an inspiration for other student athletes trying to stay on the right track to success.
As part of her senior project, Montana conducted a research project testing the effects of olena (turmeric) on cancer cells. Her project placed 2nd in the Cellular & Molecular Biology category of the Hawaii District Science and Engineering Fair.
In 2020, she participated in the Youth Action Alliance Program hosted by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council. Alongside other high schoolers from the Big Island, she hosted several webinars and worked with local professionals to share valuable health resources for the youth in Hawaii.
A valedictorian of the Kamehameha Schools Hawaii class of 2022, Montana will attend Stanford University in California this fall where she plans to major in chemical engineering. She hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry and expand on her cancer research by leveraging her passion for science to promote the health of the community.
Jordanna Takaki
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Jordanna Takaki started dancing hula and participating in gymnastics at the age of 3 and played t-ball, basketball, soccer, and swam competitively before she turned 8. Jordanna went on to swim, cheer, and play water polo and basketball throughout high school. Thanks to Jordanna’s dedication to cheerleading, her team won the BIIF Cheerleading Championship for the first time.
In 2018, Jordanna founded Teddys of Hope, which has since become an annual event. She collects donations of teddy bears and other stuffed animals for children staying at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children during the holiday season.
With the goal of becoming a physician, Jordanna took academics seriously and made the headmaster’s list in her sophomore, junior, and senior years with a GPA higher than 4.0. She was a member of the National Honor Society and interned as a research assistant at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she studied microbiology.
This fall, Jordanna will attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where she’ll major in biology on a pre-med track. She hopes to work in the field of pediatric oncology, so that she can help children battling cancer.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Kohala High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Zoey Duan
Punahou School
When Zoey Duan and her family immigrated to the U.S., they instantly felt kindness and generosity from the people in Hawaii. Whether it was a friendly “hello” from a neighbor or extra malasadas from a nearby bakery, the aloha spirit inspired Zoey to give back, too.
That’s one of the reasons Zoey co-founded HawaiiVaxHelp, a statewide youth-led COVID-19 assistance hotline. Collaborating with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, and several nonprofit organizations, Zoey helped translate and print thousands of informational fliers and set up a hotline to help non-English speakers book vaccination appointments.
In school, Zoey held a 3.98 grade point average, took advanced placement classes in calculus, biology, history, and more, and served as the debate captain of the Punahou School Public Forum. She co-founded a schoolwide student body government and took leadership positions in her school’s Japanese Okinawan Club and the Psychology Club while participating in track and field and competitive and performative dance teams.
This fall, Zoey will head to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, to study psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. Her goal is a degree in public health and to serve as a public health adviser.
Jack Jones
Iolani School
Whether it’s his family, friends, or members of his community, Jack Jones understands the importance of taking care of others. After his grandparents were in a car accident during his freshman year, Jack didn’t hesitate to step up and help take care of them. Though he had a lot going on with academics and sports, he always put the needs of his grandparents first.
Jack was an honor roll student while playing varsity basketball for three years and even served as team captain. He was once named Oc16 Player of the Game and played on the Iolani Classic All-Tournament team. Jack used his sports knowledge and experience to give back, volunteering as a coach for the Special Olympics.
Jack’s teachers say he’s a collaborator, communicator, and leader in the classroom. His strong work ethic and dedication made him a steady and dependable student who’s always willing to help elevate those around him.
Jack is looking forward to studying business at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. His professional goal is to create large-scale solutions in top corporations to help reduce plastic pollution, their carbon footprint, and overall climate damage.
Freddie Lao
Saint Louis School
The pandemic took its toll on many families in Hawaii and around the world, including Freddie Lao’s. Instead of feeling bad about the situation, Freddie took action and worked part-time at the Honolulu Zoo to help pay his family’s bills.
His job didn’t stop him from becoming an honor roll student and making it onto the President’s List with a 4.35 GPA and receiving a Scholar Athlete Award. Freddie also made time for athletics and played football for one year, basketball for two years, and ran track and field for three years.
Freddie’s coaches and teachers describe him as an outstanding person and a student of exceptional promise. Inspired by his grandmother, who used to organize holiday dinners and invite the community to eat, talk story, and celebrate, Freddie continues to hold these events in his neighborhood as a way to perpetuate his grandmother’s legacy of love. Freddie is also a member of the Living in Faith Experience, or LIFE Team, where he leads spiritual retreats and mentors the younger generation.
This fall, Freddie will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to study kinesiology with the goal of becoming a doctor. However, like all successful people, Freddie has a backup plan to study business and earn an MBA in health care management.
Logan Lau
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Those who know Kamehameha Schools graduate Logan Lau may describe him as someone who sees a need and fulfills it. In addition to holding numerous leadership positions for his school and community, maintaining a 4.42 grade point average, and playing club soccer, Logan spent his time identifying opportunities to help others and then acting on them.
For example, when masks were difficult to find during the pandemic, he researched particle filtration and discovered two alternatives to the N95 face masks, one of which was the kapa cloth used by ancient Hawaiians.
Also, when he saw that Native Hawaiians seemed to be underrepresented in the fields of science and technology, he rallied more than 70 students to form a school club focused on inspiring the next generation of Native Hawaiian STEM leaders.
And in response to Hawaii’s need for blood, he organized 2019’s largest Hawaii high school blood drive, recruiting 143 students to donate enough blood to save up to 327 lives.
Later this year, Logan will attend Stanford University in California. He’s looking forward to studying neuroscience and artificial intelligence in hopes of going to medical school to become a neurosurgeon and a researcher.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: University Laboratory School
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Jessica Drent
Kapaa High School
While working toward graduation keeps most high school students busy, Jessica Drent took college classes. Through the early college program at Kauai Community College, Jessica earned an AA in liberal arts, an academic subject certificate in math, and a certificate of competence in beekeeping. She was named valedictorian of her graduating class at Kapaa High School and graduated with STEM and CTE honors.
When she wasn’t studying, Jessica participated in soccer, cross country, and track and field and competed in state tournaments for cross country and soccer all four years of high school.
Even with her full schedule, Jessica found time to give back to the community. She led a group to participate in the Kauai United Way Walkathon twice: once to raise money for the early college program and again to raise money for her soccer team. She also organized a yard sale that raised $400 in one day for the Kauai Animal Welfare Society.
The future looks sweet for Jessica and it’s not just because she spent six years working on her family bee farm bottling and selling honey. She’s headed to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts where she’ll play soccer and double major in biology and neuroscience.
Kai Mottley
Kauai High School
Kai Mottley’s first name is fitting because his life and water are so intertwined. He spent much of his time growing up swimming and surfing. In high school, he was a competitive swimmer with Swim Kauai Aquatics and co-captain of the Kauai High Swim Club. He was a five-time finalist at the Hawaii Senior Championship and recently won gold in the 200-meter butterfly.
Not all of Kai’s accomplishments are water-based. He maintained a 4.1 GPA, was a National Merit Scholarship finalist, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. His proudest moments were winning the Kauai Regional Science Fair and then presenting at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Kai’s love of Kauai’s natural beauty led him to be one of the island’s most fierce protectors. To prepare Kauai for climate change, he created a sea-level rise refugia model for endangered species, which won him several awards. Kai is also president and founder of the Kauai Climate Action Club, which has participated in climate conferences and beach cleanups.
In the fall, Kai is headed to Stanford University in California, where he’ll study engineering and sustainability. His goal is to lead a start-up company that will help improve the environment.
Kaimana School Winners
Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Kyra Ong
Maui High School
When Kyra was 6 years old, she discovered her love for playing the ukulele. She displayed a level of passion and skill unusual for someone so young. When her beloved aunt was diagnosed with cancer, Kyra used her gift of music to bring her aunt joy.
Years later, inspired by her aunt, Kyra started Bag With Love. The organization provides newly diagnosed cancer patients with a tote bag filled with self-care items and messages of hope.
Kyra approached academics with the same drive as she did when learning the ukulele. She was a National Honor Society member, National History Day state finalist, Future Health Professionals public service announcement silver and bronze medalist, and served as Maui High School Student Council Class president.
When she wasn’t studying or volunteering, Kyra was golfing or swimming. She helped Maui High School’s swim team win the MIL Championship. It was the first time that the girls team won an MIL title.
Kyra is excited to attend Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where she’ll major in biology on the pre-med track. Her plan is to become a physician and return to Hawaii to serve her community.
Kolea Suehiro
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Helping others is second nature to Kolea Suehiro. She’s spent hours tutoring children in her community, preparing and serving more than 160 meals to the food insecure through St. Theresa’s Hale Kau Kau, and volunteering at the Maui Food Bank. Kolea also started a fundraiser to benefit Punana Leo, a Hawaiian-language school.
A leader in the making, Kolea served as captain for her cheerleading squad for two years. She also participated in track and tennis and came in second in the 4x200 mixed relay for track in 2019.
With an acute understanding that excelling in academics is important, Kolea studied diligently and consistently made it on the headmaster’s and principal’s lists. She also completed two advanced placement classes with a 4.0 GPA.
Kamehameha Schools Maui teacher and National Honor Society adviser, Kealii Mossman, describes Kolea as a strong, organized leader. “Kolea is an integral part of the leadership council and the main person responsible for many of the successes our organization has experienced,” Mossman says.
Kolea is looking forward to studying political science at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She would eventually like to return to Hawaii to put her knowledge and skills to good use.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Maui Preparatory Academy
Large School: Molokai High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Taylor Fukunaga
Waipahu High School
Taylor Fukunaga’s approach to life stems from a saying she learned from kempo: “Take care of today and the years will take care of themselves.” This explains Taylor’s drive and determination to accomplish several “firsts.”
Taylor played softball and soccer and practiced kempo. For the first time since 2005, her softball team won the OIA Division II softball championship. Taylor made history in December 2021 when she became the first student black belt at Hybrid Kempo Martial Arts school.
On the academic front, she was the first high school student elected as international vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Collegiate Honor Society. She belonged to the National Honor Society, was named the Academy of Industrial and Engineering Technology Student of the Year in 2020, and graduated from Kapiolani Community College as a certified community health worker.
Always eager to give back, Taylor mentored special needs students, hosted a hygiene drive with the Institute of Human Services, and served as an assistant kempo instructor and softball mentor. She also represented her school on the first-ever Work-Based Learning Advisory Board with the Chamber of Commerce.
In the fall, Taylor will attend the University of La Verne in California where she'll study communications.
Mana Iketani
Kalani High School
While some teenagers hang out with friends during the summer, Mana Iketani volunteered at an elementary school in Cambodia to teach English, an experience that exposed her to different cultures and world issues.
Mana co-founded HI College Prep to increase college preparation awareness among public school students. She hosted Zoom events with educators and created a website for the Hawaii Department of Education that listed extracurricular opportunities. Mana also interned at Breast Cancer Hawaii, coordinated a “vaccination bus,” conducted health screenings at her school, and taught COVID-19 prevention to third graders.
For two years, Mana was a member of Kalani High School’s girls air riflery team, which took second place at the 2019 state championship. She could have been on the team longer, but she earned all the high school credits she needed to graduate early. Mana spent her senior year studying abroad in Sardinia, Italy, living with a host family and attending a local high school. She made connections with other exchange students from over 20 countries and is trilingual in English, Japanese, and Italian.
Mana will attend New York University Abu Dhabi where she’ll study social research and public policy.
Ikaika McCormick
Waialua High School
When the world shut down in early 2020 due to the pandemic, Ikaika McCormick wanted to help others. He and his mother volunteered at the North Shore Food Bank, setting up tables and tents, unloading pallets, and distributing food. The shortage of personal protective equipment spurred him to mobilize his robotics team to produce PPE. A few weeks later, Ikaika, two teammates, and four mentors returned to Waialua High School to fabricate face shields, visors, and custom plastic dividers for service windows and desks at hospitals and businesses. Ikaika helped deliver and install the safety equipment he helped make.
Ikaika excelled in sports and academics. He paddled, ran track and field, and played football. His team placed second in the OIA championships for the 2022 variety mix paddling season. An honor roll student, Ikaika received the Bulldog Strong Recognition Award at his school for exemplifying what it means to be a strong leader with a positive attitude. He also received recognition from the robotics director for his dedication to the program and for mentoring the next generation of robotics students.
Ikaika’s experience with robotics is leading him to Washington State University in Pullman to study mechanical engineering.
Chance Ratliff
Mililani High School
While some may count surfing as a hobby, it’s a way of life for Chance Ratliff. He believes that surfing helps him manage his autism. Chance started surfing when he saw that an organization called AccessSurf holds monthly swim and surf events for people with disabilities. A self-described perfectionist, Chance admits that he gets frustrated easily, but surfing relaxes his body and mind. His mother calls it “the power of vitamin sea.”
Chance’s trigonometry teacher, Shannon Beeler, describes him as hardworking and responsible. “I’ve seen him mature into a fine young man who’s learned strategies and coping mechanisms to help him with his studies,” Shannon says. “He challenges himself with difficult classes and excels at them.”
Since AccessSurf made such an impact on his life, Chance volunteers with the organization. It’s one of the best feelings, he says, to see the participants’ pure joy in the ocean. He also volunteers at Goodwill events that help people with employment hardships reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.
Chance is headed to Leeward Community College in the fall. He plans to transfer to the University of Hawaii at West Oahu to study mathematics toward a career in engineering or teaching.
Madeline Tamura
Kailua High School
When Madeline Tamura was 15 years old, she had to grow up faster than she could have ever imagined. Her mother, whom Madeline describes as the “beacon of warmth and support and manifestation of infinite love,” underwent surgery for a precancerous illness. Though the surgery was a success, the work was just beginning for Madeline, who selflessly nurtured her mother back to health.
Madeline studied extra hard in school, taking advanced placement classes and honors courses like biology and chemistry, which gave her a deeper understanding of her mother’s illness. Madeline was a member of the National Honor Society and won awards such as the Harvard Book Award.
Somehow, Madeline made time for athletics and community service. She played tennis and soft tennis throughout high school and served as captain of the girl's varsity tennis team. She volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii – Windward Clubhouse. Maureen Purington, clubhouse director, describes Madeline as the club’s best junior staff member who excelled in connecting with the younger kids.
