Friday marks a milestone for nearly 700 seniors in the three public high schools on Kauai as the students and their support group of family, relatives and friends celebrate graduation.
“Congratulations on achieving this momentous milestone,” said Kauai Complex Area Superintendent Daniel Hamada in an email to the graduating Class of 2025. “As you celebrate the rewards of your hard work, I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Be bold, dream big, embrace life with passion, and always reach for the stars. We are so proud of you all.”
Kapaa High School, with 216 students scheduled to receive their high school diplomas, will celebrate the end of 12 years of school at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Park stadium. The ceremonies will start at 5:30 p.m.
With 274 students scheduled to participate, Kauai High School will have its ceremonies at the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields starting at 5:30 p.m. because the main stadium area is closed for renovation work.
On the West Side, Waimea High School will host 187 graduates at the Hanapepe Stadium starting at 6 p.m. because the traditional “lawn” is closed off due to the start of construction for the new gymnasium. This closure means Waimea will celebrate at least two graduations at Hanapepe Stadium.
The graduate population is mixed with early achievers as Early College candidates received their appropriate degrees and certificates during college graduations that started earlier in May, including Kapaa High School student Veronica Bonnie Nagahisa who made Department of Education history by earning her Bachelors of Science degree from Chaminade University during Chaminade’s graduation on May 3 on Oahu.
Nagahisa earned her Bachelors of Science degree, an Associate’s degree from Kauai Community College, and an Associate of Arts degree from Hawaii Pacific University — all before taking her graduation walk on Friday.
Tommy John Cox, principal of Kapaa High School, said the Warrior graduating population also includes 30 Early College students from Chaminade and 60 Early College students from the Kauai Community College who earned appropriate certificates, along with three students — Evan Daligdig, Rayko Farias and Kanoe Haneberg— who earned Associate in Arts degrees during the college’s commencement last Friday.
Waimea High School walked 98 of its 187 seniors through the Early College credits gate during the KCC commencement.
“That is 53 percent of the class,” said Waimea High School principal Mahina Anguay. “A great accomplishment, especially considering that our school is a Title 1 school with about 52 percent of our students qualifying for free or reduced lunch.”
Joining the celebration, Kapaa High School named a Salutatorian, Kadin Chambers, and Valedictorians Eva Allyn, Ocean Amador, Laina Apisa, Kailee-Ann Baltazar, Aliya Brodman, Marcus-Lavien Cruz, Chelcie Domingo, Kassy Ell, Rayko Farias, Vanessa Romalene Follante, Nikia Gray, Trinity Guilllen, Kanoe Haneberg, Chloe Hannsz, Hailey Hsu, Allison Iglesia, Waialoha Kaina, Sage Keller, Winohia Kitamura, Kristian Claire Paleracio, Zander Satterless King, Daija Soares, Madeline Soltren, Raven Tagalicud, Madison Thronas, Ainesley Tjarks, Kamaile Unutoa and Rian Yamamoto.
Waimea High School Valedictorians include Evan Bolyard, Jeydon Lee Moises, Katelyn Constantino, Kendra Knapp, Stanley Kimmel, Margarita Lomongo, Jai Pacilio, Kendra Suga, Rashell Grace Jamorabon, Taylee Yamamoto, Kaye Marie Alvarez and Madix McFarland.
The valedictorians for Kauai High School were not available at press deadline.
