From Kamehameha Schools to kula nui: Scholarships empower Hawaiian students

Sept. 9, 2024

For three Kamehameha Schools graduates, their time at KS wasn’t just about academics – it was about seizing every opportunity to succeed.

When Emily Hora KSH’24 first entered the Keaʻau campus at sixth grade, it was a rough transition. Making new friends and getting used to a new school was a bit overwhelming for the Hilo girl but now, she sees those early challenges as a small bump in the road to something greater.

“Once I started to find my groove and make friends, I could really start enjoying all that KS had to offer,” Hora said. “And it ended up being some of the best years of my life.”

Hora, like many of her classmates, took full advantage of the unique opportunities at Kamehameha Schools, including a once-in-a-lifetime school trip to Japan. As part of a global summit, she connected with students from around the world, an experience she says wouldn’t have happened if she wasn’t a KS student.

Now, she’s headed to the University of Northern Colorado to study finance to become a financial advisor and open her own business in Hawaiʻi.

“I want to help local families afford living here and not be forced to move away. If our families can build wealth and financial security, then we can continue to help our lāhui be able to live where they’re from,” Hora said.

Emily Hora was the valedictorian for KS Hawaiʻi’s graduating class of 2024.

With financial support from Kamehameha Schools like the Poʻo Kula Scholarship, students like Hora can expand their world of possibilities and pursue higher education. Established in 2023, the award recognizes high-achieving haumāna who embody E Ola! learning outcomes and determination to better our lāhui.

For Joessi Alconcel KSM’24, the scholarships have been a game-changer. As the first in her family to attend college, the Waiheʻe native knew the financial hurdles would be significant. Now, with the support of the Poʻo Kula scholarship and others, she’s ready for the new experiences college will bring.

“I knew the biggest struggle was going to be financials if I wanted to go away, so I had to work really hard,” Alconcel said. “Now that I got these scholarships, I feel like I’m on top!”

Alconcel is the oldest of eight children, and while she’s nervous about leaving her young siblings, they also serve as her motivation. She’s pursuing a career in education at Grand Canyon University, with hopes of returning home to serve her Maui community.

“Success is when you can do things that you love,” she said. “If you’re doing something for young Hawaiians that benefits our lāhui, that’s even better.”

An experienced soccer player and runner, Brady Akau is continuing his track career at CalTech.

Brady Akau KSK’24 also plans to become a teacher, inspired by his many influential kumu at KS.

“Throughout the years, I have had one great teacher after another,” Akau said. “I've been impacted by all of them, so I just want to be that for someone else.”

As he prepares to study mathematics at the California Institute of Technology, Akau credits the rigorous academic programs at the Kapālama campus for fostering his love of learning and instilling the value of hard work.

Even after completing his AP math courses, he tutored his peers, sparking his interest in becoming an educator.

“There’s a reason why being a servant leader is a pillar of our education at KS – it’s working,” Akau said. “A leader is someone who sets an example and helps others succeed.”

As they step into their futures, these graduates carry with them the lessons learned at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha. For them, opportunity isn’t just a word. It’s the foundation of their future, a chance to uplift their families and a path to leading their lāhui.

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