For Liliana Okimoto, a year away for college in Washington State provided a realization that no school in the continental U.S. can offer what the can: a deep sense of community and purpose. That was the focus of her winning #TakeMeToMānoa social media contest video hosted by .

In her minute-long entry, Okimoto said, “Hawaiʻi is where my heart is and under the guidance of the amazing faculty and staff at ������Ƶ Mānoa, I know I can grow into the person I want to become—someone who devotes themselves to learning in order to better serve their community, so take me home. Take me to Mānoa.”

As the winner out of nearly 60 entries, Okimoto won a free year of tuition at ������Ƶ Mānoa, courtesy of (������ƵFCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2026 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why ������Ƶ Mānoa is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future.

Billy V from Hawaiʻi News Now made the surprise announcement to Okimoto live on Sunrise on May 22, in front of cheering ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� employees and students at the ������Ƶ Mānoa Bookstore.

“I was just in shock and I was so happy,” Okimoto said. “I didn’t realize what it was and then I saw the check. I was like, ‘oh my goodness.’”

Okimoto grew up in Waiʻanae and attended Island Pacific Academy before graduating from ʻIolani School in 2025. At ������Ƶ Mānoa, Okimoto will pursue a degree in in the , and is also considering a pre-health track. She is also passionate about art and is considering medical school to become a psychiatrist, with a possible goal of one day leading a medical practice that offers psychological care and creative therapies such as art therapy.

“I had gone to school on the mainland and I could tell that I don’t know if this is what’s right for me and I always just kept thinking about coming home, being back here,” Okimoto said. “And so I was really looking at ������Ƶ and what programs are here and what they have to offer. I really think that being back at home and being at ������Ƶ specifically is what’s best for me.”

This will be a full circle moment for Okimoto, who will attend ������Ƶ Mānoa at the same time as her mother, Michelle, who is in the graduate program for library and information science. Michelle is a librarian at ʻIolani.

“It’s really exciting,” Michelle said. “I wish that I had completed all of the education I wanted to do when I was younger, so I’m definitely gonna encourage her to do that, but I think it’s really cool that we’re gonna go to the same school, go to the same events and maybe even carpool sometimes. I’m just so glad to have her home. It’s icing on the cake that we get to be students together. I’m looking forward to studying together and cheering each other on!”

The contest ran from April 6 to May 3. Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams, creativity and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

“I am delighted to congratulate Liliana, the winner of this year’s #TakeMetoMānoa contest,” said Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “As our first transfer student to receive this honor, she is a shining example of a student returning home from the continent for whom finding the right fit is of utmost importance, and we are glad to be that destination of choice for her. We are proud to welcome her to our ������Ƶ Mānoa ʻohana and look forward to the impact she will have on our community.”

“We’re very proud of being able to support the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and also the students here and bringing her back home,” said ������ƵFCU AVP of Member Experience Sean Parsa. “We’re proud of her and we’re proud of being part of the University of Hawaiʻi.”

Meet the previous #TakeMeToMānoa winners.

The , in partnership with and sponsor , has launched the 8th annual #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship competition—offering one full year of Hawaiʻi resident tuition (fall 2026 through spring 2027), made possible by ������Ƶ Federal Credit Union.

“At the University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union, we believe education is a powerful pathway to financial well-being and long-term success,” said President and CEO Travis Bow. “Our roots and focus are tied to the University of Hawaiʻi, and we are dedicated to uplifting its students, employees, and their families with outstanding financial solutions and value. By supporting the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship year after year since its inception, we demonstrate our commitment to making higher education more accessible for local families while strengthening our community for generations to come.”

The competition is open to Hawaiʻi residents who have been accepted and confirmed enrollment for the fall 2026 semester at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� as a first time freshman or transfer student. To enter, eligible students must submit a short video, no longer than 60 seconds on the at Hawaii News Now, explaining why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right place for them or how a year of free tuition would impact their future. Only one entry per person per day is allowed.

“������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is a premier institution in academics, athletics, student support and research, so our undergraduate students will experience excellence,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “The #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship is a great way to support their dreams while encouraging them to pursue a world-class education right here at home.”

The enter-to-win contest opened on April 6, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the contest continues to spotlight the dreams and determination of Hawaiʻi’s students.

Read more about previous winners:

• 2025 winner: #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship winner surprised by news crew
• 2024 winner: Kauaʻi HS senior surprised with free tuition in #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest
• 2023 winner: Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� tuition
• Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

The contest reflects a broader mission to keep Hawaiʻi’s students learning and thriving close to home. With nearly 100 undergraduate majors and a global reputation for academic excellence, the university remains a top choice for students looking to build a future rooted in the islands.

