Student Leadership Recognition Awards
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Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Recognition Awards is held annually at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo. The recognition award's recognizes the contributions students have made in their formal and informal leadership roles on campus and in their community. The program acknowledges individuals, groups, teams or organizations who have shown strong evidence of their leadership potential.
This year's theme is from ‘Ōlelo No’eau, Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings, Mary Kawena Pukui #1540: “Ka pōhaku kihi paʻa" which translates to "The solid cornerstone. A reliable, dependable person." Trusted and dependable leaders are role models to their team, their department, their organization, and their community.
These are some of the awards given to Ka Lama Kū participants
Ka Lama Kū Leadership Values
Alaka‘i
(Leadership)
Leaders inspire, excite, and provide commitment toward shared goals. They are role models who are leading by example. They inspire and empower others to work towards a common goal.
‘Ike Pāpālua
(To have the gift of vision)
Leaders often need to “navigate unknown waters” and act upon situations and challenges that are beyond their expectations. They take risks that others would avoid, create change, and effectively communicate a shared vision for an organization.
Kuleana
(We are accountable and responsible)
Leaders instill and motivate others toward solutions, have respect, ho‘ihi, toward others and are effective communicators. They demonstrate problem-solving for positive action, communicate effectively and empowers others to work together.
Laulima
(No task is too big when done by all)
Leaders recognize the importance of teamwork, networking, and collaboration and they motivate others to make a difference every day. They gain the trust and respect of others by encouraging people to work together.
Mālama
(Taking care of others and community)
Leaders demonstrate care for the land, family, and/or spirituality. This is often through civic and social engagement. Leaders have deep respect and honor for others and accept their responsibilities unconditionally.
2025-2026 Nominations
The 2025-2026 Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Award nominations opened on December 5th, 2025 and closes on January 23rd, 2026.
The nomination form was available online. Students, Staff, Faculty, and RISO Advisors are all eligible to nominate individual students or student organizations and may submit more than one nomination.
The Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Development Program has developed a Suggestions & Tips for Ka Lama Kū Recommendation Essays. This document outlines some of the things that the awards committee looks for in essays to award student individuals/groups. Our office highly recommends that you take a look at this document before submitting your nomination. The nomination form can be found here.
All winners will be contacted the week starting March 30, 2026, via email. Our 2026 Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in the Campus Center Dining Hall.
For questions please contact the Ka Lama Kū Campus Center Program Student Intern at uhhklk@hawaii.edu.
Awards Process
- Nominations opened Friday, December 5th, 2025.
- The Awards Committee is formed by peers and past awardees. The committee is responsible for reading all nomination essays and references. Please contact the Ka Lama Kū office if you are interested in serving on this committee.
- All nominees and nominators are contacted via email with the decision of the awards committee.
- The Ka Lama Kū Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026. Award winners were presented with their awards at that time.
2025-2026 Student Leadership Awards Committee
Aloha! My name is Bryanne Soares, and I am a first year graduate student attending the Daniel
K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. It is truly an honor to be a
part of the Ka Lama Kū Leadership Awards Committee that recognizes the students that embody
the leadership qualities rooted in the values of Hawaiʻi.
Throughout my academic and athletic journey, I have been fortunate to serve in multiple
leadership roles, including positions within collegiate volleyball and in class council. These
experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership with Kuleana, Lōʻihi, and Laulima;
principles that closely reflect the values upheld within Hawaiian culture.
In addition to these roles, I currently serve as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the University of
Hawaiʻi at Hilo Women's Volleyball program, where I continue to learn the importance of
mentorship, accountability, and leading my example. The values highlighted by these awards are
the same core principles that have guided my growth and continue to prepare me as a future
leader.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help recognize the hard work, dedication, and
commitment demonstrated by this year's award recipients. Their efforts reflect the strength of
our communities and the importance of uplifting others through service and integrity. As we
look toward the future, it is crucial for the preservation of the Hawaiian culture, traditions, and
collective ʻIke to be exemplified in our future leaders and generations. Mahalo for the
opportunity to recognize the amazing students of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo!!
Leiya Margareth N. Torrano
Aloha! My name is Leiya (Lee-yuh) Margareth N. Torrano, and I am a senior that majors in Business Administration concentrated in Healthcare Management, with a minor in philosophy and a pre-law certificate at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. I am a member of the Bonner Leadership Program through the Center of Community Engagement, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership, service, and community-centered advocacy.
Through the Bonner Program, I have gained the confidence and skills to actively serve both my campus and local community. My service has been especially focused in Honoka'a, my hometown, where I am pursuing my capstone project aimed at breaking common myths about college accessibility. As a proud first-generation college student, I am passionate about creating pathways and opportunities for individuals who may feel that higher education is out of reach.
Other things I do to serve our campus is that I am a part of the UHH First Year Experience Program, the Bayanihan Club, and HOSA- Future Health Professionals. All of these experiences have allowed me to grow as a person and leader throughout my four years here on campus.
I am honored to serve on the Ka Lama Kū Leadership Awards Committee, which recognizes the amazing contributions of student leaders at UH Hilo. As the Overall Award recipient in 2023, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back by supporting and celebrating the achievements of my peers. I look forward to learning the meaningful impact this year's recipients have made both and off campus. I am so proud to be part of a process that uplifts student leadership and success."
Hello my name is Hayden Niles, and I am pursuing a Marine Science Degree with a minor in Chemistry. I am originally from South Dakota, and I grew up in a town of 65 people. I was involved in many sports and many programs like 4-H there. However, at UH Hilo I have been involved in many internships and programs. Most recently I have been on Exploration Vessel Nautilus exploring deep sea habitats of the Marshall Islands. I am also very involved with the UH Hilo Bonner Leadership Program, and volunteer with Food Basket to create food for those in need with hydroponics. In the future I hope to bring deep sea exploration to those in the midwest, and to become a liaison between this exploration and the midwest to help build a change in mindset.