Scholarship Program

David Braman

David Braman’s commitment to inclusion began early. In second grade, he attended the Special Olympics Summer Games on O‘ahu with his family and was eager to help. He was told he could volunteer when he was older, and he never forgot it.

By middle school, David joined Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School’s Team Unity, an elective that brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together as unified partners. That experience helped shape his belief in the power of inclusion, friendship and shared opportunity.

At Kaua‘i High School, David turned that belief into action. He approached the Athletic Department with a vision to create the school’s first Unified Athletics program, pairing students with intellectual disabilities with members of the boys’ basketball team. The program created meaningful relationships between students and culminated in a showcase event filled with cheers from the school and community.

David’s counselor, Ms. Taba, described him as demonstrating “the exceptional combination of academic excellence, community commitment, and leadership.” She also called the showcase “one of the most moving experiences I’ve witnessed in my career.”

David has also served as Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, and Co-President of Kaua‘i High School’s Red Raider Productions, among many other activities.

This fall, David will continue his education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, followed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. After accompanying his “Amma” to physical therapy for her injured knee, he was inspired to pursue a career as a physical therapist.

Congratulations, David, on your accomplishments!

Skyler Tanicala

When Skyler Tanicala learned that a kupuna had been scammed out of thousands of dollars over the phone, he saw a problem he wanted to help solve.

That moment inspired him to start Kūpuna Technology Classes, where he has helped more than 50 kūpuna recognize scam calls, better understand digital safety, and learn about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

“Ongoing community work is already part of how I live and learn,” Skyler said in his scholarship application.

Skyler’s ability to recognize patterns, identify problems and take action has shaped his leadership at Kaua‘i High School. He has served as Class President and currently serves as Student Body President. He is also Captain of the Mock Trial Team, Trumpet Section Leader, and a four-year All-State and Honor Band participant.

His Student Activities Coordinator, Ms. Plowman, described him as having a “combination of technical brilliance, organizational leadership, and deep-seated altruism.”

Skyler plans to study Management Information Systems at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa . Beyond his formal education, he hopes to remain in Hawai‘i so he can “keep contributing to the same communities that shaped me.”

Thank you, Skyler, for being an outstanding leader and taking care of our community – especially our kūpuna.

Samantha Tominaga

Samantha Tominaga’s path toward medicine began with service and a growing awareness of community needs.

Through her weekly volunteer work with Kumu’s Cupboard, Samantha saw how supporting teachers also supports students.

Her commitment to caring for others continued through the Kaua‘i Keiki Dementia Initiative, where she helps educate youth about Alzheimer’s and dementia, and through her volunteer work at Garden Island Long Term Care.

Together, these experiences helped Samantha understand how service and care can strengthen a community, from classrooms to kūpuna care. They also deepened her awareness of Kaua‘i’s need for more physicians and medical specialists.

After studying medicine, Samantha hopes to return home as a physician “to serve Kaua‘i’s community.”

A dedicated and well-rounded student at Kaua‘i High School, Samantha has balanced a rigorous academic schedule, college credit courses, athletics and community service. She has competed in cross country, paddling and tennis, while also serving as a member of Key Club, Treasurer of the Science Fair Club, Class Treasurer, President of the National Honor Society, and Vice President of her school’s Health Occupations Students of America chapter.

This fall, Samantha plans to attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she will begin her path toward a career in medicine.

“My hope would be to use this opportunity gifted to me and return it tenfold with my experience and education, and give back to this community through my efforts in healthcare,” Samantha said.

Thank you for inspiring us, Samantha! We wish you well in your future endeavors!