For the Moanalua High School senior class of 2025, Thursday, May 22, appeared to be another morning of rehearsal for their upcoming graduation ceremony. There was an additional surprise for one special student heading to the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�.

Maiya Sugimoto entered the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� social media contest hosted by Hawaiʻi News Now (HNN). Out of the dozens of entries, Sugimoto was chosen to win a free year of tuition at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, courtesy of ������Ƶ Federal Credit Union (������ƵFCU). The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2025 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to explain why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right college or how a year of free tuition could help them.

Hawaiʻi News Now reporter Casey Lund made the surprise announcement to the group of seniors. Sugimoto was visibly surprised when her name was called.

“It’s still shocking to me, to be honest,” Sugimoto said. “I’d like to thank my family and friends for always supporting me, and especially my teachers.”

Sugimoto was handed a giant check to commemorate the scholarship by ������ƵFCU Jason Lippert and covered in lei by her parents and ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Associate Director of Admissions Shauna Pimentel-Motooka.

“We love this day,” ������ƵFCU Vice President of Member Experience Lippert said. “������ƵFCU is happy to support our students and truly being at this scholarship event each year is one of the best moments we participate in. Maiya had such a great video explaining why she is going to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�. We can’t wait to see what she will accomplish.”

“Maiya’s video really captured our hearts and definitely showed the kind of students we hope to attract,” Pimentel-Motooka said. “She is so motivated. We look forward to her joining our ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� ʻohana.”

Sugimoto also recently earned her associates degree in liberal arts from Honolulu Community College’s Early College program before she earned her high school diploma.

“I’m gonna be studying business marketing and digital design, so I’ll double major in the two,” Sugimoto said of her journey continuing at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

������ƵFCU has sponsored the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest for seven years, surprising recipients with HNN since 2018. Read more about previous winners.

In Kauaʻi High School senior Via Javinar’s video entry for the 2024 #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest, she expressed her love for the Hawaiʻi community and her determination to show that there are no limitations to the place that you live. While her dreams can be achieved anywhere, she believes the perfect place to further her education is at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�.

Javinar’s #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� scholarship contest win was unveiled live on television during her graduation rehearsal. ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Associate Director of Admissions Shauna Pimentel-Motooka and (HNN) Anchor Dillon Ancheta surprised her with the news that she would be receiving a free year of tuition for ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, funded by (������ƵFCU).

“This is very surreal. I’m just really, really excited and happy,” said Javinar. “Hawaiʻi is my home. Leaving this place, I knew it would be hard for me, and that’s why I decided on (attending) ����ԴDz�.”

Javinar received a large check, lei and gifts as her mother, Hilda, brothers Vincent and Vernon, and grandmother surrounded her during the announcement. Her classmates, teachers and administrators filled the Kauaʻi High School gym with cheers as they celebrated her scholarship win.

At ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, Javinar plans to pursue .

Meet previous #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“It is so exciting for us to provide a scholarship that will support Via at the start of her college journey,” said ������ƵFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We proudly invest in students and their education as they become the future leaders and innovators of our community. We wish Via nothing but the best on her academic journey!”

“We were very impressed with Via’s ability to convey such a powerful message in a 60-second video,” said Pimentel-Motooka. “I was honored to present Via with her scholarship yesterday. The surprise, happiness and gratitude that Via and her family expressed were very touching. She exhibits both academic and creative strengths and we are very excited for the bright future that she has ahead of her at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�.”

������ƵFCU has sponsored the #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� contest for six years, surprising recipients with HNN since 2018. Read more about previous winners.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in partnership with Hawaiʻi News Now (HNN) kicked off the 6th annual scholarship contest #TakeMetoMānoa on March 4, for all Hawaiʻi high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives one year of ������Ƶ Mānoa tuition paid for by contest sponsor ������Ƶ Federal Credit Union.

Students submit a 60–second video of why ������Ƶ Mānoa is the right place for them and how the free tuition will impact their life. .

“The word has been getting around. We’ve become one of the ‘it’ schools,” ������Ƶ Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno said on the Sunrise morning show on HNN. “The programs resonate with students. They’re important. There are jobs here in Hawaiʻi for them, so we want the local kids to seriously consider coming. Right here at home you have one of the top universities in the world.”

“The University of Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union recognizes ������Ƶ and higher education’s vital role in our community,” said ������ƵFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We were founded in 1955 by a team of ������Ƶ staff and professors who recognized the importance of not-for-profit banking and ‘people helping people’ philosophy, so we’re always excited to be part of helping to lift the future of our Hawaiʻi.”

