VOYAGER
2023-2024 Spring Magazine
OUR MISSION
Educating the mind, inspiring the heart.
Preparing Kauaʻi youth to lead lives of significance.
ISLAND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Stephanie Achuara
Alistair Cox
Nathaniel Evslin ’98
Jeff Kozak
Sue Macklin
Sean Magoun
Middle School Division Director
Chief Financial Officer
High School Division Director
Director of Academics
Early Years Division Director
Director of Admissions, Financial Aid & Campus Ops
ISLAND SCHOOL STAFF
Anna Cantu
Megan Clifton
Genevieve Foster ’15
Matt Hall
Greg Johnson
Jerry Jona
Michelle Jona
Kehaulani Kaʻiwi
Chevy Kalima ’22
Sachiko Kalima
Alika Luka
Ricardo Nuño
Staff Accountant
Development Associate
Communications Director
Transportation Team Maintenance
Athletic Director
Purchasing Coordinator & Athletics
Transportation Team Lead Assistant Chef
Transportation Team
Transportation Team Maintenance
Suzy May
Renate McMullen
Nancy Nagramada
Cristy Peeren
Christine White-Tzeng
Ryan Oride
Alice Pajela
Justin Pajela
Darrius Pelissier
Skip Post
Evan Price
Dayna Ragasa
Art Rosqueta
Norante Rosqueta
Darren Taiariol
Jennifer Tomacder
Patricia Tortorelli
ISLAND SCHOOL FACULTY
Paula Abbott
Archie Achuara, Jr.
Christina Aiu
Deannalyn Alfonso
Rachelle Asuncion
Robert Baker
Amelia Carter
Joshua Cawley
Joe Corbo
Tia Fagarang
Pat Gegen
Brad Haugh
Jenn Haugh
Ben Hendrix
Stephanie Herrera-Loya
Caitlin Kaʻaihue
Saebre Kaleiohi
Sabra Kauka
Kanānāikahaku Kuhaulua
Abbie Laase
Laura Lee
Jenny Lewis
Heike Lill
Derrick Little
Rachel Lowery
Andrew McMullen
HS Spanish
MS PE
HS Social Studies
PreK Aide
Kindergarten Aide
HS Math & Science
2nd Grade
HS Social Studies
MS Math & Science
PreK Aide
MS Social Studies
3rd Grade
MS English
ES-MS Theatre Arts
ES-HS Spanish
5th Grade
5th Grade Aide
Kumu Hawaiian Studies
HS Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
Pre-Kindergarten
MS & HS Science
MS & HS Math
HS Science
MS & HS Art
2nd Grade Aide
HS Social Studies
Luka Moreno
Iska Nardie-Warner
Ben Nause
Jamie Nause
Daniella O’Malley
Keana Oliveira
Ashley Palacio-Ono
Joyce Sun
Kim Perry
Jen Pomroy
Janet Powell
Jordan Price
Charles Raymond
David Reynolds
Staci Rodriguez
Teddy Rose ’12
Keila Santaella
Shantelle Shimogawa
Matthew Singer
Kara Swink
Emily Thomas
Joe Walch
Amy Walia
Adriana Welby
Mary Jo Wilder
Danielle Williams
Development Director
High School & College Counselor
Head of School
Elementary School Division Director Counselor & Learning Specialist
Athletics Support
Executive Assistant
IT Administrator
Strength & Conditioning
Maintenance
Transportation Team Admissions Assistant
Chef Maintenance
Athletics Support Receptionist
After School Care Coordinator
PreK Aide
MS &HS Spanish
ES-HS Chorus Director & Music
MS Social Studies
HS Social Studies
Pre-Kindergarten
4th Grade Aide
ES & HS Music
1st Grade Aide
ES-HS PE
1st Grade
MS & HS Science
MS English
HS English
4th Grade
ES-HS Technology & Math
ES Spanish & Library Coordinator
Kindergarten
MS Math
ES Art
ES PE
HS Science & Math
HS English
HS English
ES Learning Specialist
3rd Grade Aide
Aloha from Nancy
What a year we have had together! I couldn’t imagine how welcomed I would feel as Head of School, and I am so grateful for the Island School ‘Ohana that embraced me so warmly in my first year.
