ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY graduated its sixth class of seniors on May 23, 2015. Held on the beautiful grounds of the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, the Commencement ceremony celebrated the milestone of high school graduation and marked the beginnings of adulthood in the lives of the 49 graduates.
United States Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard, was the 1st keynote speaker and talked about the Servant Leadership ideals that are core to the culture of Island Pacific Academy. She encouraged the recent graduates to hold on to those values of mutual respect, inclusiveness and collaboration close to heart, especially in the decisions they make in the future and the paths they choose to walk down.
Congresswoman Gabbard during her Keynote speech “As you go forward, I charge you, each of you to truly live. Live aloha and dedicate your heart, your actions and your life in the service of others and you will be truly happy.”
Including the graduated Class of 2015, IPA now has 270 Alumni from 2010-2015. IPA alumni are attending or have now graduated from colleges and universities around the world. From UH Manoa, UH Hilo, and Hawaii Pacific University here at home; to the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and the Military Academy West Point; to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, International Christian University in Japan, and the University of British Columbia in Canada; and mainland institutions both large and small, the geographical location of IPA graduates is as varied as the students themselves.
The list of colleges and universities members of the Class of 2015 will attend in the fall includes: Carnegie Mellon University, Colorado College, Fordham University, the George Washington University, the Ohio State University, Ringling College of Art and Design, Rice University, University of California Berkeley, University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. You can view a more complete list of colleges and universities to which IPA students have been admitted here.
Seniors line up to receive their diplomas from Secondary Dean of Students, Micah Banton.
During the Diploma Programme Awards Night on May 8, the Class of 2015 Valedictorian Jami Alamar, Salutatorian Arisa Nyugen, and Navigator Award winner John Black were announced. All three addressed their fellow class members and guests at commencement.
Salutatorian Arisa Nyugen (’15) shared her educational experience and memories she had at Island Pacific Academy. “Over the course of our high school career, the teachers, staff, and of course, each one of us graduates today, have been there for each other every step of the way. And together, we’ve accomplished so much.”
The theme of John Black’s (’15) Navigator speech was gratitude. He thanked IPA staff, faculty, parents, and fellow classmates for all of their support and kindness. “The results of your actions have built the community that we have now, one that genuinely cares for the well being of each other, and shows empathy and kindness toward everyone.”
Valedictorian Jami Alamar (’15) gave advice to the Class of 2015 by using famous quotes from Shakespeare. She personally advised her classmates to “dream big but live in the moment, and to have fun writing your new chapters, all the while never forgetting to read over what’s already been written.”
Other major senior awards for the Class of 2015 included: ● Jami Alamar, Head of School’s Award ● Ella Axelrod, Outstanding Female Athlete ● John Black, Outstanding Male Athlete ● Zachary Chuberko, Kupono Award ● Kaelyn Estenson, Hana Pono Award ● Jenna Minami, Leadership Award ● Tara Norton, School Culture and Arts Award ● Kimberly Uehisa, Head of School’s Award
As with the classes before them, the Class of 2015 includes scholars, athletes, artists, writers, and many talented musicians. Among them are future engineers, scientists, teachers, entrepreneurs, actors, service oriented community leaders, innovators and more. What all IPA alumni have in common are the values instilled in them during their time at IPA, most importantly the power of human kindness and generosity of spirit. May they all journey onward and go forward with confidence into the world.
Students in IPA’s Class of 2015 have received numerous scholarships and recognitions including the following awards or honors: ● National Merit Commended Student (Jenna Minami) ● Eagle Scout (Robert Roy) ● HMSA’s Kaimana Scholarship (Kim Uehisa) ● An Air Force ROTC scholarship (John Black) and a Naval ROTC scholarship (Tullie St. John) ● 3 of the 6 Civilian Marksmanship Program Scholarships awarded on Oahu (Ella Axelrod, Raiana Ferrer,Candice Loo)
The graduates chose “Seasons of Love” as their Class Song and sang it on stage accompanied by several of their classmates in a band. Chantal Robles, Guitar; Noah Souza, Bass; Kaelyn Estenson, Keyboard; Zachary Chuberko, Drums; Soloists: Robert Roy IV, Ana Topete
Another unique part of IPA’s Commencement is the last Senior-Kinder buddy activity: singing “The Navigator Song” together.
United States Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard delivered the keynote address during ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY Commencement Exercises on May 23, 2015. Other elected officials attendance at the IPA Commencement included: State Senator Mike Gabbard; Jeanine Kahalawai (for Maile Shimabukuro); State Representative Sharon Har; and State Representative Jo Jordan.
Also present will be members of IPA’s Board of Trustees including Denise Becherer (next year’s President of the Board, Medtronic Neuromodulation, mother of an alumna); Mary Kamoe Durrett (mother of an alumnus); Donald Gerry (U.S. Navy Commander -ret.); Scott Schumaker (President of the Board, Honolulu Magazine Publisher, Pacific Basin Communications, AIO; father of a graduating senior this year); Dr. Dan White (Founding IPA Head of School –ret., President IPA Foundation); Danton Wong (Attorney, Chun Kerr). Roberta Bishop from the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools was in attendance.
