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Five seniors from Kamehameha Schools Maui share their plans for life after graduation, where they see themselves in ten years and how KS has helped to prepare them for the next step in their journey.See more inspirational stories of success and how seniors at KS' other two campuses are preparing for graduation at http://www.ksbe.edu/imua_kamehameha

KS Maui seniors share their post-graduation plans

May. 18, 2016

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Graduation is just a few days away. For the nearly 700 Kamehameha Schools seniors about to don their kīhei and harvest the work they’ve put in over the last four years, it’s an exciting, albeit nerve racking time.

What’s college going to be like? Do I really want to major in that? Am I going to make new friends? What’s it going to be like living away from home?

Those are just a few of the questions that most of these students will be asking themselves in the next few months. But as this milestone moment is about to be reached, 16 seniors from across KS’ three campuses answered a few questions about their future and how KS helped to prepare them for this moment.

Here are the five KS Maui students that shared their manaʻo:

Kiana Kanoa’s experience as an intern for Honolulu marketing agency, Wind on Water Communications, helped influence not just what she would pursue, but where as well. For her, marketing is the perfect blend of art and business. After that experience, she decided to follow in the footsteps of her internship mentor, Anna Covert, and head to Covert’s alma mater, Bentley University. She’ll make the move from Kīhei to just outside of Boston to attend one of the nation’s top colleges for her chosen field.   

For Keaghan Gomes from Pukalani, rodeo has been his way of life. He was born into rodeo. So next year, he’ll follow that to the University of North Platte, where he’s going to pursue a career on the pro bull riding circuit while equipping himself for the future with degrees in agricultural business and farmer ranch management. Beyond bull riding, Gomes has a passion to ranch and plans to prepare himself for the kuleana of managing his family’s ranch in Montana. He credits his counselors, especially Lisa Correa, in matching him with his college of choice and helping him discover an interest in agribusiness.

Kaui Lonzaga credits her grandma’s desire for all of her grandchildren to pursue a medical degree as her direction for what to pursue next. But an internship at a pharmacy ultimately is what validated her choice in pursuing a career as a pharmacist. Since sharing her thoughts on camera, the Pāʻia girl has decided to head to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. After her KS Maui experience, she feels well prepared for the future.

In choosing to pursue something he can relate to, Maui football standout Kamuela Kaniaupio will pursue a degree in either athletic training or radiology at Western Oregon University. As an athlete, the Kīhei boy found he could really relate to those fields. He acknowledges the impact his teachers have had on helping him take responsibility for his work and thinks that will really help him as he advances to the next level.

Music has always been a part of Micah Sagabaen’s life. He’s been playing music since he was three years old. So when thinking of a career, music was what felt like a natural fit. The multi-instrument talent will transition from Wailuku to Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, where he can continue to follow not only his passion for music, but his Christian faith. He plans to solidify a foundation in worship as well at Oral Roberts and hopes to play professionally for Christian musicians in the future. He credits his music teachers, especially kumu Dale Nitta, for their advice and encouragement in giving him the confidence to chase his dreams.

Students reflected that they will miss is the small ʻohana atmosphere at KS Maui, but know they are well prepared for everything that waits ahead. I Mua!

Hoʻomaikaʻi i ka papa 2016! (Congrats to the class of 2016!)

This story is part of “I Mua Kamehameha,” an ongoing effort to celebrate the excellence of KS campus and community education programs. Inspirational stories will be shared throughout the year about KS servant leaders who are improving the lives of KS haumāna and contributing to a thriving Lāhui. 


Kiana Kanoa from Kīhei, Maui is headed to Bentley University next year to pursue her passion for marketing.


Bull rider Keaghan Gomes from Pukalani, Maui will attend the University of North Platte with dreams of working on his family's ranch in Montana.


Pāʻia girl Kaui Lonzaga found the perfect fit in pharmacy to fulfill her grandma's wishes and her own interest. She'll attend UH Hilo next year.


Football standout Kamuela Kaniaupio is taking his talents from Kīhei to Western Oregon University, where he will figure out his next step.


Aspiring professional musician, Micah Sagabaen, will head from Wailuku to Oklahoma's Oral Roberts University, where he hopes to strengthen his foundation in worship.

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maui campus,imua kamehameha,seniors,graduation,class of 2016,post-secondary,college

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Kaipuolono Article, I Mua Kamehameha, Maui Newsroom, KS Maui Home, Maui High School, Newsroom, Campus Programs, Maui

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