Island Youth

No One on Molokai Succeeds Alone

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

By Keomailani Hanapi-Hirata

Molokai nui a Hina, our home where our Tutu still hangs her muʻumuʻu outside on clothes lines to dry and where our uncles can read the ocean like a map.

For our ocean loving ‘opio who wants to be a marine biologist because they learned to read the ocean from the uncles fishing down the wharf. Our charismatic ‘opio dreaming of becoming a teacher because they carry the voice of Aunty Mikiala Pescaia, who never lets a single oli and moʻolelo fade from memory. That young entrepreneur, that learned resilience watching their ‘ohana mālama the same taro patch for many generations.…

2 Molokai High Seniors Receive Coach H Scholarship

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

TLC News Release

The Lo‘i Collective Foundation proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Coach H Scholarship: Chaystin Joao and Ka‘ehuikimanoo Meyers-Moss, both seniors from Molokai High School’s Class of 2026.

Created in honor of Coach H, the scholarship recognizes student-athletes who exemplify leadership, perseverance, strong character, and commitment to community. Since the founding of the Lo‘i Collective Foundation in 2022, TLC has remained dedicated to supporting youth development and creating opportunities for future generations throughout Hawai‘i.

In 2023, TLC established the Coach H Scholarship to continue Coach H’s legacy of mentorship, encouragement, and service to student-athletes. Now in the organization’s fourth year, this marks the second consecutive year the scholarship has been awarded to students from Molokai High School — fulfilling one of Coach H’s wishes to support the youth of Molokai.…

Class of 2026 Ready for the World

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

By Dayanti Karunaratne, Editor

Molokai High School’s Class of 2026 is ready for the world. With The Barn under renovations, the seniors — and hundreds of family and friends — gathered on the school’s athletic field for the graduation ceremony. The scenery felt fitting; many student speeches reflected on how their environment shaped their high-school experience.

“With the sun on our back, we pushed through steep slopes. When we reached the summit, everything below looked smaller, and for a moment, it felt worth it,” valedictorian Aristotle Oamil said, recalling a hike taken with classmates. 

Once the 91 graduates assembled in their bright white caps and gowns, principal Katina Soares said this graduating class was the first to have spent all four years in the Academies program, a model that organizes students into groups based on their career and academic goals. …

Students Receive Scholarships

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

By Dayanti Karunaratne

A scholarship can make college more affordable, and in many cases possible, by helping to cover tuition and other expenses. It also reduces students’ stress and helps them to focus on their studies rather than financial worries. Some scholarships target minorities and underrepresented groups as a way of leveling social justice.

The Molokai High School Library was transformed for the school’s annual Scholarship Award Ceremony May 15, when several graduating seniors accepted an array of different scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars in front of about 50 family and friends. 

“If you are diligent, you will be rewarded, you will be supported, and you will endure to the end, until your goal is achieved,” said Mikiʻala Pescaia, one of the presenters for the scholarships. …