Change and transition is never easy, and taking the time to pause and reflect on the wonderful traditions and new experiences we had together this year is a great way to appreciate the feel-good moments and reflect meaningfully on the challenges so we can continue to grow together. I have observed such heart and dedication in the teachers, staff, administrators, students, parents, board of directors, and all of the Island School ‘ohana, which inspires all that I do.
We have worked hard to build community together this year in order to have a greater shared understanding of what it means to be an Island School Voyager – whether it was through our Walking Wednesdays across campus for Nā Pua Keiki, singing together in our daily Morning Circle gatherings with Elementary School, impactful Ho’okupu days on and off campus with the Middle School, or leading all-school Pep Rallies and pushing through final exams by the High School.
As we close out the 23-24 academic year as stewards of this community, we have so much to appreciate. I hope each student has gained a deeper engagement with one or more of your passions…or even learned more clearly what you’re not passionate about…and that families have seen their children grow and shine in both expected and unexpected ways.
I am struck each day by what a unique and special place Island School is. We have work to do, as any good community does, and I know more than ever that we are up to doing that hard work together in order to continue to grow our school and each of us into all that we are meant to be.
And of course, as we send off the Class of 2024 on their own voyages away from us, we wish them all the best in what lies ahead.
Together,
Nancy Nagramada Head of School
One Year in Pratt Hall
This year, our students and teachers were the first to hold classes in David W. Pratt Hall, our latest addition to the Island School campus. Teachers and students could now have designated teaching and learning spaces for specific subjects, consistent across the school day, instead of teachers needing to transition spaces frequently throughout their day. The additional classrooms have allowed them to celebrate student learning in their teaching spaces as well as providing them and their students with more consistent structure and predictability.
Every day, students come to Pratt Hall for various classes across departments, including
English, World History, Geometry, Calculus, and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Guest speakers visit Pratt Hall, including authors Gina Apostol and Elizabeth Rosner who spoke with High School English classes. The collapsing wall between classrooms allow for a double-sized room that enables class gatherings for 40-60 students, as well as admissions, robotics, and other community events.
Pratt Hall is enjoyed by teachers and board members as well, through weekly staff meetings and regular board meetings. This new addition has changed the way Island School is experienced by everyone on our own team as well as outside collaborators.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DAVID PRATT
Earlier this summer, we grieved the loss of treasured board member and community leader, David W. Pratt. Mr. Pratt joined the Island School board in 1987, and believed strongly that families should have an option on Kauaʻi for an independent, college-preparatory education. David was elected Board President in 1996 and served in that capacity for 12 years.
Due to Mr. Pratt’s efforts, Island School has been able to grow into the institution it is today. Mr. Pratt was instrumental in the move of Island School from Kealia to Puhi in 1990 as well as in securing funds for additional facilities in the early 2000s, which led to the building of the Wilcox Gym and Frear Center for Hawaiian Culture. Most recently, Mr. Pratt contributed his own resources as well as helped lead the charge to secure almost $6 million needed to complete the David W. Pratt Hall.
Mr. Pratt was the grandfather of two Island School graduates, James ’20 and Bradley ’23, and father to Board Member, Sam Pratt. He was known on campus and across the island for his kindness, generousity, and ever-present humor.
A Milestone
5 YEARS AT ISLAND SCHOOL
Paula Abbott, World Languages Department Chair, Spanish and Senior Capstone Teacher
Jerry Jona, Athletic Director
Michelle Jona, Athletics & Purchasing Coordinator
Jennifer Tomacder, Receptionist
Patti Tortorelli, After-School Care Coordinator
Christine White-Tzeng, Counselor & Learning Specialist
10 YEARS AT ISLAND SCHOOL
Janet Powell, First Grade Teacher
15 YEARS AT ISLAND SCHOOL
Kehaulani Kaʻiwi, Transportation Team Lead
Jeffrey Kozak, Director of Academics and Math Department Head
2023-2024 marked milestone years for a number of our dedicated staff and faculty who were recognized at our opening all-school assembly.
Year
25 YEARS AT ISLAND SCHOOL
Shantelle Shimogawa, Kindergarten Teacher
45 YEARS AT ISLAND
SCHOOL
Cristy Peeren, Elementary School Division Director
Leading lives of significance, at Island School and beyond
This year marked Nathaniel Evslin’s last year at Island School as he embarks on his next professional adventure. Nathaniel worked at Island School in a number of different capacities, and taught across the elementary, middle, and high school divisions. He began working at Island School as a 4th grade teacher and moved to technology teacher, Dean of Students, and finally High School Division Director.
