Kauaʻi Students Win $20K Scholarships for Service

When Skyler Tanicala learned that a kūpuna had lost thousands of dollars to a phone scam, he didn't just feel bad about it. He created Kūpuna Technology Classes and has since taught more than 50 elders how to spot scams and stay safe online.

That kind of action just earned him a $20,000 scholarship from the Grove Farm Foundation. He's one of three Kauaʻi High School seniors recognized this year for turning compassion into community change.

David Braman brought his passion for inclusion to life by launching his school's first Unified Athletics program. The initiative pairs students with intellectual disabilities with members of the boys basketball team, creating friendships through sports.

His inspiration started early. After attending the Special Olympics Summer Games with his family as a child, Braman knew he wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to play.

Samantha Tominaga spent her high school years volunteering with Kumu's Cupboard, the Kauaʻi Keiki Dementia Initiative, and Garden Island Long Term Care. Those experiences showed her firsthand how much the island needs more doctors.

She plans to study medicine at Creighton University and return home to practice. "My hope would be to use this opportunity gifted to me and return it tenfold," Tominaga said.

The Ripple Effect: This marks the 17th straight year the Grove Farm Foundation has awarded these scholarships, and they've now invested more than $1 million in Kauaʻi students. Each recipient was chosen from nine finalists nominated by school counselors across the island's three public high schools.

What makes these scholarships special isn't just the money. The selection focuses on character and service alongside academics, celebrating students who are already making their communities stronger.

Braman heads to the University of Missouri to study kinesiology before pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Tanicala will study management information systems at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, staying close to the communities he serves.

Three students, three different passions, one shared commitment to lifting others up.