What’s it really like to step into the world beyond high school? Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s Young Alumni Day gave the Class of 2025 a front-row seat to find out. Recent graduates returned to campus, eager to share their stories, lessons learned, and advice from their first years navigating college and life.
The day kicked off with a reunion of old friends at the newly opened Ka Makani Café in Ko Kākou Hale, where alumni mingled over refreshments. From there, the event shifted to the Gates Performing Arts Center, where alumni took to the stage for a powerful and interactive Q&A session. Through reflections and real-world wisdom, they offered our senior class invaluable perspectives on everything from pursuing passions to overcoming challenges.
During the festivities, we spoke with some of the recent alumni, who reflected on what they’re doing now and some of their thoughts on life after HPA.
Kaʻiulani Bento, class of 2022
Attending University of Southern California, studying business with a minor in legal studies
How do you feel HPA prepared you for college?
The AP classes at HPA really push you. I think that developed my critical thinking skills, and that’s really what college is like — a lot of critical thinking and a lot of trying to think outside the box. And the fact that HPA