Madeline is excited to attend college at Santa Clara University in California where she’ll study neuroscience or biology. She plans to work as a clinical psychiatrist or traveling health specialist.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Large School: Radford High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Alexander Bell
Kealakehe High School
Alexander Bell, known as Alex to his friends and family, has many accomplishments in academics, sports, and his community. One of his most memorable achievements in his academic career was presenting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology EurekaFest in 2018. Alex’s team, the first high school team ever selected from Hawaii, developed an ignition-interlock blood alcohol content detection system to prevent those who’ve been drinking from driving.
As for sports, Alex played varsity soccer and was a Division I All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation first-time selection in his junior year. He was also a varsity bowler and had the highest scratch game at the 2019 Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Tournament with an impressive score of 276/300.
Even with all of his school and sports commitments, Alex was able to dedicate time to give back to the community. He was most fulfilled when working with keiki, whether it was as a counselor at a STEM summer camp, a robotics qualifier, or a rocketry night. “What I enjoy most,” Alex says, “is enabling the kids’ limitless curiosity.”
In the fall, Alex is heading to Harvard College where he’ll pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Alex knows that “pioneering innovative solutions to social, environmental, and economic problems are at the core of what I want to do as an engineer.”
Alianna West-Rodrigues
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Alianna West-Rodrigues is an all-around student who excels in academics and sports. She started on her varsity soccer team since her freshman year and served as captain during the 2020–2021 season. Alianna led her team to win the Division II state title three times. When she wasn’t running on the soccer field, Alianna ran cross country and track and was a state qualifier.
As far as academic achievements go, Alianna was the two-time recipient of the Bieni Koehler-Johnson Award, which is given to students who excel in academics and community service. She also received the Kulia Scholarship for her academic excellence and made the Dean’s List consistently throughout high school.
Feeling a strong desire to give back, Alianna spent much of her time involved in volunteer work. Her proudest moments occurred while spending time with preteen girls through an organization she founded, Mentoring Minis. “I was there to help them through issues they faced daily and strike a balance between school and sports. It was rewarding to see them become confident young women who believed in themselves.” The Mentoring Minis are lucky to have found such a strong, positive role model in Alianna.
Alianna is looking forward to attending Emerson College in Boston where she was accepted into the journalism program. She’ll keep busy studying broadcast journalism and playing collegiate soccer.
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Kenna Higa
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Kenna Higa almost didn’t apply for a Kaimana scholarship because she didn’t think she was deserving enough. However, her mom convinced her to apply. It’s a good thing Kenna listened to her mother!
Throughout her high school career, Kenna gave her all to academics, sports, and community service. She dedicated much of her time to softball and was named the OC16 Impact Player of the Game: 2019 State Softball Playoff. Her proudest athletic achievement was hitting a home run against Kaiser in the 2019 state championships.
Attending Kamehameha Schools had been a lifelong dream for Kenna. Her hard work and perseverance paid off and she was accepted into Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus for her junior year. Kenna consistently made it onto the Principal’s List, was a member of the National Honor Society, and took five dual-credit courses from Hawaii Pacific University. It’s no surprise she was an honor’s diploma recipient when she graduated.
Kenna has a deep reverence for the land and spent many hours taking care of the aina. Whether she was cleaning a loi, or taro patch, or volunteering with Papaku no Kamehaikana with community clean ups, Kenna was dedicated to “giving back to the aina that has provided for our people.”
Kenna is headed to Norfolk State University in Virginia where she’ll study business. Her ultimate goal is to run her own business and travel the world.
Sophia Lee
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Sophia Lee is a gifted athlete, hard worker who excels in academics, and generous in spirit as she’s often found giving back to the community. Her efforts in all aspects of her life make her a role model to all.
Her quick reflexes and exceptional communication skills helped Sophia excel on the volleyball court. Well-regarded and viewed as a team player by her peers, Sophia’s dedication to volleyball helped propel her team to compete in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu’s JV volleyball championships. Best of all, her team came out on top.
Since Sophia’s ultimate goal is to become a doctor and return to serve the people of Hawaii, she takes her studies seriously. She devoted her free time to academics and it paid off as she was a member of the National Honor Society and consistently made it onto Poo Kula, or the principal’s honor list.
With a passion to help others, Sophia gave back to the community in many ways. In addition to volunteering in the emergency room at Kapiolani Medical Center, she was a tutor at uAchieve Learning Center. Sophia loved working with her students and felt so proud whenever she’d see them reach their academic goals or get excited to learn.
Sophia is set to attend the University of Pittsburgh where she’ll double major in biology and finance on a pre-med track.
Penicia Pene
Sacred Hearts Academy
While most high school students are focused primarily on school, Penicia Pene excelled in academics while running two businesses, playing volleyball, and working a part-time job. The fact that she was able to balance all of this during a pandemic is even more impressive.
Penicia participated in softball and volleyball. Larry Ericson, Penicia’s volleyball coach, says that her strengths are leadership and persistency. He remembers a tournament game where the team was on a losing streak and morale was low. However, Penicia rallied the team, motivating them through a pep talk and after that, Ericson noticed an increase in energy from players. Penicia has a natural gift for bringing people together.
Though she was busy with sports, Penicia always dedicated time to academics. She was a member of the National Honor Society and received numerous accolades including the Presidential Award, Hawaii Legislative Art Award, and the Toshiba Award.
Penicia also made time to give back and donated her time generously. One of her proudest moments was volunteering at the Oahu Heart Walk. She enjoyed talking with participants and hearing their incredible stories.
In the fall, Penicia will attend the College of Southern Nevada where she’ll study surgical technology and biological sciences and play volleyball. Penicia is set on becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Sumin Sung
Iolani School
Though Sumin Sung excels in sports and academics, her heart belongs to hula. When she was 6 years old, she visited her great-grandparents at their residential home. She remembers watching hula dancers perform as her great-grandmother and other residents joined in. That was the moment she decided to learn hula and she’s been dancing ever since.
When she wasn’t busy with hula, Sumin was swimming for the varsity Iolani swim team and playing varsity water polo. She received an honorable mention for her contributions to the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Girls Water Polo All State Team.
Even when sports kept her busy, Sumin always made time for academics. Her proudest moment was representing her school at the All-State Urban Plan Competition for her advanced placement economics course. For her part in the project, Sumin researched the most effective ways to allocate space in Hawaii to ensure that tenant prospects and consumers are attracted to the amenities.
Sumin’s desire to help others comes from a positive experience she had in preschool. Since Sumin’s native language was Korean, her preschool teacher took special care to make sure she learned English. This formative experience inspired Sumin to start Diverse Talk, where she met with low-income students from Korea and helped them develop their English skills.
In the fall, Sumin plans to attend the University of California, Irvine, where she’ll major in international studies.
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Alakai Gonsalves
Kapaa High School
Before the pandemic, sports kept Alakai Gonsalves busy. He played basketball in 10th and 11th grade and was named a Kauai Interscholastic Federation all-star. He also played volleyball his sophomore and junior years as a starting outside hitter and his team was Division II Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) runner-up champion. Alakai still managed to run cross country and ended up a HHSAA championship participant.
Even with his heavy involvement in sports, Alakai took his studies seriously. He graduated with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society, and held a position on the Kapaa High School Student Council. Alakai also took college classes while still in high school and earned an impressive 30 credits at Kauai Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Once the pandemic hit, he found that he had a lot of free time on his hands. Instead of wasting his time, Alakai started his own business, Melt Cookie, where he baked, marketed, and sold homemade cookies. He used this endeavor as a learning opportunity and in the month of October, donated a portion of sales to fighting breast cancer. Wanting to do more, he gave $1,500 to a member of the community affected by the pandemic.
Alakai is going to Brigham Young University Provo in Utah to study construction management.
Wailana Marvin
Island School
When Wailana Marvin commits to something, she gives it her all. That’s why she’s an exceptional athlete and academic who makes time to give back to her community.
In addition to playing two years of varsity soccer, Wailana also played volleyball for three years, serving as team captain for one year. In 2019, her varsity volleyball team had the most successful season in all of Island School history! She also played over 10 years of club volleyball. In March 2019, her club team traveled to Japan to learn from professional Japanese players and coaches while practicing with and competing against Japanese high school teams.
As for academics, Wailana received high honor roll all four years of high school for her notable grades and GPA. When she was a sophomore, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. In addition, she took several advanced placement and honors courses from the time she was a freshman.
Volunteering is important to Wailana and some of her proudest community service moments happened while she shadowed physicians at the Makana North Shore Urgent Care in Princeville. This experience only furthered her interest in pursuing a profession in medicine.
In the fall, Wailana will attend the University of Colorado, Boulder, where she plans to major in integrative physiology with a minor in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology.
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Ryllah-Rae Rodrigues
Lanai High and Elementary School
Ryllah-Rae Rodrigues understands the importance of hard work, whether it’s applied to sports, school, or helping the community.
In addition to playing girls varsity basketball for four years, Ryllah-Rae was the only female in Lanai’s history to play eight-man football. During her sophomore year, her football team won the Maui Interscholastic League championship.
On the academic front, Ryllah-Rae received many honors and merit roll distinctions in addition to earning her associates degree before graduating from high school. She was also nominated into the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
Ryllah-Rae’s passion for giving back is evident in her efforts to raise money for the keiki of Lanai. She raised approximately $3,100 to supply 300 Lanai students with backpacks filled with school supplies. She’ll never forget the smiles on the students’ faces when they were presented with the backpacks. Ryllah-Rae also set up a mobile hub to supply an internet connection for students who needed online access for distance learning.
With all of her work to help students, it’s no surprise that Ryllah-Rae is headed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Education to earn her bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education. After she graduates, Ryllah-Rae plans to work as an elementary school teacher while pursuing a master’s degree and doctorate in education. Her ultimate goal is to become a principal or superintendent.
Cael Yasutake
Lahainaluna High School
Kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of leading a life of continuous improvement, has helped Cael in many facets of his life, especially in sports. He was first introduced to the concept through wrestling, as “kaizen” is emblazoned on the back of their team shirts. Cael applies kaizen to wrestling through the repetition of techniques until it’s second nature. His hard work paid off because he was a three-time state placer in wrestling, even after suffering injuries, and was a two-time Maui Interscholastic League runner up.
As for academic accomplishments, in 2018, Cael’s FIRST Robotics team became the first in Lahainaluna High School’s history to qualify for the Houston World Championships. In addition, Cael graduated with a 4.125 GPA and was valedictorian of his graduating class.
Always looking for ways to give back to the community, Cael started a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camp at Holy Innocents Preschool where he taught students STEM skills through fun activities he developed. When Cael saw that many families were facing hardship because of the pandemic, he organized a Thanksgiving food drive and holiday toy drive to help them.
In the fall, Cael is attending Columbia University to major in biomedical engineering. After graduating, he plans to begin a startup in the biomedical or technical field with the mission of benefiting his Maui community.
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Min Seo Kim
Kalani High School
While other students may have used the pandemic as an excuse to take it easy, Min Seo Kim knew he wanted to do something productive and meaningful with his time. After noticing that hand sanitizer was in low supply and high demand, Min Seo started crafting hand sanitizers. His strong business acumen helped him to keep costs low and as a result, ended up donating approximately 550 hand sanitizers to senior citizens, members of his community, and small businesses. Min Seo’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and desire to help others is also apparent in his success in athletics, academics, and community service.
Min Seo participated in football, track and field, and soccer throughout high school. He received awards in the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) Eastern Division for track and field. All that running practice paid off because he also placed second for JV soccer in the OIA.
When he wasn’t on the playing field, Min Seo spent much of his time focusing on his studies. His dedication paid off as he graduated with a GPA above 4.0, came in third at the Hawaii Distributive Education Clubs of America Competition 2020, held the title of AP Scholar with Distinction, and was a Prudential Spirit of Community Award local honoree.
Min Seo will attend either the University of California, Los Angeles, or the University of Hawaii at Manoa and major in business or economics.
Katrina Kuo
Kalani High School
When Katrina Kuo sets her mind to something, she always follows through. That’s why she’s excelled in athletics and academics and has made a difference in her community through her volunteer work.
Katrina dedicated much of her time on the tennis court and was a crucial member of her high school’s varsity tennis and soft tennis teams. When she was just a sophomore, her girls’ varsity tennis team won the 2019 OIA Eastern Division Championships.
Dr. Michael Ida, math and science teacher at Kalani High School, describes Katrina as “Exhibiting that rare and potent combination of academic aptitude, genuine curiosity, and a rock-solid work ethic.” This is reflected in the awards Katrina earned, including winning first place in the National FFA Agriscience Fair, being named a National Girls Living STEM winner, and receiving the prestigious Harvard Book Award.
A compassionate soul, Katrina volunteered at various organizations and even co-founded Virtruss, a nonprofit that provides free academic and emotional support for students feeling lonely and stressed because of the pandemic. Katrina’s proudest community service moment was serving as project manager for the construction of a pergola at a local elementary school. She enjoyed being able to teach students about STEM, teamwork, and sustainability.
Katrina is attending Stanford University this fall to study management science and engineering. Her goal is to become a technology entrepreneur and make a positive impact on the world.
Rodley Nelson Jr.
Moanalua High School
Rodley Nelson Jr. takes pride in everything he does and it shows. He excels in sports, his studies, and in the community. Counselor Donnalyn Yamamoto shared that Rodley views himself as a “bottom boy survivor,” a slang term for someone who succeeds and rises to the occasion despite the many challenges they face. Yamamoto agrees and describes Rodley as an exceptional student athlete who’s overcome many hardships.
On the sports front, Rodley participated in track and field for one year and football all four years of high school. When he was a sophomore, he was voted MVP in football and was a two-time football team captain. Rodley is proud to have played on the team that won Moanalua High School’s first Division I football championship in the Oahu Interscholastic League.
In the classroom, Rodley is hardworking and determined to succeed. An honor roll student, he made it onto the principal’s list all four years of high school. He was nominated for the National Honor Society and was the recipient of the scholar athlete award twice.
