PUHI — The Grove Farm Foundation named Madison Silva, Sofia Saunders and Jeanine Longboy as the recipients of the Grove Farm Scholarships, which are valued at $20,000 each.
The three students, who graduated from Kapa‘a, Waimea and Kaua‘i high schools, were honored during a dinner at Puakea Golf Course on Monday.
Silva, who graduated from Kapa‘a High School, will be attending Willamette University to study biology with the goal of becoming a physician or surgeon.
She credits Kapa‘a High School teacher Kara Kitamura for inspiring her to pursue health care, instilling a love of learning and supporting her in her studies.
During her time as a Warrior, Silva participated in the Chaminade University’s early college dual enrollment program. She also gained practical experience at the Wilcox Medical Center through the hospital’s Nurse Aid Program.
Grove Farm said Silva is known for her determination and work ethic in both academics and athletics.
“Madison loves to challenge herself, and is always willing to take on tasks that others may not want to do,” Grove Farm said in a news release. “Her leadership and dedication are sure to drive her success in the medical field and inspire those around her.”
Saunders graduated with the Waimea High School Class of 2024. She will be attending the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa to study architecture and environmental design with a goal to return to Kaua‘i and design environmentally conscious architecture.
“Sofia has found a way to merge her two passions for sustainability and design,” Grove Farm said. “Her ultimate goal is to become a licensed architect and create innovative, socially focused, and sustainable designs that will contribute to a healthier way of living.”
As a talented graphic designer, Saunders’ work for the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Project was recognized at the state level and awarded three Gold Pete American Advertising Awards.
For her senior project, Saunders applied her design skills to help Ho‘omalu Ke Kai, a local nonprofit, rebrand and effectively engage younger generations in its work to create healthier marine life.
Inspired by her mother, Saunders said her mom instilled in her the values of creativity, open mindedness and kindness from a young age.
“These values have led her to become the person she is today, and she strives daily to not take anything for granted and to give back to those around her in everything she does,” Grove Farm said.
Longboy graduated from Kaua‘i High School and will be attending Stanford University to study human biology with the aim of becoming an obstetrics and gynecology physician. An internship at the Wilcox Medical Center solidified her career aspirations.
During her time as a Red Raider, Longboy was active in cross-country, tennis and several clubs, including the National Honor Society, Health Occupations Students of America, Key Club, and Student Council.
Additionally, she was involved with her high school jazz band and symphony program. She is an accomplished musician, who is able to play five instruments.
Grove Farm said Longboy is described by her teachers as contagiously happy and humbly intelligent with a vibrant and positive personality that her peers flock to and appreciate.
She also volunteers with the nonprofit organization Malama Hule‘ia, where she researched phytoplankton species in the ‘Alekoko Fishpond.
Her efforts in applying scientific knowledge to real-world environmental issues earned her high school science project top local and state honors, and advanced the project for national scrutiny. Her efforts also assisted the organization in enhancing restoration plans to strengthen the native ecosystem.
In addition to the three scholarships presented, Grove Farm Foundation also presented $1,000 scholarships to six finalists, including Olivia Blackmer and Nicole Perpose, both Waimea High School graduates; Julia Durocher and Sarah Morioka, both Kapa‘a High School graduates, and Priscilla Matthews and Colton Mills, both Kaua‘i High School graduates.
The Grove Farm Foundation has awarded three $20,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Kaua‘i’s public high schools to support their pursuit of higher education and professional goals since 2010.
