Student End-of-Year Awards 2026

Congratulations to our Academy and Junior School students for their remarkable accomplishments this year – from academic excellence and athletic success to the many meaningful ways they’ve contributed to the life of our Punahou community.

Academy – Academic Awardees

PRESIDENT’S AWARD
The President’s Award is more than a commendation presented to those who have asserted themselves in scholarship and leadership. This is because people who are dedicated, persevere and achieve need no reward beyond the kind of life they lead. The President’s Award, in this sense, is for those people who do not need it. It goes to the students who have realized their full potential, delivered the best academic performance they are capable of, inspired their peers and teachers, and given of themselves.

Grade 12 President’s Award Winners (left to right): Row 1 – President Mike Latham ’86, Alex Woo, Sofia Chi, Krislyn Ishibashi, Silvia Wong-Taylor Row 2 – Albert Ko, Mari Dela Cruz, Caris Leong, Julia Savage, Kaʻae Chance-Gamundoy Row 3 – Capri Creene, Logan Hange, Grace Hagino, Kamaile Shultz, Katelyn Arakaki, Parker Noland Row 4 – Jake Tripp, Dante Zuniga, Sophie Chan, Alicia Pearson, Kainoa Thorne, Cross Chow, Gavin Buelow Row 5 – Rylan Terayama, Riley Mishina, Max Shinno Row 6 – Nalu Kam, Max De Witt, Nick Flores, Kahikina Marumoto

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
The Principal’s Award is presented each year to students from grades 9, 10 and 11. The selection process begins with informal nominations from students and faculty. Final selection is made by faculty groups in concert with the Deans of each class. The award recognizes underclassmen who demonstrate qualities of leadership, citizenship and service to some area of our community such as student government, athletics, drama, service organizations or community projects. Many of the recipients are active in several fields. All distinguish themselves by their exceptional attitudes, their positive outlook, their responsibility and their willingness to give of themselves.

Principal’s Award Winners (left to right): Row 1 – Mr. Gustavo Carrera, Christian Kaʻakua ’28, Nina Fan ’28, Maddi Kimura ’28, Olesya Noerper ’28, Marlowe Lai ’29, Taino Stanbro ’28 Row 2 – Loreen Kauweloa ’29, Sofia Pomares Sotomayor ’27, Julia Saines ’27, Lauren Chen ’27, August Chen ’27, Zane Dalgamouni ’29 Row 3 – Keola Todd-Perry ’28, Luke Ogawa ’27, Tahan Bapna ’27, Carter Nobuhara ’27, Tay-Lina Nakagawa ’29, Simione Lakalaka-Sole ’27

MICHAEL MCPHEE AWARD
Initiated in 1989 to honor the memory of Michael McPhee, the late brother of former Punahou President Dr. Roderick McPhee, this award goes to a Junior boy and girl who exemplify the character, leadership, scholarship, enthusiasm and zest for life which was so much a part of Mike’s own personality. These students make a difference to their classmates at Punahou.

Michael McPhee Award Winners (left to right): Sebastian Dang ’27, Mia Pasion ’27

JOHN F. FOX ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Initiated in 1989 by former Punahou President John F. Fox, this award of partial Punahou tuition remission recognizes accomplishments in academics, athletics or extra-curricular activities of students at any grade level.

John F. Fox Achievement Award Winners (left to right): John-Luke Twigg ’27, Tara Aau ’28, Donovan Kilisi ’29

JROTC
The JROTC Cadet of the Year Award is presented annually to an outstanding cadet in each grade level who demonstrated superior leadership skills, patriotism, scholastic excellence and dedication to the JROTC program.

JROTC Cadets of the Year (left to right): Major Christopher Robertson, Sarah Cao ’29, Wyatt Endow ’28, Lauren Jewell ’27, Katelynn Arakaki ’26, MSG Gary Kondo

Academy – Athletics Awardees

C. DUDLEY PRATT GRADE 12 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Given to the Grade 12 student-athletes who demonstrate cumulative athletic achievement, team leadership, positive character, consistent coachability, solid citizenship, and sportsmanship.