Giving back has always been important for Rodley. His favorite community service memory was volunteering at Kokua Kalihi Valley’s Waiwai Health Fellowship where he used his skills to increase community involvement and engage in cultural preservation.
Rodley will attend St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, to play football and major in sports management.
Christopher Wolfersberger
Kahuku High and Intermediate School
Christopher Wolfersberger’s incredible work ethic shows in all of the endeavors he undertakes. Instead of relying on his natural gifts, Christopher rises to another level with the amount of energy he expends on sports, academics, and volunteering in the community.
Christopher’s love and talent for swimming led him to join the Kahuku High and Intermediate School (KHIS) swim team for four years. He was the recipient of the North Shore Lifeguard Association Scholarship for Aquatic Sports in 2021 and was voted KHIS’s Most Outstanding Athlete Award for Swimming in 2020.
As for academics, Christopher has many achievements under his belt. He won first place in 2018 for the essay he wrote for KHIS History Day and was a District Science Fair Qualifier in both 2017 and 2018. He was a recipient of a Turtle Bay Scholarship in 2021, published with Brigham Young University–Hawaii’s Kula Manu Literary Journal in 2021, and was valedictorian of his high school’s graduating class.
Community service has always been important to Christopher. Since he finds working with kids rewarding, he volunteered at the A Plus program to help elementary school students with their studies. When the pandemic hit, Christopher switched to tutoring students online so he could continue to help them.
In the fall, Christopher is headed to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he’s considering going into linguistics.
Jing Ting Zheng
Kalani High School
If Jing Ting Zheng’s success in high school is any indication of her future, she has much to look forward to.
A dedicated athlete, Jing participated in junior varsity tennis and track and field. She also played varsity soft tennis. Though sports kept her busy, Jing still made school a priority. She was a member of the National Honor Society where she served as vice president and later president, was a Mauna Kea Scholars honorable mention, and was a Hawaii State Science Fair finalist. She also won first place in the Health and Safety category of the Hawaii State LifeSmarts competition and won best in category for environmental engineering at the Honolulu District Science and Engineering Fair.
Because of her kind and generous personality, giving back comes naturally for Jing. One of her proudest moments was seeing the smiles of the faces of the residents of Kahala Nui, where she planned an orchestral Christmas concert. Jing also enjoyed volunteering at The Queen’s Medical Center where she greeted and offered support and customer service to visitors and staff throughout the hospital. This positive and rewarding experience inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.
Jing is headed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall to major in biology. After graduation, she’d like to attend medical school and ultimately practice family medicine in Hawaii.
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Catherine Chow
Keaau High School
As a result of Catherine’s year-round dedication to ballet, cross country was the only sport she participated in during high school. But she sees it as a positive because it gave her the opportunity to fully devote herself to running. Catherine enjoyed the fact that cross country was an individual sport where her success depended on how hard she worked yet she still had support from her teammates and coaches, which helped her reach her goals.
When Catherine was a freshman, she revived the math league at her school, which had been dormant for years. She encouraged her peers to develop their math skills outside of class and shed false stereotypes of math enthusiasts being social outcasts. Even more rewarding than the team earning school-first victories over other Big Island schools was the increased interest in scholastic endeavors from her math league teammates.
Community service has played a big role in Catherine’s life. At the end of her sophomore year, Catherine started the Keaau High School Blue Zones Club, modeling it after the Blue Zones Project (BZP) Power 9. The club focused on Hale Iki Village, a small community in Puna that originally served as transitional housing for lava evacuees. They helped start a garden and maintained it, providing the community with a source of fresh produce.
Catherine is thankful for her parents and older siblings for always showing faith, kindness, love, and hard work. She also appreciates HMSA for the Kaimana Scholarship and for bringing BZP to the Big Island. She’s seen a huge positive impact that BZP has had on the lifestyle of her, her classmates, and the community.
In the fall, Catherine is headed to Hanover, N.H., to attend Dartmouth University.
Jaymie Kunitomo
Konawaena High School
Throughout high school, Jaymie spent her time on the tennis court, on the soccer field, and in the bowling alley honing her athletic abilities. Though she excelled in each sport and loved competing, Jaymie has a deep passion for soccer because of the creativity, speed, and intensity of the game. She’s proud that she helped lead her team to become Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division 1 champions in 2019.
Feeling a strong desire to give back to her school and the West Hawaii community, Jaymie volunteered hundreds of hours to various organizations such as the Kona 4-H Federation, American Red Cross, and the Lions Club. One of her proudest community service moments was seeing the impact and success of the Kona Lions Club West Hawaii Community Health Fair. Jaymie worked hard to promote the event that included about 40 health care organizations offering resources and services. The event was especially helpful for residents who were unaware of the services or could not afford them.
Even though she was busy with sports and volunteering, Jaymie maintained above a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Renee Hashimoto, head of the science department at Konawaena High School, describes Jaymie as a “gem of a student and person” who achieves her academic goals because she knows that success starts with education.
After losing her grandfather to liver cancer and her grandmother to Parkinson’s disease, Jaymie wondered if her genetics or geographic location would make her susceptible to illness. That’s why she’s headed to either Gonzaga University or the University of Portland to study molecular biology/genomics. After graduate school, Jaymie’s goal is to return to support her Big Island community as a genetic counselor or researcher.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Keaau High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Mauhia Kimata
Punahou School
Mauhia Kimata is not only an athlete and a scholar. His teachers describe him as a true friend – someone who has the unique ability to pick out someone who seems to be alone and include that person with other students. “He consistently chooses to help those who seem lost.”
Not the typical behavior you’d expect from an 18-year-old.
A graduate of Punahou School, Mauhia is a four-year member of the school’s track and field team. He also played varsity football and paddled, all while earning academic awards and maintaining a 3.6 grade point average.
Volunteering as a tutor for his church and a teacher’s assistant at Saint Clements Preschool, Mauhia describes one of his most impactful experiences as the time he spent with an 8th grader who had moved to Hawaii from Chuuk and how he was able to help improve this young man’s education and confidence.
In the fall, Mauhia is planning to attend either the University of Portland or George Fox University and would like to focus on a pre-health concentration or a business degree.
Lindsay Sasaki
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Lindsay Sasaki wants to earn a degree in the medical field so that she can become a geriatric nurse practitioner. Her drive and compassion were inspired by her grandmother’s fight with Alzheimer’s disease and her strong belief that every life is worth fighting for.
Serving as the president of Hawaii’s National Honor Society and of the Japanese National Honor Society, Lindsay spent her high school years volunteering at the Institute for Human Services, co-chairing a Christmas fair at the homeless shelter, tutoring students in Kalihi Valley, and spending time with senior citizens in care homes.
As a member of Hawaii Baptist Academy’s cross country and track teams, Lindsay maintained an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 4.0 while earning numerous outstanding academic awards in chemistry, English, literature, and Japanese.
Lindsay is headed to either Seattle Pacific University or Creighton University in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing.
Kylee Takanishi
Iolani School
Kylee was active in sports throughout high school, participating in running, dance competitions, and diving. Diving will always hold a special place in her heart because it was always fun. She also served as co-captain for two years and appreciated that her teammates and coach were supportive and kind.
Kylee’s AP calculus teacher, Amy Yonashiro, describes her student as extremely thoughtful and kind who’d give the shirt off her back to help someone. “And she’d do so without seeking recognition or compensation.” When Kylee was a junior, she wanted to find a way to improve gut health since she saw firsthand how conditions such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome affected her family and community. Her research found that local natto had three times more probiotic bacteria than imported natto, but local natto lacked the crucial enzyme the imported natto contained. Kylee worked with her mentors, University of Hawaii professors Dr. Yong Li and Dr. Chin Lee, to contribute this new probiotic data to the scientific community for improved gastrointestinal health.
It’s no surprise that Kylee is dedicated to community service and spends time volunteering with organizations that support Alzheimer’s research, combating homelessness, suicide prevention, and beach cleanups. A longtime violinist, she shares her musical gift by playing for and teaching elementary school students and senior citizens about the fundamentals of music.
In the fall, Kylee will attend either the University of Hawaii or Creighton University to pursue a pre-med degree to become a psychiatrist or a dentist.
Kassidy Trang
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kassidy doesn’t just do community service. According to her high school counseling director, she embodies it. Throughout high school, Kassidy has volunteered for various organizations including a hospital, a homeless shelter, and a summer fun program.
Despite English being her second language, Kassidy’s intrinsic drive and dedication to working hard has earned her As in AP English, AP biology, AP calculus, and almost every other class she took during her high school career.
While earning a cumulative grade point average above 4.0, Kassidy participated as a member of Hawaii Baptist Academy’s tennis and cheerleading teams, all while holding a job for four years at the Pearl Harbor Court front desk.
Kassidy is headed to the University of Hawaii or Creighton University to major in nursing and pursue a doctor of nursing practice degree. She dreams of working in a pediatric intensive care unit or labor and delivery wing because she’d be able to witness new life every day and use her skills to care for babies.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: University Laboratory School
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Asha McGinnis
Kapaa High School
Asha was born a fighter. When she was five days old, she was medevacked from Wilcox Hospital on Kauai to San Diego for life-saving open-heart surgery for a heart defect. You’d never guess that today since Asha was an avid swimmer and runner throughout high school. She competed in the state competition for swimming three years in a row and won the state Iron Guard, a challenging run-swim-paddle event, in her age group.
When it comes to academics, her chemistry teacher, Joseph Wallace, says Asha has an “iron mindset.” He says that her positive attitude and drive to improve are rare in someone her age, traits that enabled her to maintain a 4.0 GPA or higher in all four years of high school and membership in the National Honor Society.
Even though she was busy with academics and sports, Asha made and sold jewelry to raise $400 for the Kauai Lifeguard Association. She also volunteered with the Interact Club and National Honor Society, participating in events such as the Cancer Awareness Walk and Suicide Prevention Walk, and donating to food and blood drives.
With 24 college credits already earned, Asha is more than ready for her first semester at her dream college, California Polytechnic State University, where she’ll study business administration. Her goal is to start her own business in Hawaii.
Kallen Wachi
Waimea High School
If it wasn’t impressive enough that Kallen served as vice president of the National Honor Society, swim team captain, and cadet battalion commander of the Waimea High School JROTC Program, he was also his graduation class’s valedictorian.
Before his sophomore year, Kallen wouldn’t have described himself as athletic. He decided to make a lifestyle change and set healthy parameters for himself. He joined the cross country team at the beginning of his sophomore year. At his first practice, he could barely run a lap around the field. But pushing himself physically and mentally enabled him to improve and place in the top 25 at the Kauai Interscholastic Federation cross country championship in 2018. He also participated in air riflery, swimming, and track and field.
One of Kallen’s proudest achievements was his involvement in PBS Hawaii’s HIKI NO program. In the program, he learned how to be a proactive and critical thinker through the power of storytelling. He had the opportunity to produce news features for a statewide broadcast with other students who wrote, shot, and edited stories under the direction of teachers and mentors. Kallen credits the HIKI NO program as a defining factor of his success, where he gained empathy for his community and pride for his work.
When he wasn’t busy with school and sports, Kallen dedicated his time to giving back. He particularly enjoyed volunteering at STEM Nights at Kekaha School with the Waimea JROTC. As an alumnus of Kekaha School, he felt that going back as a cadet serving the elementary students and potential future JROTC members made him feel like he was continuing a legacy of selfless service.
In the fall, Kallen will attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D., as a commercial aviation major.
Kaimana School Winner
Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
William Kepler
Kihei Charter School
Growing up surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii, William always felt a strong sense of duty to care for and protect the land. When he was just 6 years old, he and his brother started a program called Recycle for Change that collected HI-5 recyclables in their neighborhood. After two years, they raised $252, which they donated to Doctors Without Borders and a local family. Their program kept more than 5,000 items out of landfills.
William’s dedication to caring for the land continued throughout his life. In high school, he started 100 Real Estate Agents Who Care, a program where William asked 100 Maui realtors to donate $100 each to Habitat for Humanity. At the end of five months, he raised nearly $14,000 for Maui County families in need of affordable housing.
Always on the go, William was active in cross country and paddling. He went to state championships for both sports, served as cross country team captain, and was named MVP of the Kihei Canoe Club.
Even though sports and giving back to the community kept William busy, he still gave 100% to academics. Ellen Federoff, dean of students at Kihei Charter School, describes William as possessing strong communication and technology skills. She says, “He’s always at the top of his class in every subject and is willing to help his peers with their work.” It’s no surprise that William was class valedictorian.
In the fall, William is headed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he’ll double major in business and natural resource management. His goal is to work with sustainable businesses and nonprofit organizations when he graduates.
Ameera Waterford
Seabury Hall
Basketball has been Ameera’s favorite sport since she started playing it in the second grade. Then, in high school, she discovered a love for running track. The reason she’s drawn to both sports is the same: they give her a rush of adrenaline. In 2019, Ameera was named Maui News Track and Field All-Star after receiving four gold medals at the Maui Interscholastic League championships in hurdle and sprint races. At the state championship, she placed fourth in the 100 meter hurdles. Her team accomplishments include three consecutive league championships, one state championship, and two state runner-up finishes. It’s no surprise that she was also team captain.
Ameera also shines academically. Stephanie Walsh, director of college counseling at Seabury Hall, describes Ameera as a disciplined student and honest worker who doesn’t shirk challenges. Ameera was a National Merit finalist, Cum Laude Society inductee, and received the Seabury Hall Head of School Award four years in a row.
Though school and sports kept her busy, Ameera wanted to help improve the community. In addition to volunteering as a tutor at school, she mentors trumpet players and cofounded the Seabury Hall Beach Clean Up Club, which hosts beach cleanups around Maui. As an active member of the student council, Ameera coordinated a childhood cancer awareness week that raised over $4,200 for Make-A-Wish Hawaii. Her service extends beyond the shores of Hawaii. In 2018, Ameera traveled to Nicaragua and taught English to children in a remote village.
