On May 9, 2025, the ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY (IPA) community came together for our annual Secondary Awards Ceremony, a meaningful celebration of student achievement. It was a truly special evening, here on campus in the Gulab & Indru Watumull Room, vibrant with the spirit and mission that makes IPA unique. Our community came together to honor the incredible dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence displayed by our Secondary students in their academic and extracurricular journeys.
This ceremony is a cornerstone of our school year, a time when we collectively recognize the students who embody the very best of IPA. The selection process reflects our faculty’s strong commitment to recognizing student achievement. They take great care in reviewing nominations and thoughtfully evaluating each candidate against specific criteria to ensure that every deserving student is honored.
The evening was filled with moments of immense pride, beginning with the presentation of the distinguished Harvard Book Award. This prestigious honor awarded to a junior, symbolizing academic excellence and strong character, was proudly given to Bostyn Tsukamoto ’26. Though unable to join the ceremony in person, Mr. Mufi Hannemann, a proud Harvard alumnus, shared a video message for the recipient. He highlighted how Bostyn “exhibits exceptional academic achievements, reflected in a high GPA and a dedicated approach to learning. Her proactive attitude towards assignments and consistent communication with teachers demonstrate her reliability and commitment.” Mr. Hannemann also lauded Bostyn’s versatility and initiative, seen in their leadership roles, athletic pursuits, and dedication to community service like teaching hula to elementary students.
Next, the Stargazer Award for Grade 10 shone brightly. This top sophomore honor recognizes an “ideal student” who truly embodies our mission statement. The deserving recipient was Jade Mestraud–Tiaihau ‘27. Jade is “known for her exemplary academic performance, [and is] actively engaged in various aspects of school life. Her dedication and hard work uplift the spirits of those around her, contributing positively to the overall morale of the school community.”
The Class of 2025’s academic leaders were also recognized, starting with the Salutatorian award presented to Keira Loftis ‘25. Keira is described as someone who “exemplifies quiet intelligence and academic prowess, consistently excelling in challenging coursework.” Beyond her academic achievements, she was also praised for her incredible talent as an artist and her impressive balance between the Thespian department and the girls’ volleyball team.
Following, Xavier Kushi ‘25 was proudly announced as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2025. Xavier is a “diligent and accomplished student, notably excelling in challenging academic pursuits such as numerous AP classes, Japanese Business Class, and National Honor Society.” His consistent performance and top-ranking GPA “affirm his status as the valedictorian, reflecting his dedication and academic excellence.”
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with the presentation of the Navigator Award, IPA’s most significant honor, to Krislyn Elmore ‘25 by Head of School Gerald Teramae. This award, our highest as a school, honors a senior who fully embodies all that IPA represents. Mr. Teramae lauded Krislyn’s “exceptional dedication and leadership skills through meticulous management of various responsibilities within the Executive Council of Student Government and other school activities. Her ability to lead meetings and support multiple clubs while maintaining academic excellence showcases her conscientiousness and commitment to school values.” He also highlighted her “kindness and effectiveness in navigating social interactions,” which further demonstrate her exemplary character.
To all our Secondary students who received recognition this year, we extend our most heartfelt congratulations! Your dedication, passion, and commitment throughout the 2024-2025 school year are a profound inspiration to our entire IPA community. You truly embody our mission of nurturing well-rounded individuals, prepared to step forward with confidence and make meaningful contributions to society.
May your journeys beyond IPA continue to be filled with success and fulfillment!
Honoring Our 2025 Award Recipients
Navigator Award – Krislyn Elmore (Grade 12)
IPA’s highest honor, the Navigator Award, is presented to a graduating senior who consistently exemplifies the core values of IPA: kindness, generosity of spirit, and curiosity and creativity in all academic endeavors. This recipient is an ideal student who embodies the values of IPA’s mission statement, demonstrating strength of character, a commitment to engaged citizenship, and the confidence to maximize their intellectual, academic, physical, artistic, and creative gifts.
Valedictorian – Xavier Kushi (Grade 12)
Recognized for consistent academic excellence and strength of character, the Valedictorian is the top student in the graduating class. This honor is determined by strength of schedule, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and personal character aligned with our school’s values.
Salutatorian – Keira Loftis (Grade 12)
The Salutatorian is the second top student in the graduating class, recognized for consistent academic excellence and strength of character. This honoree is also determined by their strength of schedule, participation in extracurricular activities, community service, and personal character consistent with our school’s values.
Harvard Book Award – Bostyn Tsukamoto (Grade 11)
Awarded to an outstanding high school junior, the Harvard Book Award acknowledges academic excellence, reflected in class ranking or GPA, achievement in extracurricular activities, and exemplary character.
Stargazer – Jade Mestraud–Tiaihau (Grade 10)
The Stargazer Award honors a sophomore who embodies the ideal student, consistently exemplifying IPA’s core values of kindness, generosity of spirit, and curiosity and creativity in all academic pursuits. This is the highest award at this level.
Student Life Award – Jacqueline Arvman (Grade 11)
This award is given to a student who consistently participates in student activities, productions, athletics, and other endeavors, fostering school support and exhibiting a positive school spirit.
Hoʻoilina Award – Alvin Mamala (Grade 12)
This award honors a senior for their active participation in and promotion of Hawaiian culture both on and off campus. Hoʻoilina, meaning heritage in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, acknowledges the upholding and perpetuation of Hawaiian language and culture within our school.
Outstanding Contribution to IPA Culture and Arts – Erin Claire Fleming (Grade 12)
This award honors a student for their significant career contributions to school culture through their involvement in the arts, curricular activities, and extracurricular activities on campus and in the wider community.
Global Citizen Award – Madeleine Arvman (Grade 12)
The Global Citizen Award is presented in recognition of embodying the attributes of Island Pacific Academy’s core values, demonstrating compassion and empathy for diverse cultures and backgrounds, enriching the community through encouraging diversity of thought and opinion, and actively promoting international exposures and intercultural exchanges.
Leadership Award
The Leadership Award honors a student who has been a positive force for class spirit and cohesion, taking initiative on student issues. This student demonstrates leadership in supporting school-related activities and the immediate community, including but not limited to student productions, athletics, clubs, and organizations.
Connor Koyano (Grade 12)
Lowell Chappell (Grade 11)
Academic Achievement Award
The Academic Achievement Award is given to a student who consistently demonstrates an interest in intellectual pursuits, a love of knowledge, and a positive approach to learning.
Danielle Okimoto (Grade 11)
Jaron Alarcon (Grade 10)
Kāhiau Award
The Kāhiau Award, formerly the Hana Pono Award, means to give without expectation of anything in return. This award honors students who, throughout their time at IPA, have consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to service to the school and community, a consistent willingness to offer help without being asked, and whose selfless efforts have enhanced the school community.
Vivienne Arvman (Grade 6)
Dejah-Lyn Faletusi (Grade 7)
Carina Pupillo (Grade 8)
McKenzie Godish (Grade 9)
Ronan Aragon (Grade 10)
Caitlyn Bedford (Grade 11)
Kiana De La Cruz-Swauger (Grade 12)
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 throughout their time at IPA.
Rhys Okimoto (Grade 6)
Izabelle Nguyen (Grade 7)
Khloe Dannielle Delacruz (Grade 8)
Mikaela Mullen (Grade 9)
Abigail Harrell (Grade 10)
Mila Dul (Grade 11)
Ethan Hanashiro (Grade 12)