Nathaniel Evslin was the first alumnus to return to Island School as a faculty member, as he attended Island School as a student from 1984 to 1994. Above, he is pictured with Founding Mother Peggy Ellenburg, who was his theater arts teacher during his years as a student at Island School.
Class of INTRODUCING THE
Isabella Bivens
Yasmina Boissier
Ian Bollmann
Blake Braun
Jacob Brosamer
Kate Brown
William Buford
Mahina Dameron
Emily Do
Xailer Duarte
Ignacio Elzaurdia
Clara Eriksson Clay
Mark Fitzgerald
Michael Fitzgerald
Charlotte Harrison
Javin Hennessy
Zachary Ing
Chloe Inouye
Bodhi Jones
Kaili Kaui
Anuhea Ke
McKenna Kerry
Kash Lanini
Micah Lindman
Ella Long
Alyssa Lyons
Brooklyn Mackey
Mikey Melvin
John
Paul Mueller
Kiani Ortiz
Scarlett Patterson
Bailey Ponce
Sawyer Rogoff
Titus Schweitzer
Kaiya Soeprono
Kaelen Suzuki-Kaohi
Connor Tavares
Brittany Valentino
Brooklyn Valentino
Maya Ventura
Dylan Watanabe
Madison Welsh
Ramana Wills
College of William and Mary
American University of Paris
University of San Diego
George Fox University
Dartmouth College
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara City College
University of Southern California
UC Santa Cruz
Universal Technical Institute
San Diego State University
IE University of Spain
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Colgate University
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
UCLA
Pepperdine University
York University
Reed College
San Diego State University
Centenary University
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara City College
Colorado State University
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara City College
San Diego State University
Kauaʻi Community College
Loyola Marymount University
University of Washington
Seattle University
Stanford University
Santa Barbara City College
Colorado Mesa University
Saint Martin’s University
Kauaʻi Community College
UH Mānoa
UH Mānoa
Notre Dame University
Chaminade University
University of Oregon
Loyola Marymount University
2024
CLASS PROFILE
• This year our seniors received 215 acceptance letters to 93 different schools across the country. These acceptances spanned 20 states and 6 countries. A new Island School record!
• Our seniors will continue their educational journey across the nation, heading to California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaiʻi, Colorado, Arizona, Virginia, Indiana, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, and even all the way to Canada, France, and Spain!
• Our seniors are interested in a variety of majors, ranging from nursing, welding, and mechanical engineering to film, economics, and equine science.
• This class was the 19th class at Island School to complete Senior Capstone projects. Topics included nuclear medicine’s impact on cancer research, radical environmentalism, and generative AI. Projects included linoleum block printmaking, dry box snack making, as well as designing and making an ukulele, a go-cart, a documentary, a short film, a computer, sea glass jewelry, and a new sophomore lounge foundation and supports.
• In total, this senior class was offered over $1,400,000 in scholarships and grant money per year from all of their schools of acceptance.
GRADUATION AWARDS
Board of Directors
Jacob Brosamer
Mahina Dameron
Head of School
Zachary Ing
Brittany Valentino
Brooklyn Valentino
Founders’ Spirit
Isabella Bivens
Clara Eriksson Clay
McKenna Kerry
Javin Hennessy
Madison Welsh
Sons
& Daughters of
Voyager Artist
McKenna Kerry
Kaili Kaui
Scholar Athlete
Sawyer Rogoff
Mahina Dameron
Island School
Emily Do, Mark Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald, Zachary Ing, Kaili Kaui, Brooklyn Mackey, Bailey Ponce, Kaelen Suzuki-Kaohi, Connor Tavares
CLASS OF
2024
Isabella Bivens is the daughter of Marie and Alexander Bivens of Waipakē. She has attended Island School for six years. Isabella has a love for horses and has competed in island-wide rodeos for the past 12 years. She has been part of the Island School swim team for the past four years, attending states three times. Bella also participated in Mock Trial throughout her high school years and competed in the state championship competitions three times, winning twice and attending nationals in both 2023 and 2024. Her other passions include singing in chorus, writing stories, and taking part in the National Honors Society. Next year, she will be attending the College of William and Mary and studying international relations.