Ameera is headed to Stanford University in the fall and would like to study bioengineering on a pre-med track. She’s passionate about biomedical engineering because it can lead to improving the lives of the geographically isolated residents of Maui. Knowing that there’s a physician shortage across the state, Ameera plans to become a physician, return to the island that raised her, save lives, and inspire the next generation of minority women.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Maui Preparatory Academy
Large School: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Izabell Izzi
Waianae High School
Growing up with a mom who always strived to achieve her best helped Izabell Ihilani Izzi learn at a very young age that nothing is too hard as long as you try your best and work hard. Known to her family and friends as Ihi, this young woman also credits her mother for inspiring her to pursue a degree in nursing. “Watching my mother care for my kupuna and studying alongside her while she prepared for various nursing exams, I knew that I also wanted to become a healer and help care for others.”
But Ihi isn’t waiting to graduate from college to pursue her passion. As a student at Waianae High School, she spent many hours volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club, the American Cancer Society, and Special Olympics Hawaii. One of her most memorable high school moments was getting dressed up in pink attire to support the strong, beautiful women at the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
Waianae High School math teacher Matt Murakawa describes Ihi as a quick learner who is extremely hard working. “Whether it’s in the classroom, on the volleyball court, or in student government,” says Murakawa, “Ihi gives 110% effort at all times.”
And she has the numbers to prove it. With a cumulative GPA of 3.9 and as the three-year captain of the Waianae Seariders wahine volleyball team, Ihi was voted MVP in the 2018 season. “Volleyball is my favorite sport because I grew up around it and played it my whole life.”
One of Ihi’s proudest moments was being accepted to the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she plans to major in pre-nursing. Once she graduates, she’d like to work at a clinic or hospital and do her best to help the people of Hawaii.
Pearl Lee
Kalani High School
When her peers scoffed at the possibility of a freshman girl making the Kalani varsity football team, Pearl made it her goal to overcome prejudices and make her mark in the male-dominated sport. She didn’t just make the team. She almost scored a touchdown on her first catch as a slot receiver and eventually became team captain.
“Her leadership on and off the field made her an ideal captain and the heart of our team,” says Head Football Coach Scott Melemai. In addition to playing football for four years, Pearl paddled, ran track, and played soccer, earning an honorable mention in 2018 for Division 1 varsity girls soccer. And in both 2018 and 2019, Pearl was named Oahu Interscholastic Association East varsity girls track and field champion.
“Off the field, she made it a point to help teammates who struggled academically,” says counselor Andrew Higa. Her academic accomplishments include the 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Award, the 2019 AP Capstone Diploma, and the 2019 Wellesley Book Award. “She’s the type of person who’s perpetually improving who she is while letting her work ethic speak volumes.”
Armed with a 4.14 GPA, Pearl plans to attend Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. She’d like to major in biology and then attend medical school.
Samantha Ono
Kaimuki High School
To say that Samantha Ono is a tenacious learner, responsible leader, and team player would not be an exaggeration. Not only is she the number-one ranked student in Kaimuki High School’s graduating class, Samantha powered through all four years of high school, studying extra hard so that she could earn 24 college credits. She was also a vital team member of Kaimuki High School’s soccer and softball teams.
As an athlete, Samantha motivates her teammates to be stronger. “She has a knack for bringing out the best in people,” says English Department Chair Mary Ann Akamine. During her sophomore year, Samantha helped her team win the JV Division 2 softball championship with an undefeated season. As a member of the girls basketball team, she received an honorable mention from the Oahu Interscholastic Association East Division for two years and was named MVP by her school in her senior year.
In the classroom, Samantha is a hardworking student who’s determined to succeed. In addition to making the honor roll for all four years of high school, Samantha received the Harvard Book Award last year, an award given to students who display unmistakable academic excellence, strength of character, and achievements in other fields.
STEM Counselor Michael Kawamoto says her community work and volunteer service make her an outstanding role model to other students. In addition to supporting the food bank, the Angel Tree, and participating in beach and hiking trail clean ups, Samantha successfully created an environmental club at her school to raise awareness about environmental issues.
While Samantha is still undecided about where she’ll go to college, she’s hoping to pursue a career as a pharmacist or work in sports medicine.
Isabelle Pescaia
Waialua High and Intermediate School
For some, the sky’s the limit when it comes to career aspirations. But for Isabelle Pescaia, the goal is space. Her dream is to work at the NASA Lunar Research Park in Hilo and design spacecrafts and space-related technologies.
It was through Isabelle’s involvement with the Waialua Robotics Team that she discovered her passion for STEM. She’s taken honors and AP courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science and earned a 4.0+ cumulative GPA. Isabelle had the opportunity to visit NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for a robotics competition. Other academic achievements include joining the National Honors Society, making the principal’s list and honor roll, being named valedictorian, and receiving the Harvard Book Award, a prestigious award for students displaying unmistakable academic excellence, strength of character, and accomplishments in other fields.
Isabelle was recognized for her ability to excel in both sports and academics when she won the 2019 Heisman High School Scholarship. While she participated in girls water polo and swimming throughout high school, her favorite sport is water polo because she loves working with a team and because it helped her become a great communicator and tough competitor.
Community service has always been important to Isabelle, who regularly recruited her classmates to participate in beach clean ups. She’s also been a guest speaker at Plastic Free Hawaii events to promote alternatives to single-use plastic. Isabelle considers herself fortunate that she was able to help remove invasive plant species on Mount Kaala in Waianae.
In the fall, Isabelle plans to attend Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont., where she’ll major in mechanical engineering and minor in aerospace engineering.
Shirfei Tay
Moanalua High School
Shirfei knows that her parents sacrificed a lot for their daughters. Raised in China, her parents weren’t able to graduate from high school due to economic circumstances. Once they moved to Hawaii, they emphasized the importance of education to Shirfei and her sister. Being a first-generation Asian-American and college student is something that Shirfei takes seriously. That’s why she’s always worked hard in school, sports, and the community.
Rebecca Himuro, college and career counselor at Moanalua High School, describes Shirfei as an ambitious, hard worker who communicates effectively and welcomes challenges. It’s no surprise that she was named Student of the Month in October 2019, maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, received the Mayor’s Award of Achievement for the Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest, and earned a Seal of Biliteracy from the Hawaii State Board of Education.
Shirfei was also active in athletics, participating in tennis, water polo, and the swim team. Water polo is her favorite because it was the first team sport she played and it pushed her out of her comfort zone. Her proudest athletic moment came when her water polo team competed in the state championships in Hilo. Shirfei was a first-year starter and it was the team’s first time traveling together to compete on another island. Thanks to water polo, she learned to persevere and learn from failure, skills she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life.
Always willing to give back, Shirfei says that volunteering is her way of empowering others and establishing a personal connection with those around her. She volunteered every Sunday at Kuakini Medical Center and coordinated two blood drives at Moanalua High School. Both years, the blood drives broke the record for the number of donors from previous years. The reason Shirfei chose to organize blood drives is because she knows that Hawaii is always in need of a blood supply. She’s proud she can make a difference.
Shirfei is headed to Santa Clara University or Bentley University. She plans on majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing and finance. Her goal is to return to Hawaii and start a nonprofit organization that helps and supports children who’ve immigrated to the United States.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kahuku High & Intermediate School
Large School: Moanalua High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Pomaikai Evans-Bautista
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Since she was 14 years old, Pomaikai Evans-Bautista has maintained a flourishing photography business that prospered from her ability to bring out the inherent beauty of people. The same drive and passion that she puts into her business is applied in the classroom, on athletic fields and courts, and in her community.
Pomaikai competed in track and field and played volleyball and basketball. While serving as an athletic leader on the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Student Activity Council, she refined her communication, leadership, and planning skills. Pomaikai was a National Honor Society Council member and volunteered for the Blood Bank of Hawaii, New Hope Hilo, Special Olympics, and more.
This fall, Pomaikai will either attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo or Oregon Institute of Technology and major in business management. She plans to start her own business in fashion that draws inspiration from the Hawaiian culture.
Enjolique Hughes
Makua Lani Christian Academy
In the essay that she submitted with her Kaimana application, Enjolique Hughes wrote about someone she admired. It wasn’t a famous athlete, successful business owner, or well-known scholar. Instead, she wrote about her school’s secretary whom she calls "Auntie Page" and cited her generosity and care, and her investment in students as characteristics she tries to emulate. Enjolique’s ability to observe and appreciate the people in her community have contributed to her success and was one of the reasons she was selected as a 2019 Kaimana Scholarship recipient.
While a student at Makua Lani Christian Academy, Enjolique participated in golf, soccer, and volleyball. Her outstanding contributions were recognized when she was named the soccer MVP for two years and played on the BIIF all county team for volleyball. Enjolique led her team to win the NASA Ames Space Settlement design contest and traveled to the International Space Development Conference as a result. She was granted three congressional nominations to a service academy. Always willing to give back to the community, Enjolique worked as a peer mentor for young women.
Enjolique is headed to Princeton University on an ROTC scholarship where she’ll major in history as she also completes pre-health requirements for medical school. She plans to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army after graduation.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Kohala High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Kailee Jackson
University Laboratory School
Kailee Jackson loves paddling so much that she went outside of school athletics to do it even more. Competing in club paddling allowed her to travel, race in culturally significant places, and taught her to go beyond her limits. She crossed the 42-mile Kaiwi Channel from Molokai to Oahu twice and competed in the 18-mile Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race in Kona, the world’s largest outrigger canoe race.
In addition to paddling, Kailee ran cross country and played water polo for University Laboratory School. She earned academic success and was on her school’s Superior Academic Achievement Honor Roll. She was named a 2018 Islander Scholar and served as student body treasurer her junior year and president her senior year. One of Kailee’s most memorable community service projects was visiting Kahoolawe for a restoration project that helped to preserve the island’s cultural significance.
Kailee is excited to go to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she’ll major in biology. She’s also set to row on the crew team. Kailee plans to return to Hawaii for medical school and serve as a physician in a rural community on a Neighbor Island.
Gianna Sbarbaro
Le Jardin Academy
Gianna Sbarbaro has her mind on a business career and heart set on helping her community. Whether its raising funds or helping victims of sex trafficking, Gianna is always reaching out with encouragement and compassion.
Gianna has worked with Hoola Na Pua, a nonprofit organization that provides services for sexual exploitation victims, to help them revise their fundraising and marketing tactics. She also volunteered with Kidz for a Cause, raising money for a different nonprofit organization each year. Most recently, her team raised more than $350,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Hawaii.
Gianna competed in cross country, track and field, soccer, and equestrian sports. She was awarded the 2018 Varsity Athlete of the Year Award for track and field and was named the women’s cross country varsity division MVP three years in a row. A member of the National Honor Society, Gianna earned a 4.96 cumulative GPA.
In the fall, Gianna is attending the University of San Diego to pursue a degree in business with an emphasis in marketing. She’s also set to join the cross country track team.
Emily Truong
Sacred Hearts Academy
Emily Truong’s deep respect for kupuna motivated her to volunteer at the Palolo Chinese Home. She wasn’t content to merely spend time with the residents, however, and wanted to do more. So she organized a "senior prom” for kupuna statewide.
After injuring her ACL, she endured six months of intensive physical therapy and hours of practice so she could reclaim her starting position on the varsity soccer team. Emily helped lead the team to fifth place in the state for the Division II championship in 2018.
One of Emily’s proudest academic moments is placing third in the platinum tier for the Cyber Patriot’s national cyber security competition.
In the fall, Emily is off to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo to major in computer science. She hopes to become a cyber security analyst or a medical researcher at The Queen’s Medical Center.
Taylor Venenciano
’Iolani School
Taylor Venenciano built a small children’s library for a safe house of domestic abuse survivors. She also organized a towel drive for the Hawaiian Humane Society. She was in the second grade at the time.
In high school, Taylor learned the importance of making others feel valued and supported. While working as a teacher’s assistant for kindergartners and third through eighth graders, she developed a passion for teaching and paying forward lessons of perseverance and hard work.
She played both soccer and track and field during her high school career. As team captain and outside back starter, Taylor led the girls’ soccer team to the HHSAA state championship in 2017 and 2018.
Taylor still made time for academics and was selected from more than 5,000 candidates to be named a U.S. Presidential Scholar. She was also named a top scholar of the Iolani Class of 2019, was a three-time gold medalist for the National French Exam, and received the 2018 Princeton Book Award, which goes to the Iolani senior who best combines academic excellence, athletic excellence, and fine character.
Taylor will major in neuroscience at Pomona College in Claremont, California. She also plans to study mathematics, engineering, and French.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Le Jardin Academy
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Mayumi Fulgencio
Kauai High School
Mayumi Fulgencio is a model of maturity, poise, and grace. She’s also a rugged competitor who was hand-picked to represent Kauai High School at the HHSAA Student Athlete Leadership Summit. In short, Mayumi has a lot of interests and excels in everything she sets out to do.
Mayumi graduated as valedictorian. She participated in track and field and has a passion for soccer, where she was a versatile midfielder who scored 10 goals in her high school career (NONE with her feet!). Her work on her STEM capstone project landed her as a finalist in the national Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. Mayumi is proud of winning first place in the 2017 STEM Conference Designer Toy Challenge. She dedicated her free time to advocating for Kauai’s youth in this year’s global climate strike by coordinating Kauai’s demonstration.
Mayumi is starting her post-secondary journey at Lewis & Clark College and plans to study environmental studies and international relations.
Tabitha Ross
Island School
Tabitha Ross was always on the go. She participated in cross country, paddling, soccer, and track and field. Tabitha earned the Cross Country Coaches Award for leadership and received the Lisa Fairchild Award in Gymnastics.
Academically, she was on the Head of School’s list for four years, served as the school’s National Honors Society secretary, and earned one of the top three grades in her graduating class for the senior capstone project.
Tabitha was passionate about her volunteer work with the Friends of Bethany Hamilton Foundation since it gave her the opportunity to help young amputees.
Tabitha is excited to attend Wheaton College in Illinois to study biochemistry or biomedical engineering. Her ultimate goal is to go to medical school.
Kaimana School Winner
Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Alexa Jackson
Baldwin High School
Alexa’s most meaningful community service activity was mentoring children at Camp Agape Maui, a camp for children whose parents are incarcerated. Getting to know the kids and helping them build forgiveness, trust, and love was an experience Alexa will never forget.