Read about the previous winners:

• Amid tears, cheers, HS senior’s video vision wins ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� tuition, May 18, 2023
• Wailuku student weaves storytelling, culture to win free tuition, May 24, 2022
• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ������Ƶ Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

������Ƶ Mānoa offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference at home and worldwide.

Incoming University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa freshman Carly Miyamoto will graduate from Pearl City High School on May 20, at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center as the president of the National Honor Society. At her graduation rehearsal, she and her parents were surprised to learn Miyamoto earned a free year of tuition thanks to her entry in the #TakeMeToMānoa contest funded by (FCU) and hosted by (HNN).

HNN Sunrise host Billy V broke the news to Miyamoto in front of her classmates at the Michael Nakasone Auditorium. They watched on a huge screen as her one-minute winning video of why she is going to ������Ƶ Mānoa played.

Her classmates, teachers and administrators cheered as Billy V announced the award and representatives from ������ƵFCU and ������Ƶ Mānoa provided her with a giant check, lei and gifts.

Miyamoto’s parents also surprised her as they were called up on stage to celebrate with her. Mother and daughter cried tears of joy while others congratulated the family.

“As soon as I saw the video I knew immediately and I started tearing up already,” Miyamoto said. “It was just unbelievable.”

She said she was able to weave clips from other videos she had filmed in the past few years with additional footage she recorded at Mānoa and elsewhere. When she was done she had created a video tapestry of her life leading up to her choosing ������Ƶ.

Miyamoto is admitted for the marketing track at the ������Ƶ Mānoa . Her passion for filmmaking also has her looking at other possible areas to grow as well.

Meet more #TakeMeTo����ԴDz� winners

“With the scholarship, I’m so happy because I get to give back to my parents for all that they have given me throughout my life and I’m extremely grateful,” Miyamoto said.

������ƵFCU has sponsored the tuition giveaway for five years. They have partnered with HNN to surprise students since 2018.

“We are thrilled to extend a scholarship to Carly, a highly deserving student embarking on their college journey,” remarked ������ƵFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “These opportunities fill us with immense pride and excitement each year as they allow us to invest in talented individuals and contribute toward our community’s future growth and prosperity. Education is the key that unlocks doors to limitless possibilities, and by supporting this student’s academic aspirations, we are fostering a brighter tomorrow. We wish Carly nothing but the best on the journey ahead!”

The 2023 #TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest has opened for all Hawaiʻi high school seniors and transfer students. The winner receives a year of free tuition at one of the best universities in the world, the .

The social media contest hosted by runs from March 13 to April 9. To enter, upload a 60-second video explaining why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life. .

The 2022 #TakeMeToManoa winner, Kamehameha Schools Maui graduate Nanea Ah You, focused her video entry on how the scholarship would help further her dreams as a kānaka Hawaiʻi storyteller and filmmaker.

Read more about Ah You.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity this partnership with ������Ƶ Federal Credit Union and Hawaii News Now presents for the next generation of Rainbow Warriors,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “We look forward to supporting our new students and can’t wait to provide them with a world-class education that will open doors to meaningful, impactful careers.”

Read more about previous scholarship recipients:

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2023 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� offers a choice of 98 majors, 88 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees. The campus is a globally recognized center of learning and research, is consistently ranked among the top 2% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a worldwide difference.

Kamehameha Schools Maui senior and salutatorian Nanea Ah You is shooting for the stars, and the place she wants to do it at is the .

On the premise of being interviewed by reporter Chelsea Davis about her award-winning video in the ʻŌlelo Community Media Youth Xchange Student Video Competition, Ah You excitedly shared how she hopes to use storytelling to cultivate her culture. The interview took a different turn when Ah You was told that she was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by .

������Ƶ ����ԴDz� admissions counselor Jose Magno, Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the visibly stunned student and her parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (������ƵFCU).

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Thank you!” said Ah You with tears in her eyes.

“Each spring for the past four years, the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest has allowed our campus to connect with the local community in a very thoughtful, engaging, and authentic way,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno. “Nanea is an incredible visual storyteller, with an enormous amount of talent. Beyond a voice for herself, she is a voice for her community. We are honored and privileged to have Naneaʻs academic journey continue here at ����ԴDz�.”

“Since 1955, we’ve been committed to helping members and our community thrive. To honor that promise, we’re excited to partner with the University of Hawaiʻi to offer scholarship programs like the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest that support students and the future well-being of our communities,” said ������ƵFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We recognize the financial challenge and sacrifices a family and student must make to complete a degree, and we are proud to play a part in helping them reach their academic goals.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2022 Hawaiʻi freshmen and transfer students, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right college for them, and the impact a year of free tuition will have on their life.

touched upon how winning this contest will enable her to go farther in pursuing her dreams as a filmmaker and use her talent to shine the spotlight upon her lāhui.