William Buford is the son of William and Naomi Buford of Kōloa. He has attended Island School for three years. William was on the soccer team, and helped lead the team to their first State Championship title in Island School history, receiving an All Tournament Player Award, and Player of the Match. William has also participated in volleyball and track while at Island School. William will be attending Santa Barbara City College in the fall.
Yasmina C. Boissier is the daughter of Sergei J. Boissier of Kilauea. Yasmina has attended Island School for two years. She participated in Shanti Alliance and track and field. Yasmina is planning to attend the American University of Paris to study creative writing.
Ian Bollmann is the son of Claus and Karla Bollmann of Kapaʻa. Ian has attended Island School for six years. He has played soccer, volleyball, and tennis, winning many KIF titles and the D2 State Soccer Championship. Ian participated in National History Day and qualified for states. He enjoyed learning Spanish and was awarded the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy. He was also part of the National Honor Society. Ian is planning to attend the University of San Diego to study industrial and systems engineering.
Mahina Dameron is the daughter of Jason and Cynthia Dameron of Kōloa. Mahina has attended Island School for four years. She has been part of the Island School swim and paddle teams for the past three years and has been to states for both sports twice. Mahina was the KIF All-Star for paddling all three years. She also participated in student government as student body president her senior year, National Honors Society, and Shanti Alliance throughout high school. Mahina is planning to attend the University of Southern California to study psychology.
Emily Do is the daughter of Tiffany and Keith Do of Līhuʻe. Emily has attended Island School since kindergarten. She has been a part of the Island School National Honors Society, air riflery, tennis, and mock trial teams. Emily was captain of the air rifle team and president of the Coral Restoration Club her senior year. Emily is planning to attend UC Santa Cruz to study computer science.
Blake Braun is the son of Burke and Cathy Braun on Līhuʻe. he has two sisters, Kennedy and Harper. Blake has attended Island School for eight years. He has participated in volleyball during his freshman year, varsity basketball for three years, and was part of the very first baseball team here at Island School. Blake has also played piano for 12 years. Blake will be attending George Fox University this fall to study mechanical engineering.
Jacob Brosamer is the son of Darlene and Mychal Brosamer of Līhuʻe. He has attended Island School for five years.
Jacob has a love for filmmaking and has reccently produced a documentary about Kauaʻi’s housing crisis. He was a captain of the Island School tennis team his senior year, and has played basketball at Island School. Jacob participated in Mock Trial throughout high school and won the State Championship. Jacob is the president of National Honors Society, the vice president of the student body, and spends most of his free time playing the guitar. Jacob will be continuing his education at Dartmouth University.
Xailer Duarte is the son of Jennifer Tomacder and Bryson Duarte of Puhi, and brother of Xoen Duarte. He has attended Island School for four years. He has participated in baseball and basketball at Island School. Xailer is planning to attend Universal Technical Institution to study electrical engineering.
Ignacio Elzaurdia is the son of Carlos Elzaurdia and Mariana FerrariElzaurdia of Princeville. Ignacio has attended Island School for six years. He captained the soccer team to three KIF titles and a historic state championship, played tennis, and ran track. He won Player of the Year his senior year for soccer. Ignacio is planning to San Diego State University in the fall.
Katie Brown is the daughter of Adam Brown and Erin Rose of Wailua Homesteads. She has attended Island School for six years.
She has been a part of the soccer team, tennis team, volleyball team, and track. She enjoys going to the beach, hanging with her friends and occasionally trying to beat her dad in tennis.
Clara Eriksson Clay is the daughter of Jill Eriksson and Joshua BrownClay of Wailua. She has attended Island School for five years.
Clara has a love for martial arts and practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. She has received the AP Scholar with Honor award, been a part of the track and field team, paddling team, and Model United Nations. Clara has a passion for nature and has earned her scuba diving certification, participated in many underwater and beach cleanups, and got a job at an algae biotech R&D company. Clara is planning to attend IE University in Segovia, Spain to study environmental sciences and sustainability.
CLASS OF
2024
Mark Domingo Fitzgerald II is the son of Michael and Michelle Fitzgerald of Kīlauea. Mark has attended Island School for 13 years, starting in kindergarten. He has played tennis, basketball, and volleyball at Island School and was awarded MVP in tennis and was part of the All-Star volleyball team. Mark is planning to attend Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo in the fall to study business agriculture and plans on helping his family business after college.
