Celebrating the Class of 2026

On May 23, families, teachers and friends filled the Pedro Dela Cruz Gym to celebrate the graduation of another class of pine lads and lasses. The Lānaʻi High & Elementary School Class of 2026 crossed the stage and stepped into the next chapter of their lives.

For the 48 graduates, the moment was the culmination of years of hard work, early mornings, long study sessions and quiet perseverance. This was especially true for seven seniors who also earned their associate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

“This is a landmark moment for Lānaʻi High and Elementary School. Seeing seven of our 48 seniors earn their associate degrees from UH Maui College is a win for these students and for our entire community,” LHES Principal Douglas Boyer said in a recent DOE article. “These seven have proven that geography is no barrier to academic excellence. My hope is that our younger students look at their tenacity as the true meaning of being a TORCHbearer.”

Over the past decade, the dual credit program — a partnership between Pūlama Lānaʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College — has offered Lānaʻi students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school. What began as an initiative to encourage career exploration and college readiness has blossomed into a cornerstone of student success. Since 2015, more than 200 Lānaʻi students have participated, taking at least one college class before receiving their high school diplomas.

The impact of this early start is profound. By taking college courses tuition-free, students not only challenge themselves academically but also significantly reduce the financial burden on their families. For rural communities, where pursuing higher education often means added expenses for travel and housing, these savings can be life-changing. State data shows that dual credit students are more likely to enroll in college after high school and nearly twice as likely to earn a degree compared to their peers.

The real measure of the program’s success, however, is found in the experiences of the students themselves. Past participants consistently highlight how the program built their confidence, improved their time management and provided a smooth transition into higher education.

Naighel Calderon, a 2019 graduate, says the program gave him a head start on college-level coursework and boosted his confidence in the classroom. “The credits helped me transition smoothly into higher education,” Calderon said. “I really appreciated the supportive instructors along the way.”

Samantha Padron, a 2020 graduate, credits the program with giving her a crucial edge. “The program helped me transition to college with confidence,” Padron said. “Balancing high school and college classes taught me skills I continue to uphold, including discipline, time management and perseverance. It helped ease the financial burden on my family as my younger siblings intend to pursue higher education. I had the motivation to make the most out of the opportunity, and I was able to complete my degree early.”

Amaya Hoopi‘i Baptista, a 2021 graduate, describes the experience as a meaningful head start that shaped her path. “I highly encourage motivated students to challenge themselves and stay committed,” Hoopi‘i Baptista said. “Take advantage of the opportunity, as it can really shape your path moving forward.”

Rylee Sanches, a 2024 graduate, points to both the financial and academic benefits. “It financially relieved my parents from two extra years of college,” Sanches said, “and it allowed me to start classes for my major earlier and get a head start into the programs.”

Whether students are aiming for an associate degree before graduation or simply looking to knock out a few prerequisites, the dual credit program provides a supportive environment to test the waters of higher education.

As we congratulate the Class of 2026 on their remarkable achievements, we also celebrate the community partnerships that make such opportunities possible. The dedication of the Lānaʻi Education Center staff, the support of Pūlama Lānaʻi employees and the hard work of the students themselves have created a culture of achievement that continues to grow.

To the graduating seniors: congratulations on reaching this milestone! For the younger students looking ahead, the path has been paved by those who came before you — take advantage of the opportunities available, challenge yourself and discover what you can achieve.