Personal: Age 17, daughter of Kevin and Lori Okuhata, of Pukalani; enjoys going to Taco Bell with friends and running it off later, drawing and painting and laughing out loud.
At School: Student body president, member of the Hawaii State Student Council, Maui District Student Council, School Community Council, Interact Club, Japanese Club, National Honor Society, Leo Club and tennis and cross country teams and an AVID tutor.
Off Campus: Member of the Youth Buddhist Association, Youth Alliance, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards; volunteer with Day of Hope and Read Aloud and Student Leadership Workshop facilitator.
Article Photos
Kaelyn Okuhata
Beyond High School: Plans to attend a college on the West Coast to earn a degree in pharmacology or nursing.
Who is your personal hero and why? "Soaring with an invisible cape, my sister Brythe will always be my hero. She set a concrete foundation for my growth while leaving a few footsteps to follow. Brythe loves 'Winnie the Pooh' for its moral of never leaving behind a loved one. This is her exact compassion toward me. She's always been my Christopher Robin, holding my hand each step of the way and keeping my nose out of beehives. Brythe is leaving for college, but she'd quote Pooh saying 'You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But most importantly, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.' "
Fact Box
The students 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.
