Valedictorian Haley Mahoe speaks during the commencement program for the Lahainaluna High School Class of 2023 on May 21.

LAHAINA — The perseverance and optimism of the Lahainaluna High School Class of 2023 shone through brightly as the 240 graduates walked the line to receive their diplomas at the commencement program at Boarders’ Field on May 21.

The class will be remembered fondly as the COVID-19 breakers who weathered pandemic health concerns and restrictions that severely affected the educational process.

First, traditional classroom learning was scratched and replaced by virtual teaching; then, as hybrid educational methods came into focus, the students adjusted to the three years of chaos to reach the joyful graduation celebration.

So, despite the restrictions and changes, the Class of 2023 held strong and enjoyed the culmination of their high school years. Lahainaluna Road was once again lined with billboard congratulation signs, and the afternoon and evening was warmed by the glow of the lit “L” overlooking Lahaina Town from the face of Mount Ball at the base of the West Maui Mountains.

Senior Class Advisor Jackie Ellis saluted the seniors in saying, “The Class of 2023 is a class that is loved by many. There is almost always a fun and positive feeling in the air when they are around! They are a class full of superstars: scholars, athletes and many talented musicians and dancers. They are a class full of so much life and energy, and they are so good at sharing that with everyone!”

Athletes in the Class of 2023 helped the Luna girls wrestling and basketball teams, and football team, win MIL titles and achieve deep runs at state tournaments.

According to Lahainaluna College and Career Advisor Kristy Arakawa, the class will receive over $1.8 million in scholarship awards.

The graduating class had 189 Hawaii Career & Technical Education Department Completers (the most ever); 61 students with CTE honors; five with STEM honors; 54 with academic honors; and 36 Early College Students.

Nine seniors completed the University of Hawaii Maui College Nurse Aide course and are now eligible to take a certification exam this summer to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Nine Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Lahainaluna students took Hawaiian 202 and will receive two years of college credit with the University of Hawaii. The group includes the first Lahainaluna student to receive a Certificate of Achievement with 30 credits in Hawaiian Studies; five graduates receiving the Hawaii DOE Seal of Biliteracy with proficiency in two languages; and the fourth graduating immersion class with ten students.

For academic honors, 152 of the graduates were recognized at the ceremony. For Cum Laude (3.0-3.5 grade point average), there were 48 students; for Magna Cum Laude (3.51-3.8 GPA), 42 were honored; and for Summa Cum Laude (3.81-4,0 GPA), 62 were recognized.

The Valedictorians of the Class of 2023 were led by Haley Mahoe, as well as Charisse Abut, Blanche Yvonne Abut, Gracia Marie Acosta, Anastacia Aranda Cardenas, Zachary Tristan Aveno, Kathleen Chloe Baniqued, Gianna Bauchman, Marc Leoj Cartegena, Troy Concepcion, Mico Anjoe Corpuz, Avery Dagupion, Frances Agatha, Dwayne Jaymie Diga, Cielo Marie Fabrique, Harry Flores, Jadelyn Fujii, Alexandra Marie Godoy, Timothy Heile, Drew Hufalar, Mishalyn Mei Ilmeng, Jeremy Kahahane-Lived, Destiny Larrobis, Jennyfer Linares Zapata, Lance Morikawa Jr., Christopher Mueller, Joa Navarro, Andrew Nguyen, James Nicko Pagdilao, Cash Gabriel Palma, Jorden Vincent Rante, Meleiana Shulman, Shelsea Wurts, Jennifer Yabo and Madison Yu-Cua.

Congratulations, Aloha and Malama Pono to the Lahainaluna High School Class of 2023!