Ua Ao Hawai'i

When their first child, Kaila, was born, Sharnell and Clifton Onaga were determined to provide her with the best education possible as they were not highly educated themselves. Sharnell’s income went for Kaila’s schooling, while Clifton managed daily expenses. Two years after IPA opened, they enrolled Kaila in Grade 6, finding a school whose values aligned with theirs. Rachel, their second daughter, arrived a few years later, and a couple years later, Sarah. Tragically, Sharnell was diagnosed with cancer and passed away just four months after Sarah’s birth. Having seen IPA’s impact on Kaila and honoring his wife’s commitment, Clifton promised to continue providing the best education for all three daughters. Rachel and Sarah started at IPA in junior kindergarten, and Kaila graduated in 2012. In 2022, the girls faced another devastating loss with their father’s sudden passing. Rachel had just turned 18 and Sarah was only 15. Kaila and her new husband Colin took guardianship while Rachel and Sarah showed incredible resilience during this devastating time. Rachel graduated from IPA in 2023 and is a biology major at UH Manoa. Aided by a generous scholarship from IPA, Sarah is continuing her IPA education surrounded by lifelong friends and dedicated teachers who offer unwavering support. She will graduate from IPA in 2025.