UH Hilo College of Ag honors students at Spring 2026 Senior Awards Recognition Night
Students were honored for earning degrees and certificates in spring 2026 and for outstanding academic or service achievements.
Compiled by Susan Enright/UH Hilo Stories.
The College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo held its Spring 2026 Senior Awards Recognition Night on May 15. The event was held at the college’s Agricultural Farm Laboratory in Panaʻewa.
Students were honored for earning degrees and certificates in spring 2026 and for outstanding academic or service achievements. Five seniors and their families attended the event: Leilani Badamo, Savannah Hebert, Alexis Holzwarth, Myah Patterson, and Madelyn Thorp. Joining them was alumnus Brian Rule.
“As you move into the next chapter of your lives, remember that agriculture is more than a profession,” Director of the College Norman Arancon said in his remarks at the event. “It is a service to people, to the community, and to the land. The world will always need individuals willing to care for food systems, natural resources, animals, and the environment with integrity and compassion. We will always welcome you if decided to come back.”
Special Recognitions
Highest GPA among graduating seniors: Savannah Hebert
Outstanding Service Award: Myah Patterson
Full remarks at the event by Director Norman Arancon: “Agriculture is more than a profession”
Agriculture teaches us patience, resilience, hard work, and faith in the process. Much like planting a seed, the growth may not always be visible right away, but with dedication and care, the harvest eventually comes. Tonight, we celebrate that harvest.
To our seniors, you have spent countless hours in the classroom, laboratories, gardens, farm fields, and community activities. You have faced challenges, adapted to change, and continued moving forward with determination. Along the way, you built friendships, learned lessons beyond textbooks, and became part of the CAFNRM ʻohana. We are proud of what you have accomplished and even more excited for what lies ahead.
As you move into the next chapter of your lives, remember that agriculture is more than a profession. It is a service to people, to the community, and to the land. The world will always need individuals willing to care for food systems, natural resources, animals, and the environment with integrity and compassion. We will always welcome you if decided to come back.
We hope that many of you will stay connected with CAFNRM and UH Hilo in the years ahead. If one day you decide to come back and serve the college, mentor students, teach, collaborate, or contribute to our programs and community, our doors will always be open to welcome you home. But if you find your own niche elsewhere and discover another community that needs your talents and heart, we will be just as proud and happy knowing that you are making a difference wherever life takes you.
To the families, friends, faculty, and supporters here tonight, mahalo for being part of this journey. Behind every successful student is a village of encouragement, sacrifice, and support. Tonight belongs to all of you as well.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. May you continue to grow, lead, and make a positive difference wherever life plants you. And remember, once CAFNRM, always CAFNRM. Like compost, our roots stick together and only get richer with time.
Compiled by Susan Enright, public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
