* Personal: Age 17; daughter of Stacey Keomakai of Kahului and Jon Santos of Haiku; enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, volleyball, beach volleyball, paddleboarding "and anything fun and happy."
* At School: Volleyball head captain, yearbook editor, student government, Social Committee, junior class president, head of senior luau, head of senior orientation day.
* Off Campus: Club volleyball, Relay For Life, Japanese Exchange Program, volunteer for the homeless shelter.
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Jacey Joni Kananikeanuenueokalani Santos
* Beyond High School: Short-term goal: Attend University of Hawaii at Manoa. Long-term goal: Find a career that allows her to travel, help others and "be blissfully happy."
* What do you think is the biggest problem facing youth today?
". . . seems to be lack of motivation and belief. It is true that the economy is putting a strain on Hawaii's education, but that has also become another excuse for many students who do not want to do the work. I've learned that it is not what you have but what you do with the resources presented to you. We may be young but everyone has a voice one way or another that allows them to fight for a better life and what they believe. We as youths have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and use our energy toward things like spending time with our family and those that matter because they could be gone tomorrow. As teenagers we think the world revolves around us and that we can only be as big as the little island we live on, but there is a huge unexplored world with many possibilities."
Fact Box
The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
