ISLAND PACIFIC ACADEMY’s annual Secondary Awards Ceremony recognizes Secondary students who exemplify the mission and values of the school. This year’s ceremony was held on campus on May 11, 2023 in the Gulab & Indu Watumull Room. The Awardees are nominated and selected by Secondary faculty based on the criteria for each award.
Mufi Hannemann, President & CEO of the Hawai’i Lodging and Tourism Association, former Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu and Harvard alumnus, presented the prestigious Harvard Book Award to a deserving junior. Harvard Prize Books are awarded to students who show excellence in scholarship and high character, in addition to achievement in other fields. Hannemann presented the Harvard Book Award to this year’s recipient, Sujung Cua ‘24.
IPA’s highest award, the Navigator Award, was presented to Sebastian Banquil ‘23. The Navigator Award recognizes strength of character, commitment to excellence, and involvement as a citizen of the campus and wider communities. The Class of 2023 Valedictorian is Karenna Meyermann ‘23, and Dason Lee ‘23 is this year’s Salutatorian.
Congratulations to all Secondary students who have won academic awards and recognition for the 2022-2023 school year.
Navigator Award – Sebastian Banquil ‘23
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 – Karenna Meyermann ‘23
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 – Dason Lee ‘23
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 – Sebastian Banquil ‘23
This award honors a deserving senior for their combined record of service, character, leadership, and scholarship.
Harvard Book Award – Sujung Cua ‘24
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 – Mazzy McCloud ‘25
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 – Sadie Jones ‘24
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) – Mya Akana ‘23
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 Male Athlete Award – Madden Kamahele ’23
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 – Jayda Fullum ‘23
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 – Zhaydie Carreiro ‘23
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.
Taylor Mizon ‘24
Karenna Meyermann ‘23
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.
Madeleine Arvman ‘25
Kiana Lu ‘24
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.
Jaron Alarcon ‘27
Jacqueline Arvman ‘26
Krislyn Elmore ‘25
Keona Hayes ʻ24
Sydnie Ryan ʻ23
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.
Carina Pupillo ‘29
Kyler Koga ‘28
Hannah Pham ‘27
Mila Dul ‘26
