Grove Farm Announces 2020 Scholars

Three students who demonstrate excellence in community service, academic accomplishments, and quality of character are selected to receive a scholarship valued at $20,000. Since the program was founded, Grove Farm has committed $660,000 in scholarships for Kauaʻi students.

These students have exemplified the meaning of being a Grove Farm Scholar. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, they had a school year without the extracurricular activities that makes your high school senior year special, like spring sports, prom, and a traditional graduation ceremony. Grove Farm applauds the Class of 2020 for their perseverance, and we are proud to announce our 2020 Grove Farm Scholars!

Alaysia Navor is the daughter of Janelyn and Ridel Navor. She will be attending Yale University with aspirations of studying neuroscience. In addition to graduating top of her class, she held multiple leadership roles in the Key Club, Science National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Chess Club, and Filipino Club. Alaysia excelled in the sciences winning awards in multiple science fairs while also volunteering regularly at Regency at Puakea, helping kupuna with Alzheimer’s. It was through these experiences that she decided she wanted to pursue medicine. One of her adviser's commented that Alaysia has a “compassionate character and altruistic willingness to help others, both in and outside of the classroom.”

Julia Safford is the daughter of Laura Goodrich. She will be attending St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, where she plans to study Civil/Environmental Engineering. Throughout high school, Julia was not only a talented athlete, competing in and winning multiple KIF swimming championships; but she also stood out in the classroom. Her passion for sustainable food on the island led her to establish the Freight Farmers of Kauai Club at Kauai High School. The club implemented a climate-controlled farm within a donated shipping container. Using various technologies, they were able to monitor and grow crops sustainably to reduce the island’s reliance on imported food. Julia looks forward to being immersed in a new environment and meeting people who are motivated to learn and share interests similar to hers.

Leslie Uri is the daughter of Cheery and Rogelio Uri. She plans to attend Washington State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Leslie overcame many challenges, immigrating to Kaua‘i from the Philippines as a shy, ten-year-old, and becoming a well-rounded student, athlete, club leader, and community servant. She is a talented tennis player and was heavily involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Health Occupations Students of America, and volunteering with the KVMH Elderly Beach Outings. Her favorite memories from high school were volunteering at community service events. She said she “loves [her] community and spending time with the people as it makes [her] really happy knowing that I’m able to make a difference.”