Michael Fitzgerald Jr is the son of Michael and Michelle Fitzgerald of Kīlauea. Michael has attended Island School for 13 years. He has been a part of Island School basketball, volleyball, tennis, National Honors Society, Interact Club, and robotics. Michael is planning to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to study mechanical engineering.
Charlie Harrison is the daughter of Catherine Browne Harrison and Giles Harrison of Kōloa. Charlie has attended Island School for four years and has been on the tennis and mock trial teams. She has also been the secretary of the Coral Restoration Club and a member of the National Honors Society. Charlie is planning to attend Colgate University.
Bodhi Jones is the son of Phil Jones of Princeville and Ashley Siebring of Kīlauea. He has attended Island School for six years. Bodhi has a love for volleyball and has played for Island School throughout high school. Bodhi is planning to attend York University to study business and society.
Kaili Kaui is the daughter of Tamara Inman and Creighton Kaui of Līhuʻe. Kaili has attended Island School for 14 years. She has been a member of the Island School air riflery team for the past three years, receiving the title of High Point Shooter for the girl’s team during her junior year. Kaili is planning to attend Reed College to study biochemistry and molecular biology.
Anuhea Ke is the daughter of Kalani and Joann Ke of Anahola. Anuhea has attended Island school for ten years. She studied Hawaiian language at Hawaii Pacific University and Windward Community College. She participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum for medicine at UCLA. Anuhea also attended Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus for three years where she discovered her joy for learning about her Hawaiian culture and received multiple awards for her academic excellence. Anuhea also enjoys dancing hula and photography. Anuhea is planning to attend San Diego State University.
Javin Hennessy is the son of Zayda and Brian Hennessy of Anahola. Javin has attended Island School for six years. Javin has participated in four sports including cross country, paddling, track, and soccer while in high school. Javin was captain of the most successful soccer team in Island School history, winning three consecutive KIF titles and the first State Championship title in school history. Javin is planning to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Zach Ing is the son of Alan and Chris Ing of Līhuʻe. He has attended Island School for 13 years. In elementary school, Zach enjoyed competing in school spelling bees, playing piano for talent shows, and leading his peers as elementary Vice-President. In middle school, Zach joined chorus and Science Olympiad, where he competed in state tournaments. In high school, Zach developed a love for playing basketball and learning Spanish, where he was awarded the Most Improved JV Player and the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy. He also competed in the national competition for National History Day, and was a part of National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Aloha Ambassadors. Zach is planning to attend UC San Diego.
McKenna Kerry is the daughter of Robert Kerry and Sheryl Mim Mack-Kerry of Kīlauea. She has attended Island School for four and a half years. McKenna has participated in various sports and clubs throughout her high school journey, including cross country and track and field, both of which she captained, paddling, and student government. She loves to give back to her community and inspire others to be who God made them to be. McKenna is passionate about her love of the ocean and horses. McKenna plans on pursuing those passions at Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey, to study pre-veterinary medicine with a concentration in therapeutic riding.
Kash Lanini is the son of Heidi and Erik Lanini of Princeville, and brother to Bodie, Preslie, and Parko Lanini. Kash has attended Island School since 8th grade. While at Island School, he joined the paddling team, played volleyball and soccer, and ran track. He is going to attend Santa Barbara City College in the fall.
Chloe Inouye is the daughter of John Inouye and Deborah Christian of Kapa’a. Chloe has attended Island School for seven years. She has been part of Island School’s swim team for the past three years and paddle team for the past two years. Chloe has been a 3-time KIF champion and 3-time State Champion for swimming, a 3-time MVP, and a team captain. She has also participated in the National Honors Society, Interact Club, and Student Government. Chloe is planning to attend Pepperdine University for swimming and to study business.
Micah Lindman is the son of Nicolas “Cola” Lindman and Jessica Lindman of Hā’ena. Micah has attended Island School for six years. Micah played soccer for Island School, recently earning the respect of State Champion along with being named Most Outstanding Player in the tournament. He also played golf for Island School and enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in his free time. Micah is planning to attend Santa Barbara City College to study business with intent to transfer after two years.
CLASS OF
2024
Ella Long is the daughter of Liz and Jere Long of Kalaheo, and has attended Island School for three years. During her time at Island School, Ella participated in various activities, including cross country, the Coral Club, and the Shanti Alliance. She also enjoys being a part of the chorus. Ella is planning to attend Colorado State University.