“When I see my future at ����ԴDz�, I see myself thriving at what I love to do while also remaining close with the ʻāina and its kānaka,” said Ah You. “I know that this school will help me do my part as a kānaka Hawaiʻi by sharing the stories that take place amongst my home.”

Ah You cannot wait to start her ������ƵM-azing journey at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

This work is an example of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

#TakeMeToManoa, a multi-media recruitment campaign, is again encouraging Hawaiʻi high school seniors, their families and all prospective local students to consider attending ������Ƶ Mānoa. A globally recognized center of learning and research, ������Ƶ Mānoa is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world, and aims to create a stronger, sustainable future and make a difference locally and globally.

Launched in 2019, the campaign has provided scholarships to three local incoming freshmen.

#TakeMeToManoa scholarship contest

will run an exclusive #TakeMeToManoa social media contest from March 1–31. The contest is open to local, incoming fall 2022 freshmen and transfer students.

To enter, upload a video, no longer than 60 seconds, explaining why ������Ƶ Mānoa is the right university for you and the impact a year of free tuition, courtesy of the , will have on your life.

For more details, .

“We are so proud of this partnership, and we are excited to welcome the next class of ������Ƶ Mānoa Rainbow Warriors,” said ������Ƶ Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno. “A ������Ƶ Mānoa degree opens doors to fulfilling careers, and we look forward to supporting our new students as they take their first steps on this journey of discovery and learning.”

Campaign winners

• Maui student Hezekiah Kapuaala creates way to free tuition in #TakeMeToManoa contest, May 24, 2021
• ʻAiea student Kylie Charice Alarcon scores free year of tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 22, 2020
• Kaiser student Megan Kaneshiro wins ������Ƶ Mānoa tuition in #MakeManoaYours contest, May 24, 2019

������Ƶ Mānoa offers a choice of 99 majors, 87 graduate majors, 52 doctoral degrees and five first professional degrees.

The #TakeMeToManoa campaign includes 30-second ads that will air on social media, digital platforms, local television and statewide radio. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for fall 2022 and to confirm their enrollment by May 1, if they have already received an acceptance letter.

This work is an example of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Navigating his senior year during a pandemic might not have been ideal, but one thing Kamehameha Schools Maui senior Hezekiah Kapuaala knows for sure is that he wants to continue his journey as a creator of videos at the this fall.

Ready to share his thoughts on graduating from high school and transitioning into college in the midst of the pandemic, Kapuaala’s interview took a different turn when reporter Billy V announced that he was named the winner of the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest hosted by Hawaii News Now. Kamehameha Schools teachers and staff presented the shocked and stunned student and his parents with a giant check for a year of free tuition at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, courtesy of the (������ƵFCU).

“Oh my gosh! This was unexpected, thank you very much,” said a speechless Kapuaala. “I’m really excited for college because it’s basically my step into the beginning of a new life for me.”

Standing by in the Hawaii News Now studio to virtually congratulate Kapuaala was Ryan Yamaguchi, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� interim assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management and director of admissions, and ������ƵFCU Vice President-Member Experience Stacey Robinol.

“We are excited for Hezekiah and honored to be a part of his academic journey. He has incredible talent and will go far! This contest not only allowed us to connect with community partners, but it provided a fun, engaging and thoughtful way to connect with our students, offering an ������ƵM-azing opportunity for a local Rainbow Warrior,” said Yamaguchi. “We couldn’t be more proud and thrilled for Hezekiah and his ʻohana!”

“We are proud to be a part of this wonderful program which brings ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and us together to support the University of Hawaiʻi. Fostering the educational goals of students through the tuition contest serves as an important foundation of the community we serve,” explained ������ƵFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “Hezekiah is a highly talented young man, and we are honored to assist in his pursuit of higher education. The accomplishments and enthusiasm of all of the students who applied for the #TakeMeToManoa social media contest are inspiring and give us reason to feel optimistic about the next generation of local leaders.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2021 Hawaiʻi freshmen, asked entrants to upload a short video explaining why ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is the right college or how a year of free tuition could help them.

touched upon how winning will help finance his education and prepare him for his future, and how ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� will enable him to get closer to pursuing and living his passion of being a video creator. He jumped at the chance to enter the contest, seeing it as an opportunity to prove his potential and show ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� the countless number of hours and hard work he has already put into this craft.

“I feel that this institution against all others will help me on my path to become a great video creator,” said Kapuaala.

