Scholarship Program

Michaela Alcaraz – Kaua‘i High School

“’O ka mea ola” in Hawaiian refers to a person whose accomplishments are ongoing. This describes Michaela Alcaraz who will be the first Kaua‘i High School candidate for the Seal in Biliteracy in ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i. Michaela is a gifted linguist who also speaks conversational German and Tagalog.

Michaela has been an active volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i at the Līhu‘e Clubhouse and with service organizations including Key Club and National Honor Society. She also plays multiple instruments, both wind instruments and the violin, performing in her high school’s marching band and earning college credits as a member of the Kaua‘i Community College Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra.

Michaela will attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa this fall. She plans to study medicine and become a primary care physician.

“My enthusiasm alone cannot make my dreams a reality,” said Michaela. “The Grove Farm Scholarship willallow me to overcome the only obstacle standing in my way of achieving my goals —a giant price tag that neither I nor my family, could ever pay alone.”

Margarita Lomongo – Waimea High School

Margarita Lomongo’s story of sheer determination and perseverance makes her an inspiration and exceptional Grove Farm Scholar. Born and raised in Chuuk, Micronesia, Margarita moved to Kauai in 2018. Despite the challenges she went through, she balanced an ambitious academic program with service to her community. Margarita took early college courses and earned a certificate in competency in Hawaiian botany. She is also an active volunteer through her church and school clubs, and she was a co-founder in the revival of Waimea High School’s Key Club.

Margarita intends to pursue her studies in dietetics and is deciding between the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Her interest in nutrition began when she interned with a nonprofit entity that had a partnership with her high school to grow, distribute, and sell fresh vegetables through their aquaponics program.

“My mind was determined to do well in school to make my family proud,” says Margarita. “I want to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives and help them navigate their relationship with food to build a healthier lifestyle.”

Lauryn Hashimoto – Kaua‘i High School

Exemplifying a well-rounded student from Kaua‘i High School, Lauryn Hashimoto holds many accolades for her scientific research projects and has held leadership roles as a class officer throughout all four years of high school, – including serving as class president for the last three. She was a dedicated scholar-athlete, serving as captain of her paddling team and also participating in cross country and track and field.

Lauryn was accepted by her dream school, the University of California at Berkeley, where she will study molecular biology and work towards a career in scientific research.

I value hard work, perseverance, and using mistakes as learning opportunities,” said Lauryn. “Science is a field where I can apply these aptitudes to address issues I care about, such as climate change and environmental protection.”