25 minute read
Where Are They Now
COLLEGIATE ATHLETES
Island School truly offers a well rounded experience to our students, providing them the opportunity to take the skills they have developed on campus onto the field and on their pathway to institutions of higher-learning. Our students are confident and responsible, lifelong learners and contributors to our community. They practice leadership in the various roles they play on their teams and collaborate with their teammates and coaches to achieve their goals both in the game and in the classroom. As these athletes prepare to embark on the next phase of their journey, they take with them the aloha and ‘ike of their Island School ‘Ohana to their new home teams in colleges across the country. We wish our Voyagers fair winds and smooth sailing on their future adventures.
KAITLYN COOK College: Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon
Sport: Volleyball
Why Pacific University? “Pacific University offers a breadth of undergraduate research opportunities as an undergraduate, and remarkably prepares students for medical school, the next step I hope to be taking. I look forward to Pacific’s small community and its large Hawai‘i club, giving me a sense of home as I embark on my new journey. In addition, this school allows me to continue my passion for volleyball while representing the university. Go Boxers!”
Words from her coach: “Katie is a very mature, responsible, and trustworthy leader. She has a great head on her shoulders and will always choose the right. It is normal for Katie to go the extra mile in whatever she does and it is definitely not for recognition, it is just the way she operates; great work ethic! As my primary Team Captain for high school volleyball, Katie was the glue that brought and held the team together, closer than ever before...Together in a single season, we were able to turn around the league’s last place team into a championship contender...Her role fulfillment was vital to our success. Katie is one I would not hesitate to take into battle...” Deej Peleras, Varsity Volleyball Coach
Athletic Accomplishments: Volleyball - Coach’s Award, Most Valuable Player, Co-Team Captain her junior and senior year. Soccer - KIF All-Star, Coach’s Award, Most Valuable Player Track - Coach’s Award and Elite Performer winner
JOSH GRAVES College: Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin
Sports: Cross Country and Track
Why Ripon? “The deciding factor was how much preparation they went through to have me on their visit. My name was on a big banner. I had a bunch of gifts that were handed to me and it really seemed like they wanted me there.”
Athletic Accomplishments: Soccer - KIF All Star, Coaches Award and MVP Track - KIF All Star, Coaches Award and MVP • 3rd and 8th place finishes in the 800m Hawai‘i State
Track and Field Championships Cross-Country - KIF All Star, Coaches Award and MVP
Words from his coach: “Josh is a hardworking student and great athlete who consistently shows up to practice with a great attitude and gives his all during every workout. He has done great for himself with some remarkable races and is always trying to improve in any way possible. Josh is a great leader and friend to his teammates. Since I have known him, I’ve seen him grow a lot as a person and as an athlete. While he is a medal winning athlete in both cross country and track, he is also a very smart kid who does well in school.” Renato DeSouza, Varsity Cross Country and Track Coach
18 Voyager
JUNE HSU College: Pomona College in Claremont, California
Sport: Volleyball
Why Pomona College? “ It is a small and intimate community, but has the resources of a larger school due to the Claremont College consortium. The faculty, administration, and current students have all been very accessible throughout this process and answered all my questions. The people seem to truly care about you just like Island School and I can play volleyball.”
Athletic Accomplishments: Volleyball - Coach’s Award, Most Improved Player, Anchor Award, Co-Team Captain senior year.
Words from her coach: “June is a leader by way of the heart. She’s able to connect
ASHLEY MECHAM College: Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California
Sport: Volleyball
Athletic Scholarship: $15K first year, full-ride the last 3 years
Why Academy of Art? “I chose to attend Academy of Art mainly because they are an art school, and I plan to major in interior design. A huge reason however is because they have a volleyball program, with a great coaching program and amazing players. Attending Academy of Art is great for me because it is located close to my mom, and is in a wonderful city.”
Athletic Accomplishments: Volleyball - KIF All Star, MVP winner
with everyone to bring out the best in them. June will infuse laughter to any situation, including intense ones where the pressure is on in a match. In these moments she breaks the ice and helps her teammates loosen up to refocus on the task at hand. June knows the team’s mission statement by heart and puts in the work to achieve the team’s goals. Plain and simple, June puts her heart into everything she does which moves people and brings them together; an attribute of any great leader. June’s style of leadership elevated the team to a family type of bond that is unbreakable.” Deej Peleras, Varsity Volleyball Coach
Words from her coach: “Ashley was a leader by way of action. She set the tone with her level of play; expectations through hard work and effort displayed day in and day out on the court. Ashley blazed the trail for a higher caliber of play for Island School girls’ volleyball. A new beginning, higher standards with a championship mindset. She brought respect to the Lady Voyager Volleyball team and created new rivalries in the KIF. Ashley is one to not let any team beat us without a fight. She is a true competitor.” Deej Peleras, Varsity Volleyball Coach
MATTHEW VICKERS College: Occidental College in Los Angeles, California.
