UH Hilo College of Ag honors spring 2025 graduates at Senior Awards Recognition Night

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Students were honored for earning degrees and certificates in spring 2025, and several students received awards for their outstanding academic or service achievements.

Group poses, some shakas. Students wear green sashes and several wear lei.
At the UH Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources 2025 Senior Awards Recognition Night on May 16, (front from left) Director of the College Norman Arancon and farm manager Jake Rodrique. (Back row from left) UH Hilo Vice Chancellor for Administration Affairs Kalei Rapoza and Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, graduating seniors Kai Kotake, Lampton Kamalii, Makakoa Martines, Kassey Hanoa, Hazel Gani, Meredith Crawford, Melani Mosier, and Seth Asano, and ag alumnus Brian Rule. (Photo: Roberto Rodriguez III/CAFNRM/UH Hilo)

By Staff/UH Hilo Stories.

The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo held its Spring 2025 Senior Awards Recognition Night on May 16. The event was held at the college’s Agricultural Farm Laboratory in Panaʻewa.

Students were honored for earning baccalaureate degrees and/or subject certificates in spring 2025, and several students received awards for their outstanding academic or service achievements.

A table of green sashes and a person writing on one of them.
Graduate Kai Kotake’s mother writes a message on her son’s stole before the ceremony. (Photo: Roberto Rodriguez III/CAFNRM/UH Hilo)

Eight seniors — Seth Asano, Meredith Crawford, Hazel Gani, Kassey Hanoa, Lampton Kamalii, Kai Kotake, Makakoa Martines, and Melani Mosier — and their families attended. Joining them was alumnus Brian Rule.

“People of purpose”

“I see in each of you not just graduates, but dreamers and doers — each carrying a story, a mission, maybe even a family’s hope,” director of the college Norman Arancon said in his remarks at the event. “Your education isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a promise. A beginning.”

“To the families: thank you for the late-night calls, the care packages, and for believing in your students even when they said, ‘It’s just compost,'” he added. “To our faculty and staff: you are mentors, torchbearers, and — on occasion — emergency plant babysitters. Thank you for pouring your time and talents into growing not just students, but people of purpose.”

Special Recognitions

Highest GPA among graduating seniors

  • Hazel Gani: 3.9
  • Mary Alleca: 3.9

Outstanding Service Award

  • Kassey Hanoa

Nicholas Krueger, an instructor of agriculture, was also honored at the event for receiving a 2025 UH System Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

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