Grove Farm Scholar

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!