Illuminating excellence

Honoring excellence at the 2026 Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Recognition Awards

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, leadership isn’t just a title — it’s a flame that lights the way for others. The annual Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Recognition Awards honor the students, groups, and organizations that have gone above and beyond in their service to the university and the broader community.

“Ma ka hana ka ʻike” – In working, one learns.

Carlson says the Ka Lama Kū program is a 'learning laboratory of sorts' where students apply classroom knowledge to real-world arenas

This year’s theme, drawn from the wisdom of Mary Kawena Pukui (#2088), reminds us that true leadership is a journey of action. It is through the "doing" — the late-night planning, the community service, and the collaborative problem-solving — that our students gain the knowledge and wisdom to lead effectively.

Chancellor Bonnie Irwin emphasizes that this growth often happens beyond the lecture hall. “One of my senior professors once told me that students learn just as much outside of class as in class,” Irwin notes, “and I think events like this are really important to recognize what our students are learning when they're outside the classroom as well.”

“A lot of the students that I’ve encountered through Ka Lama Kū, they see themselves as doers and not leaders,” said Vanessa Carlson, UH Hilo Campus Center Program Coordinator. “To be recognized as a leader is like, ‘Oh.’ It’s helping them recognize that there are things that they’re doing and growing that are helping them to get to the next level.”

2026 Award Recipients

The Ka Lama Kū program, which has been a staple of student life since 2007, recognizes leadership through five distinct pillars. These values, while rooted in Native Hawaiian culture, align closely with global leadership challenges. “When you take the definitions of those values, it aligns with the Leadership Challenge — to model the way and inspire a shared vision,” explains Carlson.

Join us in celebrating this year’s standout leaders

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In addition, two groups were awarded for their leadership and caring compassion on campus.

Kuleana Award (Group), Vizionary Business Club: Hayate Moro, Makana Middlesworth, Azaria Evans, Jacelyn Lau, Trinity Ledgerwood, Charlotte Faye Rosario, Isabel Raymond, Kathleen Raab, Pualenalena Keahi, Zen Bueno, Arzel Bautista, Caleb Busque, Kiersten Akemi Saludares.

Mālama Award (Group), HOSA – Future Health Professionals: Jodee Miguel, Veda Galima, Leiya Torrano, Princess Respicio, Lexy Ramos, John Maneja, Shanai Koli.

A Legacy of Leadership

The awards are determined by a peer-review committee that seeks “exemplary models” of leadership. Chancellor Irwin views these recipients as “our student leaders of the future,” stating, “I expect them to go out into the world and do great things and make us proud here at UH Hilo.”

“The Ka Lama Kū Awards serve as a powerful reminder that leadership at UH Hilo is deeply connected to our values and our place in Hawaiʻi,” said Carlson. “These recipients have proven that when we work together with intention, we all grow.”