LIHU‘E — More than 700 high school seniors will celebrate graduation starting on Friday.
Three of the public high schools — Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i and Waimea — will host commencement exercises, pending successful obligation completion, for 666 seniors, according to information provided by the Kaua‘i Complex Area, Hawai‘i Department of Education.
Ni‘ihau School celebrated two graduates on March 31, 2024.
Island School, according to Admissions Officer Sean Magoun, will celebrate 43 graduates on June 1 with ceremonies starting at 10 a.m. at Wilcox Gymnasium with the presentation of six awards: the Board of Directors Award, the Head of School Award, the Founder’s Spirit Award, the Voyager Artist Award, the Scholar Athlete Award and the Sons and Daughters of Island School Award.
The Kawaikini New Century Public Charter School will celebrate commencement for five seniors during the school day on Friday.
Other graduates include 26 Kaua‘i students from the Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama, six students from the Kanuikapono Public Charter School, four from the Kaua‘i Christian Academy, two from Kanu o ka ‘Aina and one from Ke Kula Ni‘ihau. O Kekaha bring the total number of graduates to 755 diplomas being distributed.
“Congratulations in reaching this awesome milestone. Your high school graduation ceremony, and receiving your diploma, truly reflects your academic accomplishments over the past 13 years. As you take on an exciting future and its many challenges, face each day with confidence, believe in your abilities, and always give it your best effort,” said Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent Daniel Hamada in a statement.
“Life out there is wonderful and full of possibilities. You are prepared to take those next steps whether attending college or going directly into the workforce. More importantly, have that courage to follow always your heart and intuition. For every ending, there is a new beginning; for every memory, there is a dream ahead. Best of luck in your accomplishments and the many more accomplishments yet to be achieved.”
Kapa‘a High School will feature 261 graduates, the largest number graduating from any of the island’s high school, in ceremonies starting at 5:30 p.m. at Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Park stadium.
According to Hamada, Keith Hayashi, the superintendent of the Hawai‘i public schools system, will be the keynote speaker.
The 38 valedictorians are Nyra Albite-Ruiz, Casey Bernarbe, Martian Binonwangan, Kameron Brigante, Laulea Bush, Chase Capelli, Melia Chatfield, Julia Durocher, Ella Ersoy, Jordyn Estenzo-Fernandez, Hayden Freuler, Ian Ramson Garces, Rockwell Gillis, Karylle Irish Guerrero, Cameron Haeger, Tatus Harper, Orien Hodges, Liliwai Keahiolalo, Saxon Kimball, Noah Kostka, Micah Kostka, Theani Llanto, Shyloh McCann, Emma McCartney, Maileann Mendonca, Talan Miranda, Sarah Morioka, Dolores O’Rourke, Ashlynn Reign Questin, Kaumakakaihula Sanchez, Kara Savin, Lilly Shewchuk, Madison Silva, Ahanu Sugahara, Sierra Summer, Makana Winston and Skye Tadani.
Kaua‘i High School’s ceremonies also start at 5:30 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium where the Red Raiders will have 225 graduates.
Federal judge Micah Smith, a Kaua‘i High School alumnus, is the keynote speaker.
The Red Raiders celebrate more than 30 valedictorians, including Rachel Chidester, Makayla Karimi, Jeanine Marie Grace Longboy, Maddison Hubbard, Stella Blanchard, Chenelle Mae Andres, Priscilla Marie Matthews, Khelcie Rosa, Adrianne James Ruz, Savannah Hubbard, Riley Carl, Jasmine Calano, Aubrey Bechard, Elias Casillas, Willsendane Karl Soriano, Cole Diamond, Mari Hinazume, Mailani Yamamoto, Gabrielle Nicole Bautista-Barroga, Kyla Alissa Fernandez, Via Maristelle Javinar, Khristine Joy Pasion, Taylor Visaya, Sophia Badua, Talen Koerte, Gabriel Ethan Go, Danika Braun, Elijah Guirao, Aukai Arruda, Destiny Grace Braceros, Esjhalee Chung Ching Man and Sophia Stein.
Waimea High School will celebrate the graduation of 180 Menehune on the school’s front lawn starting at 6:30 p.m.
Eleven Menehune are class valedictorians this year. They are Charmaigne Leslie Alicante, Olivia Blackmer, Ariel Wayne Damo, Brennen Fernandez, Kahiau Makua, Aveda Maligro, Canyon Niccore, Nicole Perpose, Jaiden Sams, Sofia Saunders and Benedict Uri.