Alyssa Lyons is the daughter of Mike Lyons and Loretta Toth of Kīlauea. Alyssa has attended Island School for six years. She has been a part of the girls varsity soccer team for all four years of high school, and a member of the National Honors Society. Alyssa is planning to attend Santa Barbara City College in California to study business and music.
Brooklyn Mackey is the daughter of Ryan and Carrie Mackey of Kōloa, and has attended Island School for 15 years. Brooklyn and her volleyball team were the first girl’s KIF champions in 2023. She has been a part of the Island school tennis team, soccer team, and track and field teams. She will be attending Santa Barbara City College to study business management.
Scarlett Patterson is the daughter of John Patterson and Katalin Terdik of Wailua. Scarlett has attended Island School for eight years. She has been on the swim and tennis teams at Island School and is a current co-president of the Island School Coral Club. Scarlett is planning to attend The University of Washington in Seattle to study biology on the pre-med track.
Bailey Ponce is the daughter of Sheryllee and Bryson Ponce of Kapa’a. She has attended Island School for 12 years. Bailey has a passion for golf and has been playing since she was eight years old. She has been part of the Island School golf team for three years. Bailey was also selected to travel with KIUC to Kansas for an Electric Co-op Youth Tour. She is a member of National Honors Society and the Coral Club.
Sawyer Rogoff is the son of Tracey and Steven Rogoff of Kilauea and has attended Island School for five years. Sawyer has played and developed a passion for soccer his whole life, contributing to three KIF Championships and one State Championship title for Island School. He loves to surf. He is an active member in the National Honors Society and gives back to his community as a tutor and disabled surfing coach. Sawyer is planning to attend Stanford University to study mechanical engineering.
Michael Melvin is the son of Ruby and Michael Melvin of Kilauea. Michael has attended Island School for two years. He is a State Champion and KIF All-Star for soccer. Mikey is planning to attend San Diego State University to study mechanical engineering.
John Paul Mueller Jr is the son of Stephenie and John Mueller. John Paul has attended Island School for four years. His hobbies are kickboxing and fishing. John Paul is planning on attending the mechanic’s program at Kauaʻi Community College, and working with his dad on the side.
Kiani Ortiz is the daughter of Krissy and Randy Ortiz of Kalāheo. Kiani has attended Island School for three years. She was part of the swimming and paddling teams. She will be attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles to study psychology.
Titus Schweitzer is the son of Shentel and Nicholas Schweitzer of Kīlauea. Titus has attended Island School for nine years. He has participated in Island School volleyball, track, and soccer. Titus helped the Island School soccer team win the KIF title three years in a row, as well as the State Championship title in 2024. Titus is planning to attend Santa Barbara City College to study business.
Kaiya Soeprono is the daughter of Janene Pastor and Andrew Soeprono of Kōloa. Kaiya has attended Island School for two years and played soccer and ran cross country. Kaiya is planning to attend Colorado Mesa University.
Kaelen SuzukiKaohi is the son of Kalanakila Kaohi and Natasha Suzuki of Kapaʻa. Kaelen has attended Island School since kindergarten. he has been part of the Island School volleyball team, a manager for the Island School girl’s volleyball team, played club volleyball for Ku’i’kahi, and Spike and Serve, and competed twice in the state tournament for boy’s volleyball. Kaelen is planning to attend Saint Martin’s University to study kinesiology.
CLASS OF
2024
Connor Tavares is the son of Florence Gandeza and Christopher Tavares of Līhuʻe.Connor has attended Island School since preschool, making this his 15th year at the school. He was a player on the 2022-2023 varsity soccer team, which obtained the first KIF title for Island School. Connor is planning to attend Kauaʻi Community College to follow through with their Electrical Installation and Maintenance program.
Brittany Valentino is the daughter of Sephanie and Anthony Valentino of Wailua. Brittany has attended Island School for four years. In the classroom, Brittany strives to implement her love and compassion for animal welfare and enrich her community in any way possible. She is involved in numerouss clubs, including Aloha Ambassadors, Interact club, National Honors Society, and Lei Making. Brittany has helped pave a way for the Island School girls varsity volleyball team by helping them earn their first KIF title, whilst serving as captain all four years of high school. Alongside her achievements on the volleyball team, she was part of the track and field team, earning Island school the KIF title two years in a row. Brittany is planning to attend UH Mānoa to study animal sciences on a pre-vet track.
