Congratulations to Our 2024 Scholars & Island Graduates
Introducing the 2024 Grove Farm Scholars!
Every year since 2010, the Grove Farm Foundation has awarded three $20,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Kaua‘i’s public high schools to support their pursuit of higher education and professional goals. The Grove Farm Scholarship continues to be one of the state’s largest scholarships from a local foundation. Each recipient, selected by a panel of community leaders, embodies the values of leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement.
Jeanine Longboy
Jeanine is a Kauaʻi High School graduate and will be attending Stanford University to study human biology to become an Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician. Jeanine interned at Wilcox Medical Center, which solidified her career aspirations. She has been active in cross country, tennis, and several clubs including the National Honor Society (NHS), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Key Club, and Student Council. She was also involved with her high school jazz band and symphony program, and she is an accomplished musician who is able to play five instruments.
Jeanine is described by her teachers as contagiously happy and humbly intelligent with a vibrant and positive personality that her peers flock to and appreciate. She impressed our scholarship interview panel with her passion for biology and dedication to healthcare. In addition to her involvement in sports, clubs and electives, she volunteered with nonprofit organization Mālama Hulēʻia, where she researched phytoplankton species in the ‘Alekoko Fishpond. Her efforts in applying scientific knowledge to real-world environmental issues assisted the organization in enhancing their restoration plans to strengthen the native ecosystem.
Madison Silva is a Kapaʻa High School graduate and will attend Willamette University to study biology with the goal of becoming a physician or surgeon. She participated in Chaminade University’s early college dual enrollment program and also gained practical experience at Wilcox Hospital via their Nurse Aid Program. Madison credits her teacher Kara Kitamura for inspiring her to pursue healthcare, instilling a love of learning, and supporting her in her studies.
Known for her determination and work ethic in both academics and athletics, Madison loves to challenge herself and is always willing to take on tasks that others may not want to do. Her leadership and dedication are sure to drive her success in the medical field and inspire those around her.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Madison, but she will not let that diminish her spark. Her fierce competitiveness and personal drive are evident in the way she tackles life. “Madison has had many challenges in life that could have brought most young adults down,” Ms. Kitamura said. “Instead, she has flourished in spite of them.” Ms. Kitamura’s encouragement to work hard and excel academically has resulted in Madison being the first in her family to attend college!
Sofia Saunders
Sofia Saunders is a graduate of Waimea High School and will be attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to study Architecture and Environmental Design. Her goal is to return to Kauaʻi and design environmentally conscious architecture. As a talented graphic designer, Sofia’s work for the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Project was recognized at the state level and awarded three Gold Pele American Advertising Awards. For her senior project and as a volunteer, Sofia applied her design skills to help Hoʻomalu Ke Kai, a local nonprofit, rebrand and effectively engage younger generations in their work to create healthier marine life.
Sofia has found a way to merge her two passions for sustainability and design. Her ultimate goal is to become a licensed architect and create innovative, socially focused, and sustainable designs that will contribute to a healthier way of living.
Inspired by her mother, Sofia shared that her mom instilled in her the values of creativity, open-mindedness, and kindness from a young age. These values have led her to become the person she is today, and she strives daily to not take anything for granted and to give back to those around her in everything she does.
Acknowledgements and Additional Awards
The Grove Farm Foundation shared, "The decision to select only three scholars among a pool of highly qualified students is always very challenging. Our interview panel was impressed with each student's accomplishments, commitment to their academic and personal goals, dedication to their communities, and leadership abilities. We congratulate this year's awardees and look forward to the positive impact they will have in the future."
We also congratulate the other six finalists, each of whom will receive a $1,000 award for their impressive achievements:
- Olivia Blackmer (Waimea High School)
- Julia Durocher (Kapa‘a High School)
- Priscilla Matthews (Kaua‘i High School)
- Colton Mills (Kaua‘i High School)
- Sarah Morioka (Kapa‘a High School)
- Nicole Perpose (Waimea High School)
Congratulations to the 2024 Grove Farm Scholars!
Child and Family Services ʻOhana Day
Congratulations to Child & Family Service (CFS) on their outstanding ‘Ohana Fun Festival! We were excited to host this annual event at Grove Farm Park on Sunday, May 5 and support CFS' mission to strengthen families. More than 600 families enjoyed an action-packed day with all sorts of amusement rides from Fun-N-Kwazy, face painting, plenty of activities, and ‘ono snacks!
CFS is one of Hawaiʻi’s oldest and largest nonprofits providing family-strengthening services from "twinkle to wrinkle." Their statewide community programs include preschool education, prevention of child abuse and neglect, programs for at-risk youth, domestic violence emergency services, therapeutic counseling, employment assistance, programs for elder care, and more. For more information, visit Child & Family Service's website.
Department of Education Visits Kaua‘i
Our Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, Mr. Daniel Hamada, and his team recently hosted the Hawai‘i State Department of Education’s top leaders at Kaulu I Ka Pono Academy, a long-awaited facility built with State and County funds on lands donated by Grove Farm. When the Academy opens next school year, it will fill a critical gap as the only residential treatment and educational facility for youth suffering from substance abuse on Kaua‘i.
In addition to visiting the Academy, DOE leaders joined Grove Farm for a tour of the Global Algae Innovations site and the Waiahi Surface Water Treatment Plant. Over 1,000 students have visited these sites as part of Grove Farm’s Educational Modules Program.
Thank you to Rod Corpuz of Global Algae and the team of Aqua Engineers – Ann, Rory, and Colby -- for sharing their expertise with Hawai‘i’s educational leaders.
Kaua‘i High School Senior Picnic in Grove Farm Park
As the school year comes to a close, students are looking forward with excitement to the long summer days ahead. However, the feeling is much more emotional for a graduating senior, and the final days of the school year are a time to create precious memories with classmates before everyone embarks on the next exciting chapter of life.
Each senior class has a week filled with fun activities leading up to their commencement exercise. We were happy to lend the Grove Farm Park – and the “muscle for setup” by the men of Grove Farm — to Kaua‘i High School’s Class of 2024 for their farewell celebration picnic.
Congratulations to all of our island’s 2024 graduates!