LAHAINA – “To the Lahainaluna High School Class of 2019, you are young adults who are risk-takers who embrace the multiple educational opportunities beyond mainstream education,” LHS Principal Lynn Kahoohalahala said.

“You are the first class to achieve dual college and high school credits while in high school and have opened the paths to internships in our West Maui community,” she continued.

“You value giving service to younger students outside of high school as well as to our community in general. I know that you will be the change-makers this world so desperately needs. I wish you the best life has to offer you on your life journeys as you leave Lahainaluna High School.”

The essence of malama pono – to nurture in a motherly way that which is good and righteous – is exemplified in this most cherished and respected Hawaiian philosophy.

And it was manifested brightly in the heartfelt Lahainaluna High School graduation ceremony held on Sunday at Sue D. Cooley Stadium on campus.

It is a touching ceremony that reaches into the spirits of not only the graduates but their families, teachers, school administrators and staff, and the entire West Side community.

Class Advisor and Science Department head Paul Heusinkvelt and College and Career Advisor Kristy Arakawa, the Class of 2019 included 198 graduates.

Academic and service honors include 25 Summa Cum Laude, 35 Magna Cum Laude, 43 Cum Laude, 35 students earning academic honors, 33 Career and Technical Education Program honors and 166 Career and Technical program completers.

Many are headed to higher education at colleges, others to work industry training, and still others to U.S. Military service.

At the top of that list are nine valedictorians representing the class.

They are Joanna Marie Acosta, Briana Bandy, Jay Marie Baptiste, Dakota Delos Reyes, Alanarose Duran, Stacia Eng, Kylie Ines, Kaohulani Palakiko and Reece Pascua.

In that spirit of care put forth by the Maui community, over two million dollars in scholarships will be awarded to members of the Class of 2019.

These generous gifts from individuals, groups, businesses and organizations from within the Lahainaluna ohana and also across the state included several ongoing awards that will benefit Lahainaluna graduates for all of their college years.

In his farewell address to the Class of 2019, class Vice Principal Mark Simms stated, “I wish all of you the best in your future endeavors. Each journey starts with a step forward. Graduating from high school is a step forward, Continue your journey to wherever your desired destination may be. I wish you all great success in life.”

Lahaina grown class President Brooke Whitehead bid aloha in saying, “We have grown closer as a class, and I’m thankful to have spent these last four years with them. I love them all and hope the best for everyone in their future.”