Seven Seniors Earn Associate Degrees

photos by Anthony Kaauamo

Seven seniors from Lānaʻi High and Elementary School’s Class of 2026 have earned their Associate in Arts degrees from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College through the dual credit partnership based at the Lānaʻi Education Center. Each student completed more than 60 college credits before graduating high school.

This year’s associate degree earners are Hannah Mae Lee (71 credits), Myah Doolin (66), Micah Kahihikolo (61), Kimora Agliam (76), Kelly Raqueno (61), Spencer Chew (67), and Jake Ropa (67). Their coursework included a full range of general education and introductory major requirements.

The dual enrollment program allows high school students on Lānaʻi to enroll in UH Maui College courses at no cost. Classes are taken online, in person, or through hybrid instruction coordinated through the Lānaʻi Education Center. The initiative is supported by Pūlama Lānaʻi and has operated continuously for the past ten years. Since its start, over 200 Lānaʻi students have earned college credits through the program, with a growing number completing full degrees.

“Being a high achiever was always my thing going into high school,” Hannah Mae Lee said. She said she was drawn to the idea of college classes early in high school and first learned about the AA pathway while speaking with Natalie Ropa. “As soon as I found out, I knew I wanted to challenge myself and branch out into new experiences and opportunities.” Hannah plans to continue her education and enter the workforce with a head start.

For Myah Doolin, the program offered more than credits. She completed her degree this spring and said the experience shaped her next steps. “Working toward an AA degree feels like a powerful head start,” she said. “I can transfer more smoothly to a four-year university or apply for better jobs in Hawaiʻi with a degree already completed.”

That same drive to stay ahead guided Micah Kahihikolo. “I never want to back down from a challenge,” he said. Micah completed 61 credits and plans to pursue automotive technology at Honolulu Community College. “Now I don’t need to stress with too much classes,” he said. He encouraged younger students to take advantage of the opportunity while it’s available. “It’s always better to be ahead of things,” he said.

Completing the most credits in the group, Kimora Agliam finished with 76. She said her motivation came from thinking long term. “I knew that it would save me in the long run,” she said. “I was able to get a full degree during my high school years for free.” Kimora spoke about the difficulty of managing deadlines and workload throughout the program. “It is one of the biggest sacrifices you will make during high school,” she said. “Due tomorrow does not mean do tomorrow.”

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it,” Kelly Raqueno said. She said the experience helped her push through doubt and stay focused on her goals. “There were times when things felt challenging, but completing this degree became a reminder that I’m capable of pushing through and accomplishing what I set my mind to.” Kelly plans to enter the healthcare field and said the program allowed her to complete key prerequisites early.

Spencer Chew earned his associate degree over the summer of 2024. He said the experience gave him a foundation before starting college full time. “I wanted to get my AA degree to get a feel for how college courses would be,” he said. “Having my AA degree has given me both the skills necessary and the courage to pursue further higher education,” he said.

Jake Ropa said his decision to earn an associate degree was about representation as much as academics. “I earned my AA to help uplift the image of what Lānaʻi truly is,” he said. “I wanted to show the outside world that Lānaʻi is more than how it is often perceived.” He said balancing sports, school responsibilities, and college coursework was manageable with structure and support.

Across all seven students, consistent guidance supported degree completion. Natalie Ropa, Pam Alconcel, and Nina Garcia at the UH Maui College Lānaʻi Education Center were named throughout the interviews, alongside program support from Pūlama Lānaʻi and the steady involvement of family, mentors, and classmates.