Sport: Cross Country
Why Occidental? “Mostly because of academics and location. I liked the vibe during my campus visit.”
Athletic Accomplishments: Track - KIF All Star and State Qualifier 800m and 1500m Cross Country - KIF All Star, KIF Champion Junior and Senior year, Most Improved Award, and MVP winner
Words from his coach(s): “Matthew is an athlete who has grown a lot over the years and continues to amaze us. He is constantly pushing himself to run harder and do better both on and off the field, his
competitive attitude and hard work has brought multiple championships and his attitude is a joy both to the coaches and his teammates. A dedicated, intelligent student that has always done his best and is willing to put in the work.” Renato DeSouza, Varsity Cross Country and Track Coach
“Matthew and Josh both set audacious goals and did the work, the very hard work it took to achieve those goals. They are champions because they put in the effort over the years. I am confident this will positively impact the rest of their lives.” Eric Wortmann, Varsity Cross Country and Track Coach
20
ALUMNI SHARE THEIR STORIES
We want to hear from you! Please submit your notes and photos to alumni@ischool.org.
DAVE HUBBARD, ‘00
Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i Professional Bodyboarder
2019 was a big one, as my now wife was admitted into the country, we got married and she was even granted her green card! I was on the podium of nearly all of the bodyboarding events I competed in. I also did quite a bit of renovation to make my previous bachelor pad into “our home”. I often look back on how the intimate setting of Island School allowed independent study and even independent sports training. That was empowering and helped me develop my own passion for progress. In our current quarantine era I’m able to focus on my relationship with my wife, continuing the home improvement and am still getting out for my bodyboarding exercise. The slowed pace of life has helped me to re-focus on what is really important in life, and I’m finding a lot of peace and guidance from my relationship with Jesus. 22 Voyager
CLARE (PETTERSON) MCCLURE, ‘02
Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i Veterinary Technician
I’m currently enjoying whipping my garden into shape and spending time with my family. Highlight from the year: My kid started school! My favorite memory of Island School is of Halloween at the Kealia location, everyone was dressed up. Covid-19 has been both bad and good for us. Both jobs have closed down so we are able to stay at home safe, and with our daughter starting the new awesome online classes we can spend some time together as a family. I really enjoy being an Island School parent, I’m so grateful that they are doing the online schooling and my kid is loving it as well!
CORY ANN HOM-WEAVER, ‘04
La Jolla, California Researcher at Environmental Assessment Services
From 2016 through the end of 2019, I was working for a company called Silversea Cruises. I was a part of their expedition team in the capacity of a marine biologist lecturer and wildlife guide. Our little ships (up to 240 passengers) would cruise around the world to far off and remote places (such as Antarctica, the Russian Far East, and the Arctic). I loved being able to drive our guests around in zodiacs and share my passion for wildlife with them. Although I was in love with traveling the world, I knew that being at sea for 8 months of the year wasn’t a forever job for me. Thus, I decided to change directions and go back to research. I was head hunted by a company called Environmental Assessment Services to start working at Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla California. I started working for them in January this year and at the moment feel very fortunate that I am still able to work amidst this world pandemic. Currently I’m looking for minke whale boings (yes boings, it’s a vocalization that they make) for a citizen science project that we will be uploading to Zooniverse. I’m also running detectors to look for beaked whale (deep diving mammals) vocalizations. Acoustics is particularly useful for these whales as they are rarely seen at the surface.
MARISSA ORNELLAS, ‘05
Wailua, Kaua‘i Graduate Student at University of Hawai‘i - Mānoa
After graduating from the University of Hawai‘i - Mānoa with a B.S. in Ethnobotany, I taught the 7-12 science program at Kawaikini NCPCS in Puhi for several years. I stepped away from teaching for a bit to raise our son and daughter (now ages 5 and 2.5). Taking this time to be a full time parent has been beautiful, chaotic, fun, at times incredibly challenging and messy, but all in all, the best thing I’ve ever done! I’ve discovered how fascinatingly amazing babies and young children are (not to mention adorable), and how critical this early period of human development is. In the wee hours of midnight for the last year and a half, I’ve been working on my Master of Education in Early Childhood Education Program Administration and am scheduled to complete my thesis in the fall of this year. Covid-19 has kicked our homestead into full swing, and in addition to the 30 plus egg laying hens I’ve pastured for the last several years, it has spurred us to get our home garden going and my husband has been filling our freezer with fresh caught meat and fish. Thinking back on my time at Island School, I am especially appreciative of the quality education I experienced and the emphasis on academic habits.