She was on the honor roll for the past two years, maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her senior year, and successfully completed two college courses at the University of Hawaii Maui College.
She’s played golf since she was 5, so it’s no surprise that Alexa competed in golf during her time at Baldwin High School. She became a three-time MIL team champion, two-time MIL state qualifier, and received a Varsity Letterman Award. In addition, she served as team captain of the girls’ golf team.
Alexa is excited to attend Grand Canyon University in Glendale, Ariz., where she’ll study biology with an emphasis in pre-med. Her plan is to become a doctor and eventually return to Maui to care for the people in her community.
Robert Russell
Maui High School
Robert Russell moved to Maui at the start of his freshman year. Although he didn’t know a single person, one teacher says he thought Robert grew up with all of the other students because he was so helpful and friendly to everyone he met.
This Maui High School student participated in football, track and field, Unified Sports, and wrestling. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Robert helped his team win MIL football championships two years in a row and went on to the state tournaments. He received the 2017 Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year award for varsity football, as well as the 2018 Varsity Attitude and Hard Work award.
Even though he was busy with sports and volunteer work, Robert earned a 4.0 GPA. He volunteered as a counselor at Camp Imua, a summer camp for kids with disabilities. And each year, Robert travels to Oahu as a partner athlete with the Special Olympics team to participate in state competitions.
This fall, Robert is headed to Washington State University where he’ll study business administration. He also plans to continue mentoring students with disabilities through the Washington State University ROAR program.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Maui Preparatory Academy
Large School: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Tilera-Mei Adolpho
Kahuku High & Intermediate School
It was a moment in time that convinced Tilera-Mei Adolpho to pursue a career in medicine. Her brother was hit by a car and laid battered and bleeding. Tilera-Mei saw it all and rushed to her brother’s aid. Calming herself, she performed chest compressions and cleared the blood from his throat. Paramedics say those actions probably saved his life. Now she’d like to go into a career where she can save even more people.
Tilera-Mei attended Kahuku High & Intermediate School where she participated in basketball, tennis, and volleyball. She was named player of the year for tennis twice and served as team captain for all the sports she played.
She was a four-year honor roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and placed second in the state for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) clinical health competition.
In her free time, she volunteered with the Special Olympics and at elementary schools helping kids with their homework.
Tilera-Mei is looking forward to attending Brigham Young University Hawaii. She’s using her full academic scholarship to study kinesiology and biochemistry.
Kelani Corbett
Leilehua High School
Kelani Corbett is a wrestling champion with a big heart. But the path to winning wasn’t always easy. During her first season as a freshman, Kelani lost match after match. Her coach and dad gave her the encouragement she needed to keep going.
Her coach told her that a state title could still be in the cards if she kept her head in the game. Then her dad, a head coach at Leilehua High School, gave his life-changing advice 10 seconds before her state final. He said, "No matter what happens, the next day will come and the sun will still rise, and the world is not going to end. Wrestle with no regrets."
After that, Kelani’s wrestling career took off. She was successful in local, national, and world tournaments. She also participated in judo, placing first in the 2019 OIA West Judo Championships.
Active in Leilehua High School’s student council, Kelani served as the leader for the entire student body. Outside of school, she volunteered at Tripler Army Medical Center in the pediatric department and neonatal intensive care unit helping parents and their children during their hospital stays.
On June 2, 2019, Kelani was one of the 12 outstanding senior student-athletes to be inducted into the HHSAA 2019 Hall of Honor.
Kelani will attend Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., to pursue a degree in medicine with the hopes of becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. She plans on continuing her wrestling career at Lyon College with her sights set on becoming an Olympic gold medalist.
Noah Matsumoto
Kaiser High School
Kaiser High School’s Noah Matsumoto wants to create a better future for the next generations. That’s why he helped to raise over $425,000 to build a gathering place for students and the community in his neighborhood. It’s one of his proudest moments and he dedicated hours to making the project a reality.
Noah was also active in sports, especially baseball and football. He made it onto ESPN’s Top-10 highlight reel with an outstanding baseball play during his junior year and he also served as football team captain his senior year.
He organized blood drives, emceed school-wide assemblies, and ran the media program at his church. He was voted in as the student body president at Kaiser High School and ran student council meetings.
Noah plans to attend Pacific University in Oregon in the fall and major in exercise science. His goal is to become a physical therapist and become employed by the NFL or MLB for the opportunity to work with and learn from the best physical therapists in the world. Noah eventually would like to move back to Hawaii to help student athletes.
Justin Pfau
Pearl City High School
In middle school, Justin Pfau fractured his tibia in three places while playing football. His leg was in a cast for eight weeks. Unfortunately, Justin didn’t feel like the physical therapists he worked with were empathetic or comprehensive enough. As a result, he struggled with a weaker right leg muscle that made it harder to play basketball the following year. "It was then that I decided that I wanted to work in the health field and one day become a physical therapist," he said.
Justin’s injury inspired his career path, but didn’t hold him back from participating in sports. In high school, he was on the basketball, football, judo, and track and field teams. He won various awards including Ultimate Multi-sport Athlete, Most Outstanding Player in Basketball, Male Athlete of the Year at Pearl City High School, and MVP for basketball and track. Justin also excelled in football and played in the Senior Bowl all-star game.
Passionate about improving the health of Hawaii’s keiki, Justin served as an elected representative on the student council and as a health academy ambassador where he shared the value of a healthy lifestyle with elementary school students. He volunteered at the annual Pearl City Elementary track meet and the Mark Takai Community Day.
Justin is headed to Linfield College in Oregon to major in exercise science. He plans to earn a master’s degree in physical therapy and possibly a doctorate in sports medicine. Justin will continue to play football and run track at Linfield.
Chloe Sabandal
Farrington High School
Chloe Sabandal grew up without a reliable source of transportation or a fancy house to come home to. But she didn’t let that get in the way of her ambitions and a life full of academics, sports, and giving back to her community.
Chloe isn’t afraid to pave her own path. With the help of a teacher, she approached elementary schools in her neighborhood and asked them if she could give a presentation to their students about good oral care. She partnered with Aloha Medical Mission to teach those students how to properly brush and floss their teeth. They even received goodie bags filled with their own dental supplies.
Chloe was on the track and field and soccer teams for three years. She loved playing soccer because her teammates were her closest friends. "Win or lose, we always enjoyed each other’s company and shared some laughs in between. I wouldn’t want it any other way."
Chloe was the first in her family to graduate as a valedictorian. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she’ll study biology and apply to medical school.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kalaheo High School
Large School: Radford High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Maya Kiana Gee
Kealakehe High School
Maya served as a representative on the Hawaii State Board of Education and the Hawaii State Student Council executive board while a student at Kealakehe High School. In athletics, she excelled in swimming, water polo, and cheerleading. Her experience attending a public school inspired Maya to learn how to make the public school system more accommodating for English language learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and special education students. Maya plans to go to Middlebury College and double major in political science and human rights with a minor in education studies. After graduating from college, Maya’s goal is to return to the Islands and work for the Department of Education.
Hope Kudo
Kealakehe High School
Hope was a four-year varsity member for her cross country and tennis teams, and was also a two-year varsity member for track. She served as captain of Kealakehe High School’s International Public Policy Forum and Academic Worldquest team; she was also the two-year Head Delegate and Captain for her Model United Nations team. During all four years of high school, Hope was active in Student Government, the Climate Council, and played an important role on her school’s robotics team. She also interned for Sen. Brian Schatz and was a fellow for the Young Asian Leaders in America Organization. Hope is active in her community and has volunteered with the Interact Club, National Honors Society, Key Club, and the Special Olympics.
Hope plans to attend Harvard University to pursue a joint degree in government with a specialization in international relations, environmental science, and public policy.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Keaau High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Justin Abe
Punahou School
A four-year varsity wrestling team member and three-year varsity judoka, it was no surprise when Justin was elected the varsity co-captain for both teams. In his junior year at Punahou School, Justin placed fourth in the state for wrestling. Though he’d stop playing sports near the end of his senior year due to a knee injury, Justin was thankful for all the experiences he had as an athlete. Academically, Justin was a National Merit finalist and sustained a 3.993 GPA. His service activities involved the National Honor Society and Boy Scouts, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Justin will attend the University of Southern California this fall where he’ll major in biochemistry and minor in health studies with the goal of attending medical school to become a physician.
Matthew Anzalone
’Iolani School
Matthew has been active in athletics at ’Iolani School playing soccer and running track. He was a three-year letter winner for soccer, a starter on the ILH championship soccer team, captain during his senior year, and was named to the 2018 all-ILH First Team. When Matthew wasn’t busy with sports, he was an honor roll student and active in his community. He was elected as Senior Prefect of the school, the co-chair of the Beautiful Moments Committee, the publicity chairperson of the ’Iolani Modern Investors Club, the co-chair of the ’Iolani Fair Futsal Tournament, and a member of the I-Club, a student-athlete club that organizes various sports-related school events for the student body. Outside of school, Matthew volunteered for AYSO as a referee and was a member of the AYSO VIP Program. In addition, he’s played the piano for 10 years, earning the Paderewski Award for Piano Playing last year. In the fall, Matthew will attend Occidental College and play on the soccer team while continuing his education.
Anna Kimata
Punahou School
Anna was on the Punahou swim team for five years and in the aquatics club for six years. She was a 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar, National Merit Scholar, and a member of the National Honor Society. Anna was also a Girl Scout Ambassador and received the highest achievement in Girls Scouts, the Gold Award this past year. In addition, she was the editor-in-chief of her school’s literary and art magazine, captain of the science bowl team, and a teaching assistant for AP and Honors Chemistry and Biology at Punahou. Anna was also a manager/statistician for Punahou’s Varsity Baseball team. She'll attend Brown University in the fall as a student in the Program for Liberal Medical Education. While there, Anna is looking forward to exploring her interests in math, engineering, medicine, and philosophy.
Natalie Uhr
’Iolani School
A gifted athlete, Natalie participated in seven ILH sports, two as a varsity athlete. She served as co-captain of the diving team during her senior year and competed in the state tournament. Out of the 47 valedictorians in ’Iolani’s class of 2018, Natalie was the top female and as a result, gave a speech at graduation. Inspired by her sister Lauren, a 2013 Kaimana recipient, and the adults in her life who were active in community service, Natalie wanted to give back as well. As a result, she co-founded Building to Unite, a nonprofit organization that helps support education in developing countries. Natalie feels that her teachers at ’Iolani piqued her interest in learning in the classroom and beyond. She believes that her positive experiences and the relationships have given her a solid foundation and she’s excited to continue to learn and grow as well as give back in college. She plans to attend Harvard University in the fall.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Le Jardin Academy
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Braeden Jensen
Kapaa High School
Braden graduated from Kapaa High School as one of the class valedictorians. He was the recipient of the AP scholar award and graduated with Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors. As a member of the National Honor Society and the Boy Scouts of America, he understands the importance of hard work, education, and community service. Braeden served as team captain of his school’s wrestling and football teams and was the first-ever male from Kapaa High School to place at the HHSAA wrestling tournament. He was also a three-time KIF wrestling champion and all-star. Outside the wrestling room, Braeden learned the importance of hard work, pursuing an education, and service from his father. He plans to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Sariah Mokuahi
Kapaa High School
During her time at Kapaa High School, Sariah excelled in academics, athletics, and community service. She maintained a cumulative 4.1 GPA while completing more than 150 hours of community service. Sariah was a member of the National Honor Society and the Interact Club, where she also served as a board member. Outside the classroom, she demonstrated impressive sportsmanship while on the volleyball, track and field, and canoe paddling teams. Most importantly, Sariah has had a positive impact on the Kauai community through her involvement in elementary tutoring, her church, and various Kamehameha Schools programs.
Kaimana School Winner
Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Makanahele Emmsley
King Kekaulike High School
Makanahele, or Makana for short, is proud to have graduated from a Hawaiian Immersion Program, which she joined at the age of three. She served as team captain of her paddling team, which helped advance her leadership and social skills. Makana led her paddling team to third place in the state competition. She also competed in water polo, working hard with her team to win at the end of the season. When she wasn’t competing in athletics, Makana was busy taking AP classes and giving back to the community. Through sports, academics, and community service, she developed life skills such as patience and learned the value of hard work. Makana is grateful for the opportunities that allowed her to discover her strengths and overcome her weaknesses. She believes that one of the most fulfilling things in life is giving back to her community and making a difference in people’s lives.
Nainoa Kahale
Molokai High School
Nainoa was a year-round athlete all four years of high school. He participated in basketball, volleyball, cross country, and football, and served as senior captain of the basketball team. When he wasn’t competing, Nainoa was taking AP and honor courses, and a college class while maintaining a 3.857 GPA. When he graduated from Molokai High School, he also earned a Career and Technical Education (CTE) honors diploma. Community service was important to Nainoa and he led projects through the LEO Club, Molokai Earth Preservation Organization Club, and Young Life Ministries. He also spent time helping veterans, participating in wharf cleanups, and supervising youth church camps. The recipient of the Whitman Achievement Scholarship for his high school academic performance and the Lomen Douglas Scholarship, Nainoa plans to attend Whitman College in Washington and study computer science or engineering.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Maui Preparatory Academy
Large School: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Cayenne Gabaylo
Nanakuli High and Intermediate School
Cayenne Gabaylo was involved in paddling and track and field while a student at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. As a result of her dedication to her education and community, Cayenne traveled to Japan in 2017 through the National Honor Society to learn about world peace and complex global issues. Over the course of her high school career, Cayenne was on the Principal’s List, received the Harvard book award, and was named valedictorian for her graduating class. In the fall, Cayenne will attend Chaminade University to study to become either a radiologist or anesthesiologist.
Daniel Huang
Kalani High School
Daniel played on the Boys Varsity Tennis Team at Kalani High School for the past four years, helping the team win the OIA team championship in 2016. He served as team captain for the past two years and recently gave the Moment of Contemplation speech at the State Senate. When he wasn’t active in tennis, Daniel was busy with academic pursuits. He was president of the National Honor Society and founded and served as president of the Science Club. He’s been a member of the Science Bowl team and Ocean Sciences Bowl team for the past three years and represented Hawaii at the 2017 Japan Super Science Fair in Kyoto, Japan. Daniel also founded and served as treasurer of the Kalani Pacific-and-Asian-Affairs Council (PAAC) Club. Musically gifted, Daniel is the principal oboist of the Hawaii Youth Symphony. In the fall, Daniel will attend Harvard University and study neurobiology.