Ramana Wiills is the son of Howard Wills and Ahava Wills of Princeville. He has attended Island School for four years. Ramana has a passion for film and videography and has created a number of short films throughout high school. He has played on both the Island School tennis and cross country teams. He’s an active member of National Honors Society and Interact Club. He also enjoys scuba diving, and has worked with his dive master on establishing a coral restoration nonprofit. He will be attending Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles, California to study film and television production.
Brooklyn Valentino is the daughter of Stephanie and Anthony Valentino of Wailua. She has attended Island School for four years. Brooklyn has a strong love for helping the community and has volunteered in non-profit organizations for the last four years. She played an instrumental role in guiding the Island School girls varsity volleyball program to its first-ever KIF title, and was team captain all four years of high school. Brooklyn also helped secure the girls track and field KIF title. Brooklyn enjoys participating in various clubs including, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Coral Restoration, and Lei Making Club. She is excited to be attending the University of Hawaii at Mānoa to study animal sciences and follow the pre-vet track.
Maya Ventura is the daughter of Marc and Audrey Ventura of Wailua Homesteads.
She has attended Island School for four years. Maya has been part of the Island School tennis team, as well as the Island School volleyball team where she captained both the junior varsity and varsity teams throughout her years. She has participated in countless clubs, including the Island School Coral Restoration Club, which she founded. She also participated in the National Honors Society as well as the Shanti Alliance. Maya will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study biology on the premed track.
Dylan Watanabe is the son of Pua and Erin CobbAdams of Līhuʻe. He has attended Island School for nine years. Dylan participated in basketball, volleyball, track, and paddling throughout high school. He was a member of the KIF Varsity Boys Volleyball Championship team in 2022, and volunteered as manager for the varsity girls volleyball team. Dylan participated in spelling bee competitions at Island School for five years, qualifying as a Spelling Bee Champion, as well as winning 2nd place for the Kauaʻi District Spelling Bee and representing Kauaʻi at the State Spelling Bee. Dylan will also be graduating from the Kamehameha Scholars Program, and has volunteered many hours of community service and participated in numerous workshops promoting the Hawaiian culture. Dylan is planning on attending Chaminade University.
Madison Welsh is the daughter of Jay and Nicole Welsh of Princeville. She has attended Island School for six years. Madison has pursued her love for gymnastics from the age of two, up until her sophomore year when she turned her focus to the high school tennis team and was named Captain her Junior year. In addition to her passion for tennis, she has taken part in Interact, Coral Restoration, and Lei Making Clubs. With aspirations to continue her family’s business, Madison is preparing to embark on the next chapter of her life by attending the University of Oregon.
Coaches of the Year
Mark Ure and Sean Magoun, both awarded Coach of the Year this year, have been playing soccer for most of their lives. Magoun started playing soccer growing up on Kauaʻi and was one of the first students to join the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) on Kauaʻi in the 70’s. He went on to play soccer in college and began coaching Island School’s soccer team in 2000.
Ure, originally from Scotland, moved to Kauaʻi seven years ago and started Braveheart FC, a club team, with Island School parent, Matt Hall. He met Magoun in 2020 and began coaching at Island School shortly after. Since then, the Island School boys soccer team has won three Kauaʻi Interscholastic Federation (KIF) titles. This year, for the first time in Island School history, the boys soccer team won the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II State Championships.
When asked about their success as cocoaches, Ure and Magoun described their complementary coaching techniques and philosophies. Magoun’s favorite part about coaching with Ure is that, “he sees one thing in a player and I see another. So the real argument comes down to where to play them because [Ure] sees something different.” When it comes down to relocating a player, both coaches work together to ensure their players understand the broader aspects of the game.
At the State Championship semifinals game this year, both coaches worked together to manage unexpected situations and changes in positions. After the semifinal game, which they had won and advanced to the finals, Titus Schweitzer ’24, experienced full body
cramps for nearly an hour. While Ure was on another field observing and taking notes on the Kamehameha game, who Island School would be playing the next day, Magoun was caring for their injured player. That evening, both coaches worked together to strategize a plan for their final game if Schweitzer was unable to play the next day. Schweitzer played and assisted Sawyer Rogoff ’24 in the gamewinning goal against Kamehameha.
