June 1, 2016

Congratulations, Class of 2016!

Now that Lanai High School’s senior class has graduated, students and their families may reflect on the many fond memories created this past year. Made up of a tight-knit class of 29 students, the seniors came together for a number of challenges and celebrations, including applying for college, special assemblies, volunteering and prom.

A favorite class memory, however, was when the seniors took home the coveted first place honor at the class float competition during the homecoming parade. The annual competition, held during the winter basketball season, is one of the highlights of the school year, and brings the high school and community members together.

“We worked really hard for a week,” says former student body class president and graduate, Anela Fernandez. “Our float theme was inspired by the Lion King, and everyone loved it!”

Senior class advisor, Doug Weidman, is particularly proud of this class, calling them “the nicest group of kids I have had the pleasure of being with.” Weidman was their advisor for four years and admits it is hard to imagine advising another class. “Although I am glad they graduated, I do have to selfishly admit that I will miss them,” says Weidman.

As a whole, the graduates are philanthropy-oriented and their class mission was dedicated to serving the community.

“Some of my favorite activities were participating in the Waiaopae fishpond restoration and the flu immunization campaign at school,” notes Fernandez. “We comforted the younger students by holding their hands and playing with them.”

More than half of the seniors plan to attend college at the end of summer and many took college courses in addition to their high school coursework. Additional achievements include:

Class Highlights

Jayde Fernandez, Kanani Tolentino and Nick Niimi attended the Tony Robbins Global Youth Leadership Summit
Jayde Fernandez wrote and received a grant for $1000 to restore the Lanai City cemetery
Dalybel Locquiao secured an architecture internship
Cherie Malacas received a full scholarship to attend college and play softball

College Credits Earned from Maui College

Kristine Elan earned 9 credits
Kehaulani Esteban earned 9 credits
Anela Fernandez earned 21 credits
Jayde Fernandez earned 6 credits
Sidney Ganer-Eskran earned 15 credits
Harrison Ganir earned 12 credits
Kayci Galiza earned 21 credits
Tiare Kealoha earned 15 credits
Dalybel Locquiao earned 6 credits
Cherie Malacas earned 15 credits
Christian Naboor earned 6 credits
Nicholas Niimi earned 9 credits
Kaimana Riel earned 6 credits
Vincent Salemme earned 3 credits
Jordan Sanches earned 34 credits
Kanani Tolentino earned 9 credits
Xenia Urpanil earned 6 credits
Kyle Yamada earned 11 credits

Athletic Highlights

Kristine Elan signed with Missouri Valley College women’s basketball team and awarded LHES Sportsmanship Award and Alexander & Baldwin Sports Spotlight
Kahea Eskaran awarded Coach’s Award for softball
Kayci Galiza awarded Coach’s Award for softball
Harrison Ganir awarded Alexander & Baldwin Sports Spotlight and Coach’s Award for tennis
Jordan Sanches named MIL Softball Player of the Year and awarded LHES Scholar Athlete and Coach’s Award for softball
Charle Maie awarded Coach’s Award for 8-man football
Cherie Malacas awarded LHES Most Outstanding Female Athlete and Alexander & Baldwin Sports Spotlight
Kekoa Medeiros awarded Coach’s Award for basketball
Nicholas Niimi awarded LHES Most Inspirational Male Athlete, LHES Scholar Athlete, Alexander & Baldwin Sports Spotlight and Coach’s Award for canoe paddling
Xenia Urpanil awarded Coach’s Award for canoe paddling

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors, we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!