Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor
Thirteen Kealaheke High School seniors graduated as class valedictorians with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher Saturday evening.
The group was among more than 330 students to finally flip their tassels in front of a packed crowd of family and friends.
Four standout students were awarded the Kealakehe High School Community Council 2011 Sarah Rosenberg Memorial Foundation Scholarships.
There are two award categories: Kupono (most outstanding) Waverider Award for which student applicants are evaluated on academic achievements, as well as school and community involvement; and Lokomaikai (most charitable) Waverider for which student applicants are evaluated on school and community involvement.
Kupono Waverider Awards went to Roya Sabri in the amount of$2,000 and Natasha Leonard ($1,500).
Lokomaikai Awards went to Victoria Sherwood ($2,000) and Natalie Mohr ($1,500).
Sabri plans to attend Cornell University, Leonard plans to attend Sarah Lawrence College, Sherwood plans to attend University of Hawaii at Manoa and Mohr plans to attend Washington State University.
Since 2001, the council has awarded 56 students a total of $83,000.
The evening was not without some sadness as Kanani Vea remembered her sister and aspiring nurse Malia.
The 16-year-old, who died four months ago in an ATV accident, was supposed to walk the stage a year early with her big sister.
Kanani and members of her family carried a photograph onto the stage and accepted Malia’s diploma in her honor.
“She had a short life but I will never forget her,” Kanani said.
Quote of the Day: ‘You ride the waves of life whatever the conditions. You are ready. Be good. Do good. That’s it.’ – Danny Garcia, former vice principal
Kealakehe!!!!
Whoo! Congrats! :)