Once again, the ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY (IPA) community gathered to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our Secondary students at the annual Secondary Awards Ceremony. Held on May 9, 2024, this cherished tradition took place on campus, resonating with the spirit and mission of IPA.
This year’s ceremony, held in the Gulab & Indru Watumull Room, marked a significant moment in the lives of our students who embody the core values of the school. It was a time to recognize their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence in both academic and extracurricular endeavors.
The selection process for the awards is a meticulous one, with faculty members dedicating considerable time and effort to identify the most deserving candidates. Each award has its own set of criteria, reflecting the diverse talents and contributions of IPA’s student body.
Highlighting the academic excellence at IPA, the prestigious Harvard Book Award was presented to an outstanding junior. This award, symbolizing excellence in scholarship and character, was awarded to Krislyn Elmore ‘25, a testament to her exemplary achievements.
Furthermore, the Navigator Award, IPA’s highest honor, was conferred upon Sujung Cua ‘24. The Navigator Award recognizes strength of character, commitment to excellence, and involvement as a citizen of the campus and wider communities. This year’s Valedictorian is Kiana Lu ‘24, and Evan Biel is the Class of 2024 Salutatorian.
We proudly celebrate all Secondary students who received recognition for their outstanding achievements throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Their dedication, passion, and commitment serve as an inspiration to the entire IPA community, embodying the school’s mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to go forward with confidence and make meaningful contributions to society.
Congratulations to all the awardees, and may their journey beyond IPA be filled with continued success and fulfillment.
Navigator Award – Sujung Cua ‘24
The Navigator award is ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY’s highest honor. It is awarded to a senior in recognition for consistently exemplifying the core values of IPA, those of kindness, generosity of spirit, and curiosity and creativity in all academic endeavors. The recipient is a person who has been, for all intents and purposes, an ideal student who exemplifies the values found in IPA’s mission statement: strength of character, based upon the core values of respect for others, recognition of the inherent value of each human being, generosity of spirit and the power of human kindness; commitment to become involved citizens both within their communities and the world – citizens who understand and practice democratic values; confidence to maximize the use of their intellectual, academic, physical, artistic and creative gifts in preparation for college and as life-long learners.
Valedictorian – Kiana Lu ‘24
The class Valedictorian is the top student in the graduating class and is recognized for their consistent academic excellence and strength of character. The honoree is determined based on their strength of schedule, participation in extracurricular activities, service to community, and personal character consistent with the values of our school.
Salutatorian – Evan Biel ‘24
The class Salutatorian is the second top student in the graduating class and is recognized for their consistent academic excellence and strength of character. The honoree is determined based on their strength of schedule, participation in extracurricular activities, service to community, and personal character consistent with the values of our school.
Head of School Award – Sujung Cua ‘24
This award honors a deserving senior for their combined record of service, character, leadership, and scholarship.
Harvard Book Award – Krislyn Elmore ‘25
The Harvard Book Award is an award given to an outstanding high school junior who exemplifies the Harvard tradition of academic excellence, reflected in class ranking or GPA, achievement in extracurricular activities, and exemplary character. This award is traditionally presented to the recipient by another Harvard Book Award recipient or a Harvard alumnus. Previous Harvard Book Award presenters have included Dr. Dan White and Mr. Mufi Hannemann.
Stargazer – Bostyn Tsukamoto ‘26
The Stargazer Award honors a sophomore who has been, for all intents and purposes, an ideal student based on ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY’s mission statement. The recipient is recognized for consistently exemplifying the core values of ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY, those of kindness, generosity of spirit, and curiosity and creativity in all academic endeavors. This is the highest award at this level.
Student Life Award – Diego Hernandez ‘25
The Student Life Award is given to a student who shows consistent participation in student activities, student productions, athletics and other endeavors in ways that generate support for the school and exhibit a positive school spirit.
Hoʻoilina Award (formerly Kupono Award) – Kiana Vasilash ‘24
This award honors a senior for their participation in and promotion of Hawaiian culture on and off campus. Hoʻoilina means heritage in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and acknowledges the upholding and perpetuation of Hawaiian language and culture in our school.
Outstanding Contribution to IPA Culture and Arts – Amelie Kitakis ‘24 & Madison Murakami ‘24
This award honors a student for their career contributions to school culture through the arts, curricular activities, and extracurricular activities on campus and in the community.
Outstanding Male Athlete Award – Jett Taaca ’24
The Outstanding Male Athlete Award honors a male senior athlete in recognition of excellent athletic achievement, scholarship, participation, and leadership. This is a career award requiring at least three years at IPA, and takes into account involvement in Varsity level ILH athletics. Additional consideration is given for club and school activities, academics, honor societies and behavioral records. HHSAA representation and team leadership are also considered.
Outstanding Female Athlete Award – Zavry Nelson ‘24
The Outstanding Female Athlete Award honors a female senior athlete in recognition of excellent athletic achievement, scholarship, participation, and leadership. This is a career award requiring at least three years at IPA, and takes into account involvement in Varsity level ILH athletics. Additional consideration is given for club and school activities, academics, honor societies and behavioral records. HHSAA representation and team leadership are also considered.
Global Citizen Award – Devan Butler ‘24
The Global Citizen Award is presented in recognition for embodying the attributes of Island Pacific Academyʻs core values, by showing compassion and empathy for people of other cultures and backgrounds, enriching the community by encouraging diversity of thought and opinion, and actively promoting the pursuit of international exposures and intercultural exchanges.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award honors a student who has been a positive force for class spirit and class cohesion, and who has taken initiative on student issues. This student demonstrated leadership in supporting school-related activities and the immediate community. Some examples include, but are not limited to, student productions, athletics, clubs and organizations.
Connor Koyano ‘25
Sadie Jones ‘24
Academic Achievement Award
The Academic Achievement Award is given to a student who consistently demonstrates an interest in intellectual pursuits, love of knowledge, and positive.
Jacqueline Arvman ‘26
Xavier Kushi ‘25
Kāhiau Award (formerly Hana Pono Award)
The Kāhiau Award was formerly known as the Hana Pono Award. Kāhiau means to give without the expectation of anything in return. The Island Pacific Academy Hana Pono Award honors the student who over the course of their time at Island Pacific Academy, has consistently demonstrated the perpetuation of this Hawaiian value through ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY’s Hana Pono Award honors students who, over the course of their time at IPA, has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service to the school and others within the community; a consistent willingness to serve; to offer help without being asked; whose selfless efforts have enhanced the school community.
Novinha Batlle ‘30
Katryna Pupillo ‘29 and Carina Pupillo ‘29
Kyler Koga ‘28
Jaron Alarcon ‘27
Bostyn Tsukamoto ‘26
Kiana De la Cruz-Swauger ʻ25
Danny Faletusi Jr. ‘24
Generosity of Spirit Award
The Generosity of Spirit Award honors the student who consistently exhibits an attitude characterized by sensitivity to the needs of others, a willingness to help whenever possible, and a genuine care for the welfare of their fellow ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY community members over the course of their time at ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY.
Aliyah Oyadomari ‘30
Khloe Dannielle Delacruz ‘29
Giuliana Sgambelluri ‘28 and Morocco White ‘28
Ronan Aragon ‘27
Mila Dul ‘26
Misaki Kamamoto ‘25
Rhianna Hara ‘24