Marissa pictured here on the left
23 Spring Edition
JETT JASPER, ‘06
Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i President of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community Television
My fondest memories of Island School is loading up into big yellow school buses and going to beach days at Lydgate park. After Attending Island School, I attended the University of Hawai‘i where I was a member of the 12-0 Football Team. Upon graduation, I moved back to Kaua‘i. I am currently President of Ho‘ike Kaua‘i Community TV, Kaua‘i’s only television station. I am also a commissioner on Kaua‘i County’s Open Space Commission. I am also a Manager of “8212 Hawai‘i, a Real Estate holding company on Kaua‘i. I still live in Lihu‘e where I was born and raised and have no plans of leaving. I enjoy paddle boarding, hiking and yearly trips to Japan. 24 Voyager
KATY THOMPSON, ‘06
Valdez, Alaska Middle School Teacher
The thing I appreciate most about my Island School experience is the continued support and love I received as a student. Now that I’m a teacher, I see how truly committed and caring the staff at Island School was and continues to be. It was a privilege to learn in such a community. Last year I switched from teaching 4th grade to teaching middle school. Currently, I’m trying my best to reach my middle school students during Covid-19. My husband (who is also a teacher) and I have been making videos for our students on YouTube.
Katy pictured here on the right
JULI BLACHOWIAK, ‘09
Los Angeles, California Writer/Director
I graduated from the University of Redlands in 2014 with a major in creative writing. I am now a writer/ director currently living in Los Angeles. My first film “In The Middle” will be released theatrically in 2022. My fondest memories of Island School was spending time with my friends under the tree by the tennis courts and driving two-minutes to get Hanalima Bakery, when we could have easily walked. The best advice I received from a teacher was from Jim Bray, “Commit to something.” Island School allowed me to invest in subjects I enjoyed, that gave me confidence in my specialty.
JORI JASPER, ‘09
Colorado Springs, Colorado Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, JAG Corps
I’m stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. After graduating from the William S. Richardson School of Law, I joined the U.S. Army JAG Corps. I’m currently the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney who litigates violations that occur on Fort Carson. On June 1, 2019, I got married on Kaua‘i. My husband, Mattie Tago, also serves in the U.S. Army and he just returned from his third deployment. We look forward to starting a family soon. My fondest memory was the 5th Grade Big Island Trip to Volcanoes National Park in Ms. Wortmann’s class. Island School taught me to have high character and respect everyone. This has helped me throughout my life and currently in my job in the U.S. Army.
25 Spring Edition
STEPHANIE STUERI, ‘11
Knoxville, Tennessee Graduate Student at University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine
After graduating from Island School, I moved to O‘ahu where I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa. Along the way, I managed to remain active in FIRST robotics, and took time off from my studies to serve as Miss Hawaiʻi 2014. In 2016, I became a VOLunteer, and moved to Knoxville, Tennessee to continue my educational marathon at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. After a long 4 years, I am excited to be graduating in May, fulfilling my high school dream of becoming a veterinarian! My next stop is Starkville, Mississippi, where I’ll be starting a year-long small animal internship at Mississippi State, gaining advanced medical training and instructing clinical students. From there, I hope to match with a small animal surgery residency, pursuing the dream of becoming a Veterinary Surgeon. Island School provided me with a solid, well-rounded foundation to build upon academically and socially. Leadership opportunities and skills developed through involvement in sports and clubs gave me the knowledge and experience needed to be successful in my later endeavors! 26 Voyager
RYAN PEREZ, ‘12
Seattle, Washington PR/Communications Coordinator for XFL
I currently live in Seattle, Washington where I’m a PR/Communications Coordinator for the Seattle Dragons of the XFL. After graduating from California Lutheran University in 2016 with a B.A. in Communications, I stayed in California and worked for the Los Angeles Rams for three seasons (2016- 2018) as a media relations game-day assistant and 2018-2019 as a communications intern). Following my internship with the Rams in 2019, I accepted a seasonal communications assistant position with the New York Jets and moved to New Jersey for 10 months. Since graduating college, I have worked four seasons in the NFL, including Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta and one season in the XFL. Island School gave me the opportunity to be a leader and take on a lot of responsibilities which required me to focus on my time management skills. Being a Voyager also showed me the value of relationships and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
KHIN “APRIL” OO, ‘13
Atlanta, Georgia Graduate Student at Emory University - Rollins School of Public Health
I’m currently pursuing my Masters in Public Health in Atlanta, GA and hoping our Kaua‘i community weathers this pandemic in relatively safer conditions than us. The years since Island School has brought out the community organizer in me and I continue doing anti-racist work through the research I’m involved in investigating racism’s effects on minority health outcomes. During undergrad at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and following graduation, I worked with refugee communities, including on a small-scale farm. I finally put my bilingual skills to use as a professional medical interpreter. Most dear to my heart along these adventures has been becoming part of a community of people who are also from Burma. Other personal highlights from recent years include a pilgrimage to the motherland and reconnecting with family there as well as my Burmese roots. Island School nurtured a balance of healthy competition and collaboration for its students. That type of learning environment prepared me academically, and more importantly, instilled in me an eagerness to be part of a community. The skills I gained in my different roles at Island School, equipped me to be a capable contributing community member.
