NAPILI — The breakout relief from pandemic restrictions is highlighted in myriad ways across our island culture. And that expression of the joy of living here on the Valley Isle shines brightly in the athletic and academic endeavors of the youth of the community.

Christopher and Sasha Chung Salem, 15 and 14 years old, respectively, manifest the care and attention that result into successful pathways of life.

Moreover, their early accomplishments underscore the guidance of their parents, Chris and Chea Chung Salem, in their child development.

Homeschooled by their Mom through their early years, Christopher and Sasha were enrolled at Maui Preparatory Academy two years ago and quickly adapted to the academia of the independent school located near their home in Napili here on the West Side.

They have earned 4.0 grade point averages and recognition on the Head of School List at Maui Prep. And in their athletic endeavors, both have reached remarkable standards in team and individual accomplishments.

As a freshman guard on the Pueo basketball team, Christopher helped the Maui Prep upstarts to their first Maui Interscholastic League Division II championship and a Hawaii High School Athletic Association State title.

Before the celebration of that victory was over, he was onto the golf course as a part of the Pueo golf team that also won a MIL championship and went on to capture 2022 HHSAA gold with an astounding 38-stroke victory. From there, the team was invited to compete in the national high school championships at Pinehurst, where Na Pueo placed 22nd out of the 55 nationally ranked interscholastic schools in the competition.

Sasha was not far behind. On the links, she is one of the top players with the Lahaina Junior Golf team. She recently made a hole-in-one while playing in the PGA Junior League Aloha Section Championships at Kapolei Golf Club on Oahu.

And in the pool, Sasha excels with Lahaina Swim Club, where she recently won two gold and three silver medals at the Hawaii Long Course Swimming Championships in Honolulu.

She set a Maui County record in the 500-meter freestyle event and qualified for the Western Regionals this month.

She shot a 79 in tournament play and is also accomplished on the piano.

Dad Chris credits the attention and care of Mom Chea in the development of the kids.

“They were homeschooled to the eighth grade and cared for Grandpa Yeye through the years. Chris Armanini and Ben Hongo, both PGA coaches at Kaanapali and Kapalua, respectively, have both had lasting influence on them. And Tom Popdan and all the coaches with Lahaina Swim Club were instrumental in their success.

“The West Maui community provides so much support for our children,” Chris concluded.