Nā haumāna poʻokela o Kaʻū — Outstanding students of Kaʻū
Another school year is pau and we wish to congratulate all of the outstanding students of Kaʻū!
Kaʻū High School
Valedictorian: Cody Rasmussen
Summa Cum Laude: Alahshae Barrios, Aubrey-Ann Delos Santos-Graig, Cody Rasmussen, Divina Pitts, Hailey Brown and Megan Pierpont
Magna Cum Laude: Anaza Nielsen, Coleen Ramos, Hokulani Carriga Pascual, Josiah Makoa Justo-Rosenbloom, Kalia Grace, Kyla Demier and Tatyahna Kaupu-Embery
Cum Laude: Alyssa Mae Padrigo, Amanda Salmo-Lazar, Blake Self-Ah Yee, Donovan Kastle, Ehtan Kobzi, Jaytin DeCastro, Karsen Polido-Tuaifaiva, Kona Smith, Lyubov Mykhaylychenko, Shaylie Martinez, Teani Souza, True Awai, Yzrra Sheane Blanco and Zayden Gallano
National Honor Society: Alahshae Barrios, Amanda Salmo-Lazar, Aubrey-Ann Delos Santos-Graig, Coleen Ramos, Divina Pitts, Hailey Brown, Hokulani Carriage Pascual, Josiah Makoa Justo-Rosenbloom, Kalia Grace, Kona Smith, Kyla Demler, Megan Pierpont, Shaylie Martinez, Tatyahna Kaupu-Embrey, Teana Souza and Zayden Gallano
Academic Honors: Alajshae Barrios, Cody Rasmussen, Hokulani Carriage Pascual, Josiah Makoa Justo-Rosenbloom and Megan Pierpont
Real Trojan Award: Coleen Ramos, Cody Rasmussen, Jhelma Genavia, Josiah Makoa Justo-Rasmussen, Megan Pierpont and Tatyahna Kaupu-Embrey
STEM Honors: Megan Pierpont
CTE Honors: Alajshae Barrios, Aubrey-Ann Delos Santos-Graig, Blake Self-Ah Yee, Coleen Ramos, Donovan Kastle, Hokulani Carriage Pascual, Josiah Makoa Justo-Rosenbloom, Kalia Grace, Kyla Demler, Lyubov Mykhaylychenko and Tatyahna Kaupu-Embrey
Additional Graduating Seniors: Ace Raijin Wolf Agustin, Anilang David, Anjelina De Dios Cornelius, Bobti Carlend, Catarina Alpin, Chazlyn Mukini, Cherish Gravela-Mareko, CyZeiah Silva-Kamei, Daisy Mwekto, Desmond Camba, Devin Alpin, Dustin DeFazio, Emilia Tapia Baez, Erwin Rilang, Isaiah Manila-Louis, Jaymelynn Pua-Queja, Jeremy Virgo, Jerena Vierra-Mukini, Johndon Enoch, Kalesha Hashimoto, Kaulana Akiona, Keanu Kanuha, Kuike Luta, Lilly Amor, Nicholas Sokach III, Robert Bowling, Ryder Lynn, Samthen Ainoa, Sky Pritchard, Waileia Kainoa Haili-Barawis and Wrangler Silva
Kaʻū High School Senior Capstone Expo
For the second year, all KHS seniors identified a capstone project. Seniors were tasked with researching this project, finding a mentor to assist them and creating a presentation including oral and visual presentation for their ʻohana, peers and the community. The “Expo” was held at Kaʻū High and Elementary School on May 15, where seniors showcased their hard work. The first hour was open to select volunteer evaluators who completed evaluation forms on the presentations including feedback for each student. The room was filled with great presentations by all — great job seniors!
Nāʻālehu Elementary School
Students who “Exited” WIDA based on their WIDA testing outcomes
“Exiting” WIDA means a student has officially achieved English language proficiency and no longer requires formal English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Learner (EL) support services. This milestone — often called reclassification — signifies that the student can fully navigate, understand, and succeed in rigorous academic classes entirely in English alongside their native English-speaking peers. Students who successfully achieved this transition for the 2025–2026 school year include:
Kindergarten: Benjamin B., Elle Regina D., Abigail May R.
3rd Grade: Ayesha A., Joanna K.
4th Grade: Jal H., Laina K.
5th Grade: Yazdan Z.
EL Coordinator: Cherrish Spegar / EL Teacher: Gia Marajalove
Students Achieving Perfect Attendance: Vylahna H. and Ev Felicity D.
