PUHI — Twenty-four Island School seniors took the long walk symbolizing the end of their high school career on Saturday afternoon on the way to a graduation ceremony held under a large tent on the school’s main soccer field. One
PUHI — Twenty-four Island School seniors took the long walk symbolizing the end of their high school career on Saturday afternoon on the way to a graduation ceremony held under a large tent on the school’s main soccer field.
One of the vendors selling lei for the celebration noted that this represents one of the private school’s largest graduating class as parents, friends, and well-wishers crowded under the tent to get a better look at the graduates as the blue-robed parade filed up from the campus and into the tent
Also new for this year’s graduation was the awarding of the first McCloskey Excellence in Teaching Award that was accompanied by a $5,000 grant. The audience and field of graduates erupted in cheer and applause when school principal announced that social studies teacher Jim Bray had been chosen from a field of 12 nominees to emerge as the recipient of this year’s award. The $5,000 check was presented by the Island School board president David Pratt of Grove Farm Co.
Also honored was Kimberly Uno who received a special honors recognition.
Ashley Jones who compiled a 3.985 GPA over fours years, was saluted as Valedictorian, while Sam Alfiler, compiling a 3.964 GPA over four years, was honored as the Salutatorian.
Jones and Alfiler were also named as co-recipients of the Head of School recipients for their leadership and scholastic qualities. Chris Hoffman was awarded the Board of Directors award, Tiana Kamen received the Founders’ Spirit award, and Nick Ellenburg got the Sons & Daughters of Island School awards.
Mario Rosa and Jeni Guerber received the Scholar Athlete awards, Rosa being a five-sport athlete that included being part of the Kauai Interscholastic Federation boys cross country team.