Gerri-Co Jenks
Waianae High School
A natural-born leader, Gerri-Co served as the team captain on Waianae High School’s football, wrestling, and track and field teams. Last year, he brought home a first place award in the Western Division for his weight class in wrestling, second place in OIA, and third place in the state. Gerri-Co’s also dedicated to giving back to his community. He delivered food to the homeless and the elderly at a retirement home in Waianae and volunteers in the reading program at Leihoku Elementary School. Gerri-Co’s accomplishments were recognized with the Kaiaulu Award for Outstanding Community Service by Life Champion Bowl on Kauai.
Kawai Kaneakua-Rauschenburg
Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue
Kawai is a proud graduate of Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue, a Hawaiian Immersion school that she attended for 13 years. She played softball and served as captain of both the volleyball and track and field teams for Anuenue. She was also able to maintain a 4.0 GPA. While still in high school, she took two classes at Kapiolani Community College, Hawaiian 290 and History 151. Giving back to the community is important to Kawai; she volunteers to help the homeless and with Meals on Wheels. Kawai will attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas in the fall.
Caitlin Kawaiaea
Nanakuli High and Intermediate School
Caitlin is a multitalented athlete who participated in basketball, cross country, paddling, and track and field. During her senior year, she finished the cross country season as the OIA Western Champion, OIA All Star, and placed second at the OIA division championship. She also completed her childhood goal of crossing the Kaiwi channel while competing in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai. At Nanakuli High School, she was one of the head student leaders in the ha design team that focused on campus enrichment and beautification to support the Hawaiian value of ha, or breath. In the fall, Caitlin will attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Her goal is to study environmental science and educate communities about climate change.
Bradley Wood
Kaiser High School
Bradley, who earned a 5.0 GPA his senior year, graduated from Kaiser High School and received the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. During his high school career, Bradley demonstrated his sportsmanship and leadership abilities as team captain of his school’s varsity football team. He also played basketball, baseball, and ran track and field. His compassion for others has been expressed through his work in the community, including homeless outreach and youth mentorship. Bradley plans to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia this fall.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kalaheo High School
Large School: Moanalua High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Ruby Galapon
Keaau High School
Ruby was a four-sport athlete competing in cross country, basketball, track and field, and tennis all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and graduating as valedictorian of her class. For her academic accomplishments, she was selected as a member of the National Honor Society. She served as president of her class for two years and was the president of her junior achievement mini-company. Ruby will attend San Diego State University in the fall and plans to major in business administration and management.
Sabrina Marvin
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Crediting her parents with instilling within her a tireless work ethic, Sabrina’s accomplishments on and off the field are testaments to that. Sabrina was a four-sport athlete at HPA, competing in track and field, cross country, swimming, and volleyball, where she served as the captain for the volleyball and track squads. In the classroom, she was a member of the dean’s list four years straight and was inducted into the Cum Laude Honors Society last year. Sabrina will attend University of California Berkeley, where she’ll major in international relations while competing on the track and cross country teams.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Keaau High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Devin Eng
Mid-Pacific Institute
Devin was a four-sport athlete at Mid-Pacific Institute, participating in paddling, judo, volleyball, and track and field. He credits his parents’ love and support for him, the gift of a private school education, and the opportunities he was presented with. In school, Devin combined his love of technology and creativity where he founded the Robotics Drone Division, using drones for activities such as photography, film, and racing. Additionally, Devin served as a math team officer and expressed his passion for creativity through visual art as well. In his spare time, he often dedicated his efforts to creating exhibits and restoring the USS Missouri. Devin’s plans for the future include studying bioengineering and medicine, where he hopes to one day be part of a team that tackles today’s medical problems.
Charles Fox
University Laboratory School
In his time as a student-athlete at University Laboratory School, Charles balanced an active athletic career with a passionate interest in art. A three-sport athlete, Charlie participated in basketball, volleyball, and paddling, while also playing club volleyball for Ku’ikahi Volleyball Club the past two years. With a love for street art, Charlie has participated in the 808 Urban youth art group and as a volunteer at the annual PowWow Hawaii mural festival in Kakaako. An avid community servant, he was a respite volunteer and camp counselor with HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support) and has also worked with Special Olympics, the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, the Art Explorium, and other nonprofit organizations. Charlie will attend Colorado College in the fall.
Kiarah Gomard
Sacred Hearts Academy
In her short time in athletics, Kiarah achieved a varsity letter in both sailing and bowling. Maintaining a higher-than-4.0 GPA throughout high school, she gained membership into both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. An avid member of her community, she served in leadership roles in both the Key Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Even with her busy schedule, Kiarah managed to thrive in her job at Pacific Photo Company over the last four years and as an intern at the Aina Haina Pet Hospital for two years. This fall, Kiarah will study animal science at California Polytechnic State University.
Kacey Wong
Sacred Hearts Academy
A fierce competitor on the soccer field, Kacey sustained a series of concussions that eventually sidelined her. Though the injury affected her ability to walk, do school work, and play contact sports, she was able to transfer her passion to another field—helping others. Initially a patient at Fysiotherapie Hawaii, Kacey began volunteering to help those in situations similar to hers while remaining close to her athletic interests. Kacey credits her mother with teaching her the importance of perseverance and never giving up on her dreams. This fall, she’ll follow those dreams and enroll at Concordia University-Portland to study biology with a premedicine track.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Le Jardin Academy
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Vanessa Hernandez Jimenez
Kapaa High School
Vanessa was a two-sport athlete at Kapaa High School, serving as team captain of the cross country and soccer teams. An active member of her community, she volunteered in her school’s Interact Club, Walk-a-Thon, blood drives, and various beach cleanups on Kauai. In the classroom, she was an honor roll student all four years of high school and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Although she was accepted to many schools on the Mainland, Vanessa has decided to stay close to home and attend Kauai Community College to study business.
Carolyn Price
Island School
Previously facing housing challenges and financial hardship, Carolyn tackled her challenges head on. Through her community involvement, she discovered her passion for helping others and giving back to those who had supported her, establishing a local youth enrichment campaign. A three-sport athlete, Carolyn competed in cross country, swimming, and track and field, earning several athletic accolades during her high school career. In the classroom, she served as mock trial captain, a Model U.N. delegate, National Honors Society Chairman, and student body president. Carolyn plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in political science and international relations at Wellesley College in Boston, ultimately attending public policy graduate school and law school. Fulfilling her passion for service, she hopes to pursue a career in an elected public office.
Kaimana School Winner
Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Alexa Narayan
Maui Preparatory Academy
Alexa lettered in cross country, track and field, swimming, and surfing at Maui Prep. She was just as busy in the classroom, serving as Science Olympiad team captain and founder, Vegan Cooking Club president and founder, senior class president, National Honor Society vice president, and Rotary Interact Club treasurer all while maintaining the highest GPA in her class. Alexa also participated in several volunteer projects including Maui Adult Day Care Center, Adopt a Highway, collecting cans for the Maui Food Bank, organizing Project Give a Gift, and helped lead Pennies for Patients. This past summer, Alexa spent time working in a biomedical research lab in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alexa plans to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in nutrition sciences. She hopes that the combination of these fields will allow her to make a positive difference in the world that will one day lead to an improvement in human health.
Dorian Raboy-McGowan
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Dorian was a football standout at Kamehameha Schools Maui, where he earned a 3.94 GPA during his high school career. He was the recipient of a Principal’s List nomination six times for achieving a 3.5 GPA, as well as the Headmaster’s List for earning a 4.0. Invited to participate in the 2016 Champions Senior Bowl on Kauai, Dorian was awarded the Ka Lamaku Pio’ole Academic Award for having the highest academic standing among the 132 football athletes present. A devoted member of his community, he volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters and was recognized as a model “big brother” for his service. Dorian credits his accomplishments to his loving grandparents, Melody and Walter Raboy, and his uncle Wade Raboy, who each played an integral role in his upbringing. Dorian gained recognition for his numerous acceptances to Ivy League schools, but has chosen to attend Stanford University in the fall to pursue a career path in engineering.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Lanai High School
Large School: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Michele Fujita
Pearl City High School
Michele was a two-sport varsity athlete, lettering in both swimming and water polo while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. A four-year member of her school’s band, Michele traveled to Chicago and Japan for concert performances. Heavily involved in the HOSA Club, Michele shared her time among a variety of health events including Making Strides for Breast Cancer, Lung Force, and the Step Out Walk for Diabetes. In her junior year, she was inducted into the National Honor Society where she served as treasurer. Michele was also involved in the graduation committee, senior luau committee, and senior prom committees. Though she was certainly balancing a myriad of activities, Michele graduated as valedictorian of her class. This fall, Michele will attend Creighton University where she intends to study biology with an interest in pre-med.
Joey Pantil
Nanakuli High and Intermediate School
Joey was a four-year letter winner in girls soccer, where she served as team captain in her senior year. As president of the National Honor Society, she learned the importance of giving back when she volunteered for groups such as Next Step Shelter, Weinberg Village Waimanalo, the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Laulima Giving Program, AVID program, and the stream restoration project at Papahana Kuaola. Though her time was spread thin amongst her many activities, Joey was able to maintain a 4.4 GPA. This fall, Joey will attend Chaminade University’s school of nursing. After earning a bachelor’s of science in nursing and becoming a registered nurse, she hopes to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, where she’ll study to become a nurse practitioner or doctor. Joey’s dream is to return to the Leeward Coast and serve those who can’t afford medical care.
Elray Santiago Jr.
Campbell High School
Elray has earned a variety of awards from his school, both academic and athletic. Among others, he has been named Most Outstanding Student, Most Outstanding Musician, and has been a member of the Principal’s List every year since the seventh grade. Among his athletic accolades, Elray has earned a D1 championship trophy for football, several medals for paddling, a silver medal in the paddling state championships, and a third place overall trophy for Campbell’s cross country team. Though he is proud of his personal accomplishments, he hopes that his greatest achievement is inspiring others. Elray is headed to Northern Arizona University this fall where he plans to major in engineering.
Kanani Uluave
Kahuku High and Intermediate School
Kanani competed in volleyball, track and field, rugby, and soccer for the Red Raiders, where she earned OIA All-State Girls Varsity soccer Honorable Mention and First Team defenders honors in rugby. She led her team as a two-year captain for the soccer team, and the team captain for the rugby squad that brought home two state championships. In the classroom, Kanani graduated with a 4.0 GPA and honors. This fall, Kanani will attend Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, to study exercise science in the hopes of becoming a physical therapist.
Ryan Watanabe
Pearl City High School
A standout three-sport athlete, Ryan competed in soccer, cross country, and track and field for Pearl City High School. However, equally as impressive were his accomplishments off the playing field. He has won awards in competitions such as Science Olympiad, SeaPerch, MATE, 808 Soccer Prep Tournament, and the LifeSmarts Competition. Ryan also served as chairperson for the Student Government’s Environmental Services, acted as translator for Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and coached multiple middle schools in STEM competitions like SeaPerch Underwater Robotics and RoboFest. This fall, Ryan plans to attend the Illinois Institute of Technology and pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. Looking forward, he hopes to continue his studies in the five-year master’s program as well.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kalaheo High School
Large School: Waipahu High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Destiny Jarrett-Stroud
Makua Lani Christian Academy
Destiny was a three-year letter-winner in soccer and volleyball and an honor roll student. She was involved in a number of community service projects. She fed the homeless, cleaned for the homebound, and volunteered numerous hours at her school and at a nearby charter school. Removed from her birth parents at an early age, Destiny understands the importance of health care and plans to become a pediatrician to combat the health challenges faced by many of our keiki today. She’ll attend Warner Pacific College in Portland, Ore., where she’ll major in pre-med.
Jordan Virtue
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Before Jordan’s high school career even began, she was already involved in community efforts, from protecting Hawaii turtles to conducting free youth tennis lessons in Kohala. She’s earned a range of academic awards and has even been published in the Washington Post after earning a coveted internship. Jordan competed in swimming and tennis at Hawaii Prep with fierce determination. She endured a painful injury that required two surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. But she came back and helped her tennis team qualify for the state championships. Jordan will attend Harvard University this fall, where she’ll focus on English and writing, with a possible eye on journalism.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Parker School
Large School: Keaau High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Serena Le
Punahou School
Serena is the founder of SOURCE, which aims to provide access to science programs, workshops, and other learning opportunities for students and schools statewide. Serena also organized a crane-folding project for the Arizona Memorial and helped build a hydroponics unit for a homeless shelter. She was an all-league performer on Punahou’s state-champion tennis teams and displayed the same persistence and fearlessness on the court that she did in the classroom and community. Serena will attend MIT with an interest in biomedical engineering. She hopes to eventually start a company that creates medical technologies for people in underdeveloped countries.
Shaylin Marn
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Shaylin was a three-sport athlete for the Warriors, participating in water polo and competing at the state championship level in cross country and wrestling. A self-described “undercover nerd,” she won numerous awards and first-place ribbons at various science and engineering fairs, symposiums, and competitions. In the community, she went door-to-door to collect donations for the Hawaii Food Bank, volunteered as a teen interpreter at the Honolulu Aquarium, and was vice president of Kids4Kids to aid Hawaii’s underprivileged and ill children. Shaylin will attend the University of Pennsylvania this fall. She plans to eventually return home to conduct scientific research of native Hawaiian plants as a means of conservation and to discover new medical treatments.
Sergei Scharer
Saint Louis School
Sergei’s devotion to serving others started at an early age. This shouldn’t be surprising considering Sergei means “servant.” For more than a decade, he’s participated in Operation Toy Box, which donates toys to children during the holidays. He’s volunteered at the Kapolei Veterans Shelter, the Special Olympics, and numerous other projects through school and the Boy Scouts of America. On the playing field, Sergei was a captain and three-time all-league performer on the varsity soccer team. He also competed in cross country and track and field. This fall, Sergei will attend the Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado Springs before moving on to the U.S. Air Force Academy. He hopes to eventually go to flight school to become a C-17 pilot in defense of our country.