CHRISTY JO “CJ” WILLIAMS, ‘14
Oakland, California Homeschool Teacher
After graduating from Reed College with a degree in Anthropology, I relocated to Oakland, CA to work as a homeschool educator. The unique, grassroots program I have run for the past two years is called “Coddiwomple Community School”, a micro-school that provides educational and social enrichment to a small group of homeschooled kids ages 11-14. Since moving to the Bay Area, I have also become very involved in local activism. As a proud transgender nonbinary person, I engage with my queer community to fight against the political and societal oppression we confront on a daily basis. I’m also involved in native ecology restoration projects, and recently completed a fellowship at the non-profit “Save the Bay”. Now, my interest in environmental activism has led me to join the Texas Conservation Corps, which I will begin in July 2020. I take inspiration from the many passionate, dedicated teachers I had at Island School when I am reflecting on my own class and planning curriculum. Besides the critical reading and writing skills they passed on to me, I am eternally grateful to them for being strong educational role-models. Without their influence, I wouldn’t even be half the teacher I am today!
27 Spring Edition
Kalena pictured here on the right
KALENA WONG, ‘14
Honolulu, Hawai‘i Project Manager at a Non-Profit
Graduation for me symbolized the beginning of my life off the island. I wanted to push boundaries and explore my comfort zone so I went to Wheaton College in a small suburb of Chicago and was one of the few non-white students in most of my classes. Through Wheaton, I studied international relations and community development which led me to a 6-month internship in Apurimac, Peru where I worked for a human rights organization, learned Spanish out of necessity, and ate enough potatoes & quinoa for a lifetime. After finishing school I began a job in Escuintla, Guatemala working as a project manager for a sustainable development non-profit in a tiny fishing village. All last year I greatly missed laundry machines and spam, but now I’m thankful to be living on Oahu, having returned a few weeks ago. There were some teachers at Island School that were fountains of inspiration and curiosity. They helped foster in me a deep desire to learn, ask questions and laugh about yourself along the way because we are all figuring this thing out. 28 Voyager
DAVIS HUFFMAN, ‘15
Aurora, Colorado Software Developer/Project Manager
I went to Virginia Tech and received my bachelors in Aerospace Engineering. My most memorable accomplishment in undergrad was placing first in theme and second overall in the NASA RASC-AL nationwide college-level competition which was a spacecraft design concept pitched to NASA. From that, I became a published author for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. At the age of 21, I presented our concept and ideas to esteemed professionals at the AIAA Propulsion and Energy conference in Indianapolis. Currently I work for Raytheon Technologies in Aurora, Colorado and split my time between being a software developer and project manager for 5G augmented reality solutions. I adopted a Husky puppy who is turning 2 soon and have really lived the Colorado lifestyle (skiing, hiking, camping, etc.). My fondest memory of Island School was the experience of leadership that I was given being the Student Body President. For that reason alone Island School prepared me very well for my future endeavors. I will never forget the passion for engineering principles that Dr. Kozak provided to me as a student, he really shaped who I am today and gave me wonderful recommendations for college and beyond. Island School allowed me to take on responsibilities that normal high schoolers would not get. I was able to act with the Board of Directors with important decisions and understand roles of responsibility.
MADISON MOORE, ‘15
Honolulu, Hawai‘i Senior at University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa
I am currently in my last semester at the University of Hawai‘i, where I will be graduating with a bachelors in Mathematics. The reason I chose this major was because of inspiration from Dr. Kozak during my senior year Calculus I class. I spent my first half of undergrad at Long Beach State University and also competing on the women’s soccer team at LBSU. I transferred home to finish my degree and compete on the Rainbow Wahine soccer team. My brother, Cole Moore (Class of 2013), now attends Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i. It has been awesome being in the same city as him for my final year of undergrad and his first year of Law School. I have recently been accepted to the Master’s Degree Program in Biostatistics at the University of Florida for the Fall of 2020! Thank you, Island School!