Kapuaala intends to pursue a degree in creative media and cannot wait to get to ����ԴDz�.

In a time when many high school seniors are navigating uncertainty, one thing ʻAiea High School senior and valedictorian Kylie Charice Alarcon knows for sure is that she is committed to pursuing her higher education at the this fall.

In a social distance drive thru event capping off her unpredictable senior year, Alarcon not only picked up her diploma on May 21, but also received a giant check for a year of free tuition at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� courtesy of (������ƵFCU). Alarcon, donned in her white and green cap and gown, was shocked to learn she was named the winner of a ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� social media contest she entered hosted by .

������ƵFCU Vice President-Member Experience Stacey Robinol presented Alarcon with the large check along with ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno.

“I am very surprised! I was telling my parents when we came in ‘This is so embarrassing because we are here so early!’ So it’s a nice surprise,” remarked Alarcon. “It’s always been my dream to go to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� because of course I’m going to be at home, but also because everybody shares aloha there. I’ve been to ����ԴDz� so many times and I enjoy just being on campus.”

“We are thrilled to have an outstanding student like Kylie join us. I know she’s very excited and her family is very excited,” said Bruno. “Particularly at this time, to have more of our students stay at home, come to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, one of the world’s greatest research universities and learn with us, is just really inspiring.”

“We are honored to support Kylie, who is already an exceptional student and community member, as she moves on to the next level in her education, particularly during this challenging time,” said Robinol. “We received a number of outstanding submissions, which were inspiring to all of us. As a credit union founded to serve the education community, we wish Kylie the best of luck in her college career and look forward to her further blossoming into one of Hawaiʻi’s next generation of leaders.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2020 freshmen, asked entrants to upload a photo or video that reflected how they made the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� “yours.”

A new chapter

It’s always been my dream to go to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� because of course I’m going to be at home, but also because everybody shares aloha there.
—Alarcon

focused on how her goals and vision for her future coincides with ������Ƶ’s motto, “Above all nations is humanity.” Her enthusiasm to embark on a new chapter at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is fueled by her motivation to continue on her journey of self-discovery and greater purpose knowing that her talent, passion and community service will be embraced and cultivated at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

“Right now with this pandemic going on, it’s unfortunate I didn’t get to experience my last few months in high school, but I’m really looking forward to college and making new friends, becoming more independent and majoring in psychology,” said Alarcon.

Alarcon received a lot of interest from mainland schools but was only interested in attending ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, her father said.

So Kylie will be able to keep her green and white colors of ʻAiea for the green and white of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� where she will pursue a degree in psychology.

It was a dream come true when Kaiser High School senior class president Megan Kaneshiro received a green folder containing her acceptance letter in the mail back in spring.

That dream became even sweeter during Kaiser’s commencement rehearsal on May 23, when she was named the winner of a ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� social media contest she entered hosted by .

With the ������Ƶ cheer team and marching band amping up the crowd, which included Kaneshiro’s unsuspecting family, ������Ƶ President David Lassner and (������ƵFCU) President and CEO Travis Bow presented a shocked Kaneshiro with a large check for a semester of free tuition.

“That was very overwhelming, I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Kaneshiro.

“She’s a remarkable student, and what makes this one even sweeter is her parents are both ������Ƶ graduates, and her grandmother who is here is also a ������Ƶ graduate from 60 years ago,” said ������Ƶ President David Lassner. “I know she’s going to do wonderful things at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.”

“It is inspiring to see such a talented, driven and outstanding young person such as Megan receive the opportunity to pursue her academic goals,” said Bow. “������ƵFCU was founded upon the legacy and critical importance of the ������Ƶ System education as well as giving back to our members and the local community. We’re pleased to award tuition to such a deserving recipient.”

The online contest, which was open to incoming fall 2019 freshmen, asked entrants to upload a photo or video that reflected how they made the University of Hawaiʻi “yours.”

Dreaming of being the next generation at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�

focused on how ������Ƶ is the source of many childhood memories and carries a special place in her heart because of her family’s history attending ������Ƶ sporting events. Her eagerness and motivation to be the next generation at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� was inspired by her grandmother.

“I thought of the idea of having a legacy thing so I was really surprised that my grandma could find pictures of her from college too, so that really impacted me alot,” said Kaneshiro.

“This was an exciting way to engage with our local community and generate a unique storyline through the power of social media,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions Roxie Shabazz. “We are grateful for ������ƵFCU’s generous contribution for this contest and the best part, Megan, our new Rainbow Warrior, will be able to experience the endless opportunities available at ����ԴDz�, with a semester of free tuition!”

Kaneshiro plans to major in psychology and cannot wait to make ����ԴDz� hers.