Ai Yokogawa
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Ai arrived in Hawaii when she was 12-years old. Though English wasn’t her first language, she tackled all of her challenges head on and quickly became fluent in English. Ai excelled in academics and sports. She also dedicated herself to community service, volunteering at Kuakini Medical Center, making and donating blankets for those in need, and serving as treasurer for both the Red Cross Club and class council. An honor roll student, Ai also competed in both kayaking and paddling at Hawaii Baptist Academy. Ai will attend the University of San Francisco and major in psychology.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Hanalani Schools
Large School: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Devon Hartsell
Waimea High School
Devon competed in five sports and was team captain on three of the squads. He lettered in baseball, air riflery, and track and field and competed on the state level in cross country and soccer. Devon was an active volunteer through the Leo Club, Interact Club, and National Honor Society. But his true passion was with the school’s prestigious JROTC program, serving as battalion commander and leading numerous activities in the community. In the classroom, Devon maintained a 4.1 grade point average. This fall, Devon will head to Texas to attend Greystone Prep School at Schreiner University. He’ll eventually make his way to West Point and the U.S. Military Academy, where he hopes to study nuclear engineering.
Makenna Olson
Island School
Makenna competed in six sports at Island School: cross country, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. She was a gold medalist on the school’s Science Olympiad team and was also the Kauai champion and state runner-up in Mock Trial competitions. Makenna traveled to Mexico to help orphans and organized a fundraiser for a needy school in Cambodia. Locally, she volunteered at the Kauai Humane Society and starred in an anti-bullying show that was recognized by the Kauai County Council for its outstanding community work. Makenna intends to study neuroscience in college with the goal of becoming a psychologist. This fall, she’ll participate in USC’s Trojan Transfer Plan with the goal of going to the Los Angeles campus as a sophomore.
Kaimana School Winners
Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Joseph Baldwin
Kihei Charter School
Joseph competed in cross country and was a four-time MIL champion and nationally ranked player in tennis. He worked with severely disabled children at Kula Elementary School and volunteered at a shelter for injured and abused animals. But he left his greatest mark when he started a free tennis program for underprivileged youth in his native Kihei. With a 4.42 grade point average, Joseph has taken college-level courses since his sophomore year. He completed an engineering internship at UH Manoa and has now set his sights on medicine with an internship at Aloha Surgical Center on Maui. Joseph will attend Harvard this fall. His goal is to return to Maui as an anesthesiologist and bring cultural awareness and the spirit of aloha to his medical practice.
Cendall Manley
Molokai High School
Cendall lettered in cross country, volleyball, and wrestling for the Farmers. With her father as coach, Cendall captured a state title in girl’s wrestling as a senior, just the sixth state championship in the sport for Molokai. Her academic prowess earned her the Harvard Book Award, the Naval Science Award, and first place at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, among other honors. Cendall also founded P.E.P.P. – Peers Encouraging Positive Participation – a club that inspires Molokai students to persevere, support one another, and excel for the good of all. This fall, she’ll attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., and will pursue a path in either science or education.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Lanai High School
Large School: King Kekaulike High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Alexa Anderson
Kalaheo High School
Alexa lettered in swimming and water polo for the Mustangs and was also a four-year member of the school band. To share her passion for music, she started a hands-on music workshop for at-risk keiki, a project that earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award. Alexa also volunteered her time at children’s hospitals, homeless shelters, and environmental clean-ups through the Girl Scouts and her community church. In the classroom, she maintained a 4.0 grade point during every quarter throughout high school. Alexa will attend Yale University this fall and plans to major in either physics or astronomy. Her goal is to help others by bringing both innovation and tolerance to the scientific profession.
Samantha Churchill
Kalani High School
Samantha was a captain, MVP, and all-league performer on the air riflery squad, as well as a three-year letter-winner in soccer. She founded her school’s Model United Nations Club, was president of the Mock Trial team, and earned state and national recognition for her accomplishments as a scholar and leader. Samantha was also deeply dedicated to her community. She volunteered at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and the Children’s Justice Center and organized a fundraiser for the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. Samantha is heading to Wellesley College in Massachusetts this fall and plans to double major in economics and political science. She eventually hopes to earn a law degree and pursue a career in public service.
Vanessa Roybal
Mililani High School
Vanessa competed in three sports for the Trojans including cross country, swimming, and track and field. She captured the OIA cross country title and in track, was a two-time state medalist and the league record holder in the 300 meters. Driven by her passion for health, fitness, and the environment, Vanessa founded the Happy Healthy Club at Mililani. The club inspires healthy habits among students and staff. It was one of more than a half dozen volunteer organizations that Vanessa dedicated herself to. In the classroom, she graduated as a valedictorian with a 4.2 grade point average. This fall, Vanessa will continue her athletic career at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She’ll run for the cross country and track squads, while majoring in geography and environmental studies.
Rylan Tangonan
Castle High School
Known for his leadership both on the field and in school, Rylan graduated as one of the top students in his class. Rylan helped organizations ranging from the Salvation Army to the American Cancer Society. He also volunteered with Kako‘o Oiwi, a nonprofit group that preserves and perpetuates Hawaiian culture. Rylan played baseball for the Knights and was also a team captain in football. He earned all-division honors after overcoming injuries to both of his knees and credited his recovery to the medical care he received. The experience has inspired him to become an orthopedic surgeon. This fall, Rylan will attend Occidental College in Los Angeles. He plans to major in biology, attend medical school, and return to Hawaii to practice medicine.
Emily Wong
Kaimuki High School
Emily participated in cross country, and track and field, and was a captain on the soccer team. She taught children ocean safety through the American Red Cross and volunteered for other organizations such as the Special Olympics, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and the Hawaii State Library. Emily also kept busy in school as a student athletic trainer, a member of the school band, and president of the National Honor Society. She graduated as a valedictorian and has already earned 31 college credits. This fall, Emily will attend the University of Northern Colorado. She’ll major in biology to pursue her dream job as a pediatrician. She hopes to eventually return to Hawaii and open a clinic to provide medical care for homeless children.
Kaimana School Winners
Small School: Kailua High School
Large School: Kapolei High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Kaydee Rapozo
Waiakea High School
Kaydee was a four-year letter winner in basketball, a team captain during her junior and senior seasons, and twice earned all-league mention. She was active in the Key Club and National Honor Society and served as the student government vice president. She also volunteered with the Hawaii County Nutrition Program for the elderly, an experience that inspired her career path. Kaydee will stay close to home and attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo. She’ll major in biology and pursue a career in geriatrics so she can continue to serve her community’s elderly population and their families.
Cory Yamagata
Kealakehe High School
Cory played soccer and was a four-year varsity letter winner and captain of the tennis team. He has been devoted to community service since joining the Boy Scouts when he was 6. In high school, he expanded his volunteer work through the Interact Club and National Honor Society. His 12-year journey has taught him humility through activities such as refurbishing local schools, promoting breast cancer awareness, and performing environmental cleanups on the shores of East Hawaii. Cory will attend Santa Clara University in California to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Kaimana School Winners
Large School: Keaau High School
Small School: Parker School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Tiffany Chang
Punahou School
Tiffany competed with Punahou’s golf and volleyball squads. She was also the Most Inspirational Player on her club volleyball team that was ranked as high as No. 1 nationally. She is the founder of a nonprofit called The Canvas. The Canvas provides a collaborative learning space where public and private school students pursue their academic and extracurricular passions while building relationships with the professional community. Tiffany will attend the University of Pennsylvania Wharton Business School where she will major in business and minor in natural sciences.
Ayumi Sakamoto
Iolani School
A four-year member of the golf squad, Ayumi helped the Raiders capture a state title in 2012. She was the founder of the Kupuna Care Club, which reaches out to nursing home residents. She also founded a support group for scoliosis patients. As an 8th grader, Ayumi’s golf career was put on hold for two years due to severe scoliosis. She credited her recovery to the medical care she received and it has inspired her to become an orthopedic surgeon. Ayumi will attend Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., where she’ll major in biology and begin her educational journey to the medical field.
Kimberly Uehisa
Island Pacific Academy
Kimberly, known as “Kim-Possible” by her teachers and coaches, participated in paddling, tennis, and track, and was team captain of the cross country squad. She was a member of the National Honor Society, student government, and one of the founding members of her school‘s robotics team, which competed in national and international competitions. She also founded her school‘s Support our Troops Club, which donated Christmas gifts for disabled veterans and their families and coordinated beautification efforts at Punchbowl and Pearl Harbor. This fall, Kimberly will attend the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I. She‘ll then eventually make her way to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., where she‘ll major in engineering.
Erik Yamada
Iolani School
Erik played three different sports in high school at Iolani, highlighted by a stellar four-year career in basketball. He was team captain, an all-state selection, and starting guard on the 2014 state championship team. While at Iolani, Erik created a Financial Literacy Class for underprivileged teens. He also started the TASSEL Club that taught phonetics to Cambodian children via video chat. During his time on campus, Erik was praised for his leadership, determination, and empathy for others, and was awarded the Princeton Book Award for excellence in athletics, academics, and character. This fall, he’ll head to Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he’ll study engineering.
Kaimana School Winners
Large School: Sacred Hearts Academy
Small School: Island Pacific Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Nicole Carney
Kauai High School
Nicole competed in air riflery and was a four-year captain on her school’s paddling squad. She volunteered with a number of organizations including the Salvation Army, United Way, Special Olympics, and the Wilcox Key Kids. As a senior, she launched a project called “Stitches of Love” that combined her passion for sewing with service to others. With the support of local businesses, she designed and sewed quilts to donate to long-term care patients. An aspiring teacher, Nicole will attend the University of Northern Colorado this fall to pursue a degree in elementary education with a minor in special education.
Myah Post
Kapaa High School
Myah competed on Kapaa’s paddling team and was captain of the swim team. She was also a member of her school’s marching band and the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club. She volunteered with a number of organizations but made her greatest impact as a four-year member of her school’s Peer Mediation Club, including a role as club president her senior year. During her time, the club expanded its reach throughout Kauai and to the Neighbor Islands, helping others on meaningful issues such as bullying. Myah will attend the University of Northern Colorado, where she plans to study biological sciences and eventually attend medical school.
Kaimana School Winners
Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Luke Kikukawa
Molokai High School
Luke competed in cross country, swimming, tennis, and track for the Farmers. He helped preserve his island’s natural and cultural resources as a member of the Molokai Earth Preservation Organization and Leadership Experience Organization. Luke’s aptitude for science led him to take college courses at the University of Alaska, Anchorage; complete a biomedical internship at the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine; and serve as vice president of the Hawaii state chapter of the Health Occupations Students of America club. Luke will attend Middlebury College in Vermont and major in biology. He plans to pursue a medical degree so he can return to Molokai and serve his community as an emergency room doctor.
Christopher Kim
Maui High School
Christopher’s sports at Maui High included bowling, cross country, and tennis. His resume is a long list of academic awards, volunteer work, and leadership positions. He’s earned regional, national, and international recognition in such diverse fields as communications, history, science, and engineering. This past year, he met with President Barack Obama as Hawaii’s delegate in the United States Senate Youth Program. He’s also dedicated hundreds of hours of community service, including hosting an island-wide sustainability conference for elementary school students. Christopher will attend Yale University this fall, where he’ll major in computer science.
Kaimana School Winners
Large School: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Small School: St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Nina Bean
Kaimuki High School
Nina lettered in cross country, track, and wrestling for the Bulldogs. She competed on the state level in wrestling and finished third in the state in pole vaulting. She’s dedicated her high school years to volunteering in activities that promote environmental conservation, restoration, and cultural awareness through such organizations as Kupu Hawaii and the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps. Her experience with Kupu made her realize how much protection Hawaii’s natural resources need and how much of a difference one person can make. Nina graduated as a valedictorian with 29 college credits and will attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa to study marine biology.
Mari Domingo
Mililani High School
Mari was a four-year member of Mililani’s track and field team and has been a competitive gymnast since the fourth grade. Mari combined her love for gymnastics with service to others by coordinating an annual food drive at a statewide gymnastic meet. She was involved in many leadership positions and community service projects, but was most devoted to the Hawaii Meth Project. As a part of the project’s Teen Advisory Council, she was especially proud of her work in encouraging her peers to live a healthy, drug-free life. Mari is heading to Oregon State University this fall and will major in bioengineering. She hopes to return to Hawaii as a medical doctor or biomedical engineer.
Tammy Ko
Roosevelt High School
Tammy played tennis and soft tennis for the Rough Riders, serving as a four-year captain. She helped her team to a pair of OIA championships and fostered camaraderie with community service projects. Tammy dedicated countless hours through a wide array of organizations, including the Red Cross, LEO, Interact, and Serteen clubs. Tennis has taught her that “true triumph is in the effort, not in the result.” Tammy will attend the University of Southern California where she’ll study biomedical engineering. She hopes to eventually pioneer products that will bring Hawaii closer to economic and medical sustainability.
Kiana Paakaula-Reis
Waialua High School
Kiana competed in basketball and cheerleading and was a two-year captain for both squads. Her leadership extended far beyond sports. She was Waialua’s student body president, the school’s representative for the Hawaii State Student Council, and an intern with Sen. Brian Schatz. She was devoted to her North Shore community, whether it was fundraising for the Waialua Pop Warner Association or earning the most outstanding volunteer award for the Waialua District Park Summer Fun program. She juggled all of this despite being a caretaker for three sick adults in her family. This fall, Kiana will attend Northern Arizona University where she’ll be enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program.
Laura Tyler
Castle High School
Laura was a trailblazer at Castle High School. She was the first female to make the varsity football team and ultimately became the team’s starting kicker as a senior. Laura also participated in soccer, track, and paddling for the Knights. As a senior, she educated other students on proper concussion recovery and treatment to help them make sound decisions on their health after a concussion. She was a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered at food pantries, medical supply warehouses, preschools, and environmental cleanups during missions to the Neighbor Islands and the Mainland. This fall, Laura will be studying in Purdue University’s School of Nursing. She hopes to become a nurse anesthetist.
