Kealakehe High School senior Kea E. Kahoilua-Clebsch was named a Presidential Scholar in the 58th class of U.S Presidential Scholars.
Kahoilua-Clebsch is the lone public school student from Hawaii to earn the prestigious scholarship award, and was just one of six finalists from the Aloha State.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. This year’s class recognized 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.
For Kahoilua-Clebsch, the award means that all of her hard work has payed off.
“I was excited to get nominated,” she said Monday.
The senior also noted that she spent a significant amount of time writing essays for the scholarship.
“I wrote about using art to overcome Hawaiian trauma,” she said. “I’m a Native Hawaiian and I feel cultural dissonance. Art let’s me make space for myself. I’ve worked with cool organizations to create work that is highlighting Native Hawaiian perspectives. It’s a great source of healing. To find our narratives. These voices have been silenced.”
What’s her secret to success? A strong support system.
“I have great mentors and parents who support me. I’m also grounded in personal responsibility to my community,” she continued.
Kahoilua-Clebsch has a grade point average (GPA) of 4.3 and has taken 14 Advanced Placement courses and four college courses throughout her time at Kealakehe. She is also involved in the Model United Nationas, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council and American Rocketry clubs. She has won several awards for science and art. She will be attenting Stanford University to study comparative race and ethics studies, with a minor in fine arts. She received a four-year scholarship to attend Stanford.
“A huge congratulations to Kea on this extremely prestigious national recognition,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Kea’s achievements are so impressive and her level of academic motivation and dedication are inspiring. We are very proud to have Kea represent her school, our state and our public schools, and we look forward to witnessing all that she will accomplish in the future.”
Kealakehe High School Principal James Denight described Kahoilua-Clebsch as “a remarkable young person.”
“I have no doubt that her love of learning and empathy for others will serve her well as she pursues her future dreams,” said Denight.
Kealakehe High School Vice Principal Bill Chen said Kea has been a steward to the community by working with the Department of Education. According to Chen, she’s been doing research learning about Native Hawaiian values and how they show up in schools.
“It’s a really big deal,” he said.
Secretary of Education Migel Cardona said the 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars represent America’s bright future.
“Our 2022 Presidential Scholars represent the best of America, and remind us that when empowered by education, there are no limits to what our young people can achieve,” Cardona said.
“Today, I join President Biden to celebrate a class of scholars whose pursuit of knowledge, generosity of spirit, and exceptional talents bring our nation tremendous pride. Throughout one of the most trying periods in our nation’s history and amid our recovery from the pandemic, our students have once again demonstrated their strength and that they have so much to contribute to our country. Thanks to them, I know America’s future is bright,” he continued in a prepared statement.
Scholars are selected based on academic success, artistic excellence, essays, transcripts, and also community service and leaderships skills.
Also selected from the state of Hawaii is Sascha Pakravan at Punahou School in Honolulu.