LIHU‘E — Thursday marked the final day of instruction for the more than 200 seniors at Kaua‘i High School before the Class of 2024 takes their commencement walk.
LIHU‘E — Thursday marked the final day of instruction for the more than 200 seniors at Kaua‘i High School before the Class of 2024 takes their commencement walk.
The seniors, excited about the last day at school, were quietly surprised to see Hawai‘i News Now reporter Dillon Ancheta doing an in-camera interview with Kaua‘i High School teacher Dawn Taba, as the 12th graders marched into the school’s new gymnasium for a final practice of their graduation song.
Marlene Leary, the school’s principal, introduced Ancheta, a graduate of Kaua‘i High School’s Class of 2014, and explained that Hawai‘i News Now was doing a livestream of their high school’s senior class that included the song rehearsal and the following Senior Picnic.
Instead, Ancheta announced Red Raider senior Via Javinar as the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest sponsored by Hawai‘i News Now and the University of Hawai‘i Federal Credit Union (UHFCU). The surprise reveal, that’s the term used by Taba who coordinated the operation, was done live and streamed across the state through Hawai‘i News Now Sunrise.
Javinar’s prize for winning the contest includes free resident tuition for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters, and was welcomed by Via’s happy mother who said she has another son who is attending college, and Via’s prize is a big help.
The UHFCU, in partnership with Hawai‘i News Now, has sponsored the tuition giveaway for the past five years.
“These opportunities fill us with immense pride and excitement each year, as they allow us to invest in talented individuals and contribute toward our community’s future growth and prosperity,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Education is the key that unlocks doors to limitless possibilities, and by supporting a student’s academic aspirations, we are fostering a brighter tomorrow.”