Kaimana School Winners
Large School: Mililani High School
Small School: Aiea High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Kiersten-Tawny Hurley
Kanu o ka ‘Ᾱina NCPCS
Bram Paikuli
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Kristiana Van Pernis
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kealakehe High School
Second Place: Konawaena High School
Third Place: Keaau High School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Second Place: Makua Lani Christian Academy
Third Place: Parker School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Casey Doyle
Le Jardin Academy
Mackenzie Feldman
Punahou School
Xavier Imperial
Maryknoll High School
Hi‘ipoi Lee
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Noe Lum
Punahou School
Kashannah-Bee Manawis
La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Sacred Hearts Academy
Second Place: Maryknoll School
Third Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: Lanakila Baptist High School
Third Place: University High School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Tamara Akau
Kauai High School
Marissa Goo
Kapaa High School
Cassie Wilson
Kapaa High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Kapaa High School
Third Place: Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Xrystina Bicoy
Molokai High School
Trent Hori
Maui High School
Alexandra Pardico
Maui High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Lahainaluna High School
Second Place: King Kekaulike High School
Third Place: Maui High School
Division II
First Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Second Place: St. Anthony High School
Third Place: Seabury Hall
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Amber Alejandro
Waialua High School
Alea Amano
Kaiser High School
William Blaser III
Waialua High School
Darlene-Raye Dumlao
Kailua High School
Stacia Matsumura
Roosevelt High School
Max Vinci
Castle High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Mililani High School
Second Place: Moanalua High School
Third Place: Waianae High School
Blue Division
First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Nanakuli High School
White Division
First Place: Kailua High School
Second Place: Aiea High School
Third Place: Kalaheo High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Christina Chow
Keaau High School
Bram PaikuliNameleoku‘upu‘uwai Naipo-Arsiga
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Talon Ota
Keaau High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Keaau High School
Second Place: Konawaena High School
Third Place: Kealakehe High School
Division II
First Place: Hualalai Academy
Second Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Third Place: Parker School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Kepa Barrett
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Allie Kim
Iolani School
Katy Kingery
Assets School
Makuali‘i Perry
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Lauren Uhr
Iolani School
Melissa Wong
Punahou School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Second Place: Sacred Hearts Academy
Third Place: Maryknoll School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: University High School
Third Place: Lanakila Baptist High School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Joy Claypoole
Island School
Lucas Gushikuma
Kauai High School
Noelani Murray
Kauai High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Kapaa High School
Third Place: Kauai High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Kaylee Correa
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Michael Kikukawa
Molokai High School
Carissa Ratté
Seabury Hall
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Lahainaluna High School
Second Place: King Kekaulike High School
Third Place: Maui High School
Division II
First Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Second Place: St. Anthony High School
Third Place: Seabury Hall
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Sean Fukunaga
Pearl City High School
Tiana Grant
Kalaheo High School
Elise Inouye
Kaimuki High School
Kylie Nishino
Waipahu High School
Reece Teramoto
Pearl City High School
Jaryn Villegas
Leilehua High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Mililani High School
Second Place: Waipahu High School
Third Place: Campbell High School
Blue Division
First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Nanakuli High School
White Division
First Place: Kaiser High School
Second Place: Kalani High School
Third Place: Radford High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Erin Carvalho
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Camille Ricketts
Konawaena High School
Trevor Yamagata
Konawaena High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Waiakea High School
Second Place: Kealakehe High School
Third Place: Hilo High School
Division II
First Place: Hualalai Academy
Second Place: Kohala High School
Third Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Max Castanera
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Samantha Dacanay
Iolani School
Megan Herndon
Punahou School
Kalei Hosaka
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Leahna Luke
Iolani School
Siena Simmons
Iolani School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Second Place: Sacred Hearts Academy
Third Place: Iolani School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: Christian Academy
Third Place: University High School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Kimberly Aguilar
Waimea High School
Garrett Beyer
Island School
Lauren Claypoole
Island School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Kapaa High School
Third Place: Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Joni Lynne Sanchez Casio
King Kekaulike High School
Taylor Hori
Seabury Hall
Charisse Manley
Molokai High School
Cheyenne Pico
Hana High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Baldwin High School
Second Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Third Place: King Kekaulike High School
Division II
First Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Second Place: St. Anthony High School
Third Place: Seabury Hall
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Heather Higashi
Mililani High School
Shayna Hokama
Mililani High School
Caitlin Hooker
Kailua High School
Travis Lefrandt
Moanalua High School
Penina Lima
Kapolei High School
Sara McAllaster
Kalaheo High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Moanalua High School
Second Place: Kapolei High School
Third Place: Waipahu High School
Blue Division
First Place: Kaiser High School
Second Place: Kahuku High School
Third Place: Radford High School
White Division
First Place: Kalani High School
Second Place: Aiea High School
Third Place: McKinley High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Jonathan Chow
Keaau High School
Jordan Heres
Makua Lani Christian School
Melissa Plato
Kealakehe High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Hilo High School
Second Place: Konawaena High School
Third Place: Keaau High School
Division II
First Place: Hualalai Academy
Second Place: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Third Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Kendal Kagawa
Maryknoll School
Ryan Lau
Punahou School
Brittney Like
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Katherine Lum
University Laboratory School
Kyle Nakatsuka
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Rachel Roley
Mid-Pacific Institute
Jordan Thibodeau
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Maryknoll School
Second Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Third Place: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: La Pietra School
Third Place: University High School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Kyle McDonald
Island School
Chas Okamoto
Kapaa High School
Stephanie Steuri
Island School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Kapaa High School
Third Place: Kauai High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Miracle Helekahi
Hana High & Elementary School
Chris Nunokawa
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Zachary Pezzillo
Seabury Hall
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Second Place: Lahainaluna High School
Third Place: Baldwin High School
Division II
First Place: Seabury Hall
Second Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Third Place: St. Anthony High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Stephanie Kalili
Nanakuli High & Intermediate School
Adam Kostylo
Kaiser High School
Uy-Di Nancy Le
Kalani High School
Brendan Nakatani
Roosevelt High School
Daniella Reyes
Leilehua High School
Fadi Youkhana
Roosevelt High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Mililani High School
Second Place: Kapolei High School
Third Place: Waipahu High School
Blue Division
First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Kailua High School
White Division
First Place: Kalani High School
Second Place: Aiea High School
Third Place: Pearl City High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Devin Chu
Hilo High School
Jo-Lynn Kahala-Minczer
Kealakehe High School
Jonathan Torigoe
Waiakea High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Hilo High School
Second Place: Kealakehe High School
Third Place: Keaau High School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Second Place: Parker School
Third Place: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Tyler Amina
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Courtney Choy
Punahou School
Jonathan Padron
Damien Memorial School
Shayna Price
Punahou School
Jetson Yee
Maryknoll School
Victoria Zeuner
Mid-Pacific Institute
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Second Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Third Place: Maryknoll School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: University Laboratory School
Third Place: Christian Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Natasha Abadilla
Waimea High School
Jade Cano
Waimea High School
Alia Weiss
Waimea High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Waimea High School
Third Place: Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Jenae Kruck
Lahainaluna High School
Sheyenne Machida
Maui High School
Charlene Pacubas
St. Anthony High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Lahainaluna High School
Second Place: King Kekaulike High School
Third Place: Baldwin High School
Division II
First Place: Seabury Hall
Second Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Third Place: Hana High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Jackie Ching
Roosevelt High School
Leia Lendio
Waialua High School
Xinhe Li
Roosevelt High School
Melissa Monette
Mililani High School
Eugene Senda
Roosevelt High School
Kai Yoshioka
Roosevelt High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Moanalua High School
Second Place: Waipahu High School
Third Place: Mililani High School
Blue Division
First Place: Kahuku High School
Second Place: Anuenue High School
Third Place: Kailua High School
White Division
First Place: Kalani High School
Second Place: Kaimuki High School
Third Place: Pearl City High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Daniel Okubo
Waiakea High School
Jake Shiraki
Honokaa High School
Malia Tanaka
Konawaena High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Keaau High School
Second Place: Hilo High School
Third Place: Konawaena High School
Division II
First Place: Parker School
Second Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Third Place: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Morganna Hayes
Mid-Pacific Institute
Hannah Ishida
Punahou School
Farrah Madanay
Punahou School
Hannah Ross
Mid-Pacific Institute
Stefanie Sueda
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Ryan Yamada
Iolani School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Second Place: Punahou School
Third Place: Maryknoll School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: Christian Academy
Third Place: La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Benjie Baclig
Waimea High School
Caralyn Broyles
Waimea High School
Elisabeth Young
Kauai High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Waimea High School
Third Place: Kapaa High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Shyanne Lecker-Agnew
Hana High & Elementary School
Colton Manley
Molokai High School
Jackie Owens
Lahainaluna High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: King Kekaulike High School
Second Place: Lahainaluna High School
Third Place: Baldwin High School
Division II
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Second Place: Seabury Hall Academy
Third Place: Hana High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Vinson Diep
Kalani High School
Amy Hunt
Mililani High School
Pengyu Li
Kaimuki High School
Chelsy Okuma
Kaiser High School
Lalo Respicio
Campbell High School
Aubree Shipman
Kalaheo High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Moanalua High School
Second Place: Waipahu High School
Third Place: Waianae High School
Blue Division
First Place: Radford High School
Second Place: Kalani High School
Third Place: Roosevelt High School
White Division
First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Kalaheo High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Ryan Daugherty
Konawaena High School
Malia Fyffe
Kealakehe High School
Chelsey Utemei
Kohala High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Waiakea High School
Second Place: Keaau High School
Third Place: Hilo High School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Second Place: Parker School
Third Place: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Brittany Atiburcio
Maryknoll School
Emma Broderick
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Christopher Burniske
Punahou School
Caitlin Mizoshiri
Iolani School
Nathan Nakatsuka
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Janna Taylor
Punahou School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Saint Louis School
Second Place: Maryknoll School
Third Place: Punahou School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: Christian Academy
Third Place: La Pietra Hawaii School for Girls
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Lauren Riley
Kauai High School
LeeAnn Sagucio
Waimea High School
Bingxi Sun
Waimea High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Waimea High School
Third Place: Kula High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Chloe Edinger
Baldwin High School
Samantha Martin
Maui High School
Kiana Nip
Lahainaluna High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Second Place: King Kekaulike High School
Third Place: Baldwin High School
Division II
First Place: Seabury Hall Academy
Second Place: Kaahumanu Hou Christian School
Third Place: St. Anthony High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Danica Auna
Kahuku High School
Aaron Haque
Moanalua High School
Tiffany Lastimosa
Campbell High School
Trenton Lum
Roosevelt High School
Kristyn Mathewson
Kaiser High School
Billy Oden
Kailua High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Moanalua High School
Second Place: Mililani High School
Third Place: Kapolei High School
Blue Division
First Place: Radford High School
Second Place: Pearl City High School
Third Place: McKinley High School
White Division
First Place: Kahuku High School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Kalaheo High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Janna Anu
Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Kellie Kitaoka
Konawaena High School
Farin Ota
Keaau High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Hilo High School
Second Place: Waiakea High School
Third Place: Keeau High School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Second Place: Parker School
Third Place: Konawaena High School
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Jessica Benito
Christian Academy
Kimberly Hall
Punahou School
Dominic Hart
Hawaii Baptist Academy
Shayna Kapaona
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Zachary Kim
Punahou School
Carolyn Pearce
Mid-Pacific Institute
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Second Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Third Place: Maryknoll School
Division II
First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: Christian Academy
Third Place: University High School
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Jasmine Blaine
Island School
Leslyn Ibara
Waimea High School
Stephanie Kawamura
Kapaa High School
Kaimana School Winners
First Place: Island School
Second Place: Waimea High School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Ian Dela Cruz
King Kekaulike High School
Lipoa Kahaleuahi
Hana High and Elementary School
Carrie Yap
Baldwin High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I
First Place: Lahainaluna High School
Second Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Third Place: Maui High School
Division II
First Place: Hana High School
Second Place: St. Anthony High School
Third Place: Seabury Hall
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Brittney Cambridge
Mililani High School
Jasmine Enos-Amanonce
Waianae High School
Timothy Ho
Roosevelt High School
Kyle Monette
Mililani High School
Jennifer Noborikawa
Kalani High School
Amanda Tanhchaleun
Aiea High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division
First Place: Mililani High School
Second Place: Waipahu High School
Third Place: Campbell High School
Blue Division
First Place: Roosevelt High School
Second Place: Pearl City High School
Third Place: Kahuku High School
White Division
First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Kailua High School
Third Place: Nanakuli High School
Big Island Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Katrina Chong
Hilo High School
Kealani Gangwes
Kau High School
Brittany Johnston
Waiakea High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I: Waiakea High School
Division II: Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Interscholastic League of Honolulu
Scholarship Recipients
Kelly Aldinger
Punahou School
Alyssa Chun
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Khrystyn Funasaki
Mid-Pacific Institute
Charlene Hoi
Iolani School
Spencer On
Punahou School
Marci Kang
Iolani School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I: Punahou School
Division II: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Kauai Interscholastic Federation
Scholarship Recipients
Kassy Morishige
Auai High School
Sharla Shimono
Waimea High School
Rachael Taira
Kauai High School
Kaimana School Winners
Kula High & Intermediate School
Maui Interscholastic League
Scholarship Recipients
Cody Estocado
Hana High & Elementary School
Kreig Kihara
King Kekaulike High School
Kai Sarmiento
Baldwin High School
Kaimana School Winners
Division I: Lahainaluna High School
Division II: St. Anthony High School
Oahu Interscholastic Association
Scholarship Recipients
Lihau Akau
Campbell High School
Joseph Broc
Kahuku High School
Ruth Gerola
Leilehua High School
Jaime Kataoka
Mililani High School
Lester Orsino
Waipahu High School
Cheryl Yasumoto
Pearl City High School
Kaimana School Winners
Red Division: Mililani High School
White Division: Kahuku High School
Blue Division: Kailua High School