Kellianne Leiko Chong - Kellianne is the daughter of Warren Chong and Joan Sunahara Chong.  When deciding how to describe Kellianne, I’ve decided to describe her in a more structured manner: · On the tough exterior, Kellianne has been active in Judo, softball, track, wrestling, and volleyball.  Last year she was the state Judo champion in her weight class, and BIIF wrestling champion. · On the intellectual side, she has been an active member of the NHS and Japanese Club (where she also served as the club president).  She is a graduate of Kealakehe High School in Kona, graduating in the top 1% of her graduating class. · On the softer side, Kellianne is active in a program called KAMP (Kindergarteners Are Most Precious) where she dressed up as “sunny papaya” to promote eating fruits and vegetables to young children.  · On her more cultural side, she visited Okinawa through the Hawaii-Okinawa Student Exchange Program and visited numerous European countries as a student ambassador People-to-People Student Ambassador Exchange Program.  Kellianne will attend Boston University – Sargent College to major in Athletic Training.
Jonathan Ed Hisaichi Hara - Jonathan is the son of Edwin Hara and Portia Shimabukuro Hara and is a graduate of Hilo High School. · Jonathan is excellent in judo and wrestling, he is an Eagle Scout and also plays the French Horn. · Jonathan is an active member of Hui Okinawa, and was awarded the Warabincha Award.  He is very well known for his Shisha performances on the big island.  He was a state delegate to Okinawa for the Department of Education Student Exchange and in his application, he wrote of one of his long term goals is to teach English in Okinawa. · A family friend describes Jonathan in this way … “if his ethics are any indication of his outlook on life, it is clear that he has the commitment and determination to make something of himself and that he will unselfishly give back to society, and definitely contribute towards promoting his cultural heritage. Jonathan will attend Washington State University and major in Engineering.
Teri Reiko Konishi - Teri is the daughter of Keith and Natalie Konishi. She is a graduate of Kapaa High School on Kauai (graduating top 10% of her senior class). · Teri is very active in Soccer, Cross-country, and track. She is a member of the NHS and very active in numerous social groups and her church youth group. · Teri’s family has always been strong members of Hui Alu Club of Kauai.  In her letter, she wrote of learning to play and appreciate the Samisen through family, and of learning to prepare andagi (sorry, perfect andagi) from her grandmother. · Her student activities coordinator describes Teri with “sound values and priorities … very dependable, mature, self-motivated … and will not hesitate to assist others in need of help.  It is because of Teri’s personal characteristics and leadership skills … that she will succeed in any future endeavor she applies herself to”. Teri will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa this fall.
Joana Sayuri Nakandakari - Joana is the daughter of Toshihiro Nakandakari and Lisa Nakasone Nakandakari and is a graduate of Kalani High School. · With a 4.0 GPA and a solid member of the NHS, Joana is certainly at the upper echelons of her class. · Yet, her academic credentials are surpassed only by her impressive achievement in community and cultural endeavors.  Joana danced since the age of 3 and for 14 years has danced under the tutelage of her grandmother Lynne Yoshiko Nakasone.  Joana has reciprocated her love for the Okinawan cultural for 10 years now, performing classical and folk dances in the Okinawan festival and is a regular at the Hui Makaala fashion show. Joana will remain in the islands to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  I am sure that we will continue to enjoy and appreciate her many years to come.
Carly Yukie Shibata - Carly is the daughter of Russell and Marissa Shibata. · Carly is a graduate of Waiakea High School (graduating in the top 10% of her senior class), where she was also a member of NHS and is active in student government and numerous social and community service events.  Despite her age, Carly is a seasoned Hula dancer of 10 years and continues to work after school.  · Her science teacher describes her as “mature, upbeat, responsible, dependable, honest, wholesome and a person of high integrity”. Carly aspires to become a veterinarian and will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to major in Biology.
Kylie Chiemi Shiira - Kylie is the daughter of Alan and Penny Shiira. · Kylie is a graduate of Kaiser High School (graduating in the top 10% of her senior class). · In school, Kylie is very involved in Soccer and Hula. · Studying and enjoying the love of Okinawan dance since the age of 9, she performed on numerous occasions at the Okinawan Festival.  · Her math teacher spoke highly of her academic achievements but was most impressed with her character.  She wrote that “Kylie is by far one of the most sincere and respectful students that I have worked with.  She carries herself with a quiet maturity that has earned the respect of her peers and teachers”.  Kylie continues to work at the Kumon Learning Center to assist 5-year olds with reading and math.  Kylie intends to pursue a teaching degree and will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa and major in education.
Heather Shiroma - Heather is the daughter of Derek and Loree Kaneshiro Shiroma and is a graduate of Maryknoll High School. · Heather is also a member of Junior Dragster League of Hawaii (yes legal racing on race tracks). · Since the age of 3, Heather took Odori lessons and continued to learn dance.  At the age of 10, she started taking Koto lessons – Heather performs at nursing homes, new years parties, and (yes you may have seen her) at the Okinawan festival.  Heather plans to continue to learn and enjoy playing the Koto. · Heather’s japanese language teacher described heathers sweat personality as “add a sunny disposition to the academic qualities and personal quest for excellence and you have a complete picture of a student who is going to succeed in future academic and personal endeavors”. Heather will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa and major in secondary education.
Jodie Kiyomi Toyama - Jodie is the daughter of Gregg and Jill Toyama and is a graduate of Aiea High School. · Jodie is serious into soccer.  She also excels in Volleyball and an active member in student government. · You can find her consistently volunteering at the Okinawan Festival and Honolulu Festival Parade.  · Jodie is a focused and steady individual.  Not many people can say that they know what they want to be since 6^th grade.  Her college counselor described Jodie as a “well-rounded, enthusiastic student and effective leader”.  She summarized Jodie as a “team player all the way”. Jodie will attend the University of Portland in Oregon and major in Nursing.  She hopes to return home to work at Queens or Kapiolani Medical Center.