EMMA SCHNECK, ‘16
Hartford, Connecticut Senior at Trinity College
I will be graduating summa cum laude from Trinity College this May, with a bachelors in Political Science and International Studies. I spent my entire junior year abroad in France, Nepal, Jordan, and Chile as part of an international traveling scholars program. This winter, I was sponsored to conduct research in Australia on climate change diplomacy in the Pacific region. This year, I was awarded the 1823 Scholar Award, as well as the Micki Dworin Prize for excellence in student research. This summer, I will be moving to Casablanca, Morocco to work as this year’s MENAR Fellow (Princeton’s Middle East/North African Fellowship program). I am excited to improve my Arabic and French skills and travel more across the region. Dr. Kozak’s infinite advice prepared me for the trials and tribulations of college life. Mr. Reynold’s vibrant class discussions and wisdom also helped shape me and my work as a student. My one piece of advice to any student planning on entering college is to learn how to write a good essay, writing skills will take you far.
29 Spring Edition
MICHAELA FITZGERALD, ‘16
Oahu, Hawai‘i Graduate Student at University of Hawai‘i-MānoaShidler College of Business
In 2019, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa with a triple major in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and International Business. Currently, I’m pursuing a Master’s in Accounting while studying for the CPA exam. Upon graduation, I have accepted a full-time Audit Associate position at Deloitte in Honolulu. Island School provided me with a supportive environment of teachers who encouraged me to embrace academic challenges, think critically, and appreciate the rewards of working hard. Along with many others, Dr. Kozak, Mr. Bray and Mrs. Archuara significantly impacted my academic growth and personal development. I attribute my love of numbers to Dr. Kozak’s Honors Calculus class and my analytical thinking to Mr. Bray’s Advanced English class. I also credit Mrs. Archuara for giving me a pivotal chance that set the course of my pursuit in Accounting.
30 Voyager
ALLISON SUMMERHAYS, ‘17
Provo, Utah Junior at Brigham Young University
I attend Brigham Young University as an Applied Mathematics major with a minor in Spanish. This past semester I have worked for the school as a grader for calculus students, so if I’m not doing math homework, I’m grading it! Some of my fondest memories of Island School were had in my math classes, especially my 4 person Calculus BC class senior year with Dr. Kozak! I never thought I would study math before I had Dr. Kozak as a teacher, but he gave me confidence in my ability to learn hard concepts and succeed. I love calculus because of how he taught it to us! The more exciting (non-math related) news in my life is that I am getting married in a month to my fiancé, Merrill. He grew up with my sister’s husband, so we hang out all of the time! We are excited for May 2nd! Island School prepared me to work hard and appreciate learning. I think Island School has also really helped me to understand the importance of using your education and opportunity to give back to the communities that have supported you in whatever way you are able! I also feel a desire to make a contribution to the world that won’t just benefit my life, but also the lives of those around me!
Allison pictured here on the right
SYDNEY AGUDONG, ‘18
Los Angeles, California Actor, Singer, Songwriter, Student
I graduated high school with the intent of taking a gap year to pursue acting and singing in LA. Almost two years later, I have no intent of ending my expedition yet. Moving to LA was big a cultural shock that hit me when I wasn’t looking but I have grown so much since. Currently, I’m a part-time student at COC. I spent last summer in Michigan filming as a lead in a beautiful coming-of-age Indie Film called “West Michigan”, coming out this year. I also have had the opportunity to perform at events and am in the midst of signing a publishing contract as a songwriter for a top-tier recording studio that I have been working at for months now to produce music, including my DEBUT SINGLE called, “Feel Something”, coming this spring! Be on the lookout! I’m so grateful for my journey and I can’t wait to see how far it goes. Island School prepared me for college way more than I expected it to. I found that my first semester classes were a breeze because I was taught how to manage my work ethic and was taught at the same level that my college is teaching right now.
PIERCE BIVENS, ‘19
Nashville, Tennessee Sophomore at Vanderbuilt University
My major is Human Organizational Development, and I am on Peabody College Honor Roll. I am considering a Pre-Law track in Political Science. My fondest memory of my time at Island school is my junior year class retreat with Dr. Patterson, Mr. Evslin, and Mrs. Denton. One of the more important lessons I ever learned from a teacher is how to set up a Roth IRA account and balance a checkbook from Mr. Reynolds. I value a lot of the Life Skill Fridays with Uncle Dave, I hope he is still doing them. Island School gave me more than enough base knowledge in multiple areas to succeed in college, and gave me the broad frame of mind that I need for expansion into college and the workplace.
31 Spring Edition
