Haʻikū eighth grader wins national scholarship for gifted students

The Institute for Educational Advancement (IEA) has named Haʻikū eighth grader Luana Fitch, a Caroline D. Bradley Scholar, earning her a prestigious four-year scholarship that covers full tuition at a high school or through an individualized education plan tailored to her educational needs.

Luana was recognized recently as the repeat Junior Barrel Champion at the Makawao Stampede, held over the summer. Even as a junior barrel racer she had the fastest barrel time of the entire weekend for the event in July.

Luana is also an accomplished hula dancer, performing with Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi under the direction of nā Kumu ʻIliahi and Haunani Paredes.

Luana is just one of 26 students nationwide selected for the merit-based Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship this year. 

The award program for gifted and advanced learners recognizes exceptional academic achievement. Recipients of this highly competitive award receive a prestigious four-year scholarship that covers full high school tuition at an optimally matched school or through an individualized education plan. Scholars also benefit from ongoing, personalized counseling and educational advocacy provided by IEA. 

This year’s Scholars bring a wide range of interests and accomplishments spanning academics, the arts, athletics, community service and more. Their varied pursuits and experiences reflect the breadth of achievement represented in the Caroline D. Bradley Scholars Class of 2031.

“Each year, our Caroline D. Bradley Scholars remind us just how much young people are capable of when they are encouraged to think boldly, explore new ideas and challenge themselves,” said Deborah Monroe, IEA President. “The Class of 2031 is an impressive group of young people, and we are proud to welcome them to the Caroline D. Bradley Scholar community and support them as they continue to learn, grow and discover what’s possible.”

Recipients completed a rigorous portfolio application process, which included essays, middle school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation and work samples. The application for the Class of 2032 Caroline D. Bradley Scholars will be available in late fall.

Caroline D. Bradley Scholars Class of 2031 

• Simran Adnani – Troy, MI
• Dylan Aumer-Wong – Honolulu, HI
• Augustus Bikel – Los Angeles, CA
• Cosette (Coco) Buechele – New York, NY
• Max Cao – Dallas, TX
• Xavier Cherkas – Houston, TX
• Aria Chung – Wilson, WY
• Janet Contreras – Los Angeles, CA
• David Edorh – Mankato, MN
• Luana Fitch – Haʻikū, HI
• Caleb Garner – Riverdale, GA
• Temple Harris – Portland, OR
• Gavin Hwang – Los Altos, CA
• Clara Lefer – New York, NY
• Lisa Lu – Johnston, IA
• Ruth McClenning – Westport, CT
• Solomon Methvin – Forest Grove, OR
• Mila Milliken Lord – Wind Lake, WI
• Camille Nguyen – Anchorage, AK
• Sunay Patel – Edison, NJ
• Josiah Reinken – Indian Trail, NC
• Evelyn Shen – Campbell, CA
• Johnathan Thomas – Lafayette, CA
• Obiamaka Udeozo – Plano, TX
• Lacey Wang – Woodbridge, CT
• Julian Wilkes – Pasadena, CA

For more information about the Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship, visit www.educationaladvancement.org/caroline-d-bradley-scholarship/.