This confidence that these Island School soccer players have, in themselves and their abilities, has been instilled in them by Ure and Magoun. Their confidence came with maturity and focus that surprised even their coaches at times. The boys on this team put in a lot of work outside of school, training during summers and playing on club teams in the off-season. “They knew within themselves that they wanted [the State Champion title],” Ure recalls, and this year, the community got to witness Ure and Magoun coach the team to dig deep, persevere together, and bring home Island School’s first HHSAA trophy.
KIF CHAMPIONS
Our High School Boys Volleyball team, with six seniors moving on from Voyager Athletics, won the KIF Championship title for the first time in Voyager Athletics history! The Wilcox Gym was packed in celebration for these boys.
3X STATE CHAMPION
This year, Island School senior, Chloe Inyue won the swimming State Championship for the third year in a row, representing Kauaʻi and Island School. Chloe was a 3-tim3 KIF champion, a 3-time State Champion, a 3-time MVP, and swim team captain.
MOCK TRIAL
Our High School Mock Trial team represented Hawaiʻi at the National level for the second year in a row, visiting Delaware. The Voyagers won their trial against Montana and finished three places higher than last year, when they competed in Little Rock, Arkansas.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
This year, our Middle School Science Olympiad team placed 3rd overall at the Hawaiʻi State Science Olympiad. Competing against Iolani and Highlands, our team of 12 competed in 24 events, placing 3rd in 15 of them. Our team of 12 stepped up to the plate with some students having 4-5 events each. Our team not only represented Island School but also represented Kauaʻi.
ANNUAL VOYAGER THE
A GIFT IN ANY AMOUNT MAKES A DIFFERENCE ething
Island School strives to provide the highest level of education to its students. All of our families benefit from your donation, which supports hands-on learning, experiential and innovative programs, enriching curricular materials, and creative indoor and outdoor spaces.
Tuition alone only covers some of what we need to give our students the best experience possible. Our fundraising efforts make a critical difference, and every one of your contributions—whether it’s a big donation or a few dollars—made a huge difference.
VOYAGER FUND
BETTER TOGETHER BECAUSE OF YOU!
At the end of the 2023-24 school year we have proven once again that when we work together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve! Our goal of $200,000 seemed ambitious, but thanks to your support, we have achieved and surpassed our ambitious goal ending the school year with $215,000. This achievement not only demonstrates how strong our community is but reaffirms our collective commitment to the success of our Island School as a whole.
With our eyes on the future, let’s carry this momentum forward to the 2024-25 school year, knowing that together, we can empower our students to reach new heights and make a positive difference right here on Kaua’i and beyond.
Island School’s Board of Directors
Mahalo, Kathy Richardson!
Kathy Richardson has served on Island School’s Board of Directors for 18 years, and has played an instrumental role in multiple fundraising endeavors, contributing to the ongoing development of Island School.
Above: Kathy Richardson presenting the Board of Directors Award at the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony. Top Right: Kathy with Head of School Bob Springer, Hawaiian Culture Kumu Sabra Kauka, and board members recieving the funds for the Frear Center in 2004. Bottom Right: Island School board of directors in 1994.
Aloha, Sam Pratt!
Sam Pratt is the father of two Island School graduates, James ‘20 and Bradley ‘23. He has served as a member of the Island School Board for over twenty years. He has served the school in various capacities and positions, including Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, and Head of School Search Committee Co-Chair.
In Loving Memory of Alan King
Earlier this spring, long-time board member Alan King passed away. Besides Island School, Alan served on other non-profit boards including Wilcox Health Foundation, Kauaʻi Junior Golf Association, Kukuiolono Golf Course, and the Mission Childrenʻs Society. In addition to serving as the Island School high school golf coach, Alan co-chaired and supported the school’s iconic annual fundraising auction for many years. Island School’s community is so lucky to have known his kind words, generosity, and enthusiasm for many years.
Above: Sam Pratt, second from left, with his family.
Above: Alan King (second from right) with 2018 golf team.
2024- 2025 MARK YOUR CALENDARS
AUGUST 5TH
First day of school for Grades 6-12
AUGUST 7TH
First day of school for Grades K-5
WEEK OF AUGUST 5TH
Rolling start for Nā Pua Keiki
