Grove Farm Announces 2023 Scholars! Plus, June Craft Fair, Financial Workshops for Farmers
Grove Farm Announces 2023 Scholars
For the 14th consecutive year, the Grove Farm Foundation awarded three $20,000 scholarships to outstanding Kauaʻi public high school graduating seniors. The Grove Farm Scholarship program recognizes and supports exceptional students in their pursuit of higher education and professional goals. Each recipient, selected by a panel of community leaders, embodies the values of leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement.
Madison Doo, a graduate of Kapa‘a High School, has chosen to pursue her studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, where she plans to focus on Elementary Education.
Inspired by her second grade teacher, Mrs. Barcial, who instilled a love for learning within her, Madison hopes to follow in her footsteps and show students that education is not only essential but can also be enjoyable. She believes education is the path to communal success and aims to make a lasting positive impact in the lives of her future students.
In both her academic and personal life, Madison has faced numerous challenges, which she has overcome with hard work and perseverance. In her scholarship application, she bravely shared her experience of battling depression and recognizing the pressure she put on herself to achieve perfection. Attending therapy helped her develop strategies to cope as well as learn the importance of self-acceptance so that she has been able to thrive and grow.
Madison's favorite quote is, “Live, laugh, love,” which she says may sound cliché, but holds great significance for her. The expression captures the essence of her approach to life: focusing on positivity, avoiding negativity, and embracing joyful experiences.
Despite the trials she has faced, Madison’s resilience and self-growth mindset have propelled her forward, enabling her to overcome the obstacles that have crowded her path. We are confident that Madison’s unwavering dedication and zeal for education will shape the lives of countless students.
Haley Zina, a graduate of Waimea High School, has big dreams and aspirations for making a positive impact in the field of medical imaging technology.
This fall, Haley will be attending the Oregon Institute of Technology to pursue her studies. Inspired by her grandfather, Dr. Nicholas Zina, who was an emergency room physician, and her mother, who is a registered nurse, Haley chose to go into the healthcare field. Her goal is to become an MRI technologist or an interventional radiologist and return to Kaua’i after completing her degree.
Haley lives by the motto, “Play every point like it’s the championship point.” This saying, introduced to her by her high school volleyball coaches, inspires her to give her utmost in everything she does and reminds her to approach every opportunity with dedication and determination.
In addition to her academic achievements, Haley has a passion for fishing. With the help of her fourth grade teacher, she made her first fishing pole and would go fishing every week during elementary school. Today, she enjoys fishing with her uncle and loves being out on the water.
Haley’s story is a testament to her resolve and commitment to making a difference. Her desire to make healthcare more accessible and give back to her community is admirable, and we are eager to see her future successes.
Hope Newton, a Waimea High School graduate, plans to attend the University of Texas, Austin, where she has been accepted into their aerospace engineering program.
Hope’s inspiration to pursue this field of study stems from her lifelong interest in astronomy and her involvement with robotics since elementary school. She attended Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, during eighth grade, which further fueled her passion for space exploration. She envisions making a positive impact in her chosen profession by becoming a role model for other girls aspiring to pursue STEM fields.
Hope’s favorite quote, courtesy of artist Nicki Minaj, resonates deeply with her: “I am not a word, I am not a line. I am not a girl that can ever be defined.” Hope has many ambitions and shared that this quote empowers her to embrace her individuality, reject societal labels, and cultivate a sense of independence and confidence.
To fellow students striving to achieve their academic and personal goals, Hope advises pursuing things that ignite a profound sense of excitement and motivation. She believes that investing time in interests that keep one engaged and inspired will drive success. Furthermore, Hope emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between school and personal life.
Hope’s ambition and drive to follow her passion in a field where women are underrepresented confirms how hard work and grit make dreams become reality!
The Grove Farm Scholars Program is not only a testament to the exceptional achievements of Madison, Hope, and Haley, but also a reminder of the importance of investing in promising young minds. These three scholars, as well as the many other impressive applicants, exemplify the values and vision that the program seeks to cultivate. We wish each of our 2023 Scholars the best in their educational journeys and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make in our community.
Learn More About Our Scholarship
Farmers Receive Financial Resources Information
Last month, Emilie Kirk of the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTHAR) -- Cooperative Extension LIFE Program organized a successful bilingual workshop (in English and Thai) on financial resources available to assist our farming community.
Following the Saturday Market on May 20, farmers gathered at Grove Farm’s Pavilion to hear from organizations such as UH-CTAHR Cooperative Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Feed the Hunger Fund, USDA Rural Development (RD), and the Kaua‘i Soil & Water Conservation District.
Emilie was assisted by Janel Yamamoto and Alyssa Lee of GoFarm Hawai‘i, Andreanna Kaluhiokalani from the Oahu Agriculture and Conservation Association, and Sunee Putisan from Grove Farm. Funding for the event was provided by the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement 2501 grant program.
Thank you, Emilie, for all that you do for our farming community!
Sew a Lei for Memorial Day
Every year, the Kauai Veterans Council spearheads a program inviting the community to donate sewn lei to place on the gravestones at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery in Hanapēpē. The program slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year, they wanted to come back bigger and better than ever before. Our Grove Farm team pitched in by volunterering after-hours to gather and sew a variety of flowers like crown flower, plumeria, stephanotis, ti leaf, and even heliconia into lei.
The Grove Farm Foundation is a proud supporter of veterans and has donated more than $20,000 to the Kaua‘i Veterans Center for renovations to their conference rooms and museum over the last few years.
Grove Farm Market and June Craft Fair Happening on Saturday!
Check out the Grove Farm Market this Saturday and pick up a gift for graduation, Father’s Day, or any occasion at the June Craft Fair! With over 40 vendors, you’ll be sure to find something that catches your eye!
Summer Recipe – Tambo Tambo
Tambo Tambo is one of those Filipino desserts that provides instant comfort and warmth on those cool summer nights. Alexius has a delicious recipe that you should try out!