C. Dudley Pratt Grade 12 Athletes of the Year (left to right): Row 1 – Dane Kellner, Brady Lau, Cayden Matsuoka, Emily Sparks, Journei Webster, Sophia Howell, Eighla Fujitani, Lauren Oliver Row 2 – Allen Kudo, Hideo Barlag, Gavin Buelow, Ethan Chung, Maya Yoshimura, Synnove Robinson, Hope McCarren. Not Pictured: Cameron Porter

MCELDOWNEY-MATTHIAS GRADE 11 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Given to the Grade 11 student-athletes who made the highest contributions in the areas of athletics, scholarship, and citizenship.

McEldowney-Matthias Grade 11 Athletes of the Year (left to right): Owen Allison, Thompson Cheever, Mia Tom, Kūlia Heffernan, Colbie Nakano, Rio Williams, Owen Williams. Not Pictured: Tanoaalofa Scanlan

NĀ WĀHINE PĀ’ANI AND PUNAHOU O-MEN GRADE 10 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Given to the Grade 10 student-athletes who best meet the criteria of athletic ability, team spirit, dedication, and the support of others.

Nā Wāhine Pā‘ani and Punahou O-Men Grade 10 Athletes of the Year (left to right): Alexa Takai, Aina Nakamura, Isabela Jube, George Koji Ho, Keola Todd-Perry. Not Pictured: Amare San Diego

BILLY WEAVER GRADE 9 ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Given to outstanding Grade 9 student-athletes in memory of Billy Weaver’s warm friendship and honest ways, which won the love and respect of all who knew him.

Billy Weaver Grade 9 Athletes of the Year (left to right): Chloe Cloward, Keelee Nogawa, Hayden Wong, Dylan Buelow, Tai Utoafili, Donovan Kilisi

Academy – Award Program 2026

Academic Award Program_2026 Download

Center Distinction Recipients

Punahou recognizes the Academy Centers Distinction recipients for their work and dedication to Punahou’s educational centers. Distinctions awarded are the Public Service Education Distinction from Luke Center for Public Service, Global Education Distinction from Wo International Center, Design Technology and Engineering Distinction from Design Technology and Engineering, ‘Ike Hawai’i Distinction from Kuaihelani Learning Center, Student Entrepreneurship Distinction from Case Accelerator for Student Entrepreneurship and Civic Education Distinction from Davis Democracy Initiative.

CASE ACCELERATOR FOR STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Senior Student Entrepreneurship Distinction Recipients (left to right): Naia Spurgat, Allison Lin, Ella Lum, Cali Weidner

KUAIHELANI LEARNING CENTER

Emma Nāku’ina Distinction in ’Ike Hawai’i Recipient: Waialoha Ahuna ’26

WO INTERNATIONAL CENTER

Senior Global Education Distinction Recipients (left to right): Row 1 – Maya Gaudiano, Morgan Hom, Ella Dang, Sofia Chin Chi, Sara Marzullo, Sofia Sinnett Row 2 – Jibhum Lee, Qinglin Ye, Cole Stake, Dylan McManus Not Pictured: Lam Nguyen

DAVIS DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE

Senior Civic Education Distinction Recipients (left to right): Dr. Pamela Sakamoto, Sophie Chan, Sophia Howell, Dr. David Ball

ACADEMY CENTERS DISTINCTION RECIPIENTS

Senior Academy Center Distinction Recipients (left to right): Row 1 – Cali Weidner, Emme Pham-Ringholz, Chloe Liu, Sofia Sinnett, Ella Lum, Ella Dang, Krislyn Ishibashi, Tyler Wee, Sara Marzullo, Allie Lin, Swan Kim Row 2 – Naia Spurgat, Ella Bosworth, Sophia Howell, Sophie Chan, Sofia Chi, Cross Chow, Kai Azama Row 3 – Waialoha Ahuna, Colette Jost, Maya Gaudiano, Corey Farah, Morgan Hom, Kala’i Kelekolio, Alex Woo, Evan Delse, Donald Lee Row 4 – Charles Ye, Dylan McManus, Cole Stake, Daniel Lin, Daniel Schoen, Liam Snyder, Asa Shimizu

Junior School Awardees

Junior School students were recognized for their academic efforts. The John Fox Achievement Award recognizes middle school accomplishments in academics, athletics or co-curricular activities. The William Knowlton Award, in memory of Bishop Hall supervisor Bill Knowlton, goes to middle school students who best exemplify those qualities Knowlton held in highest esteem – integrity, kindness, caring, a sense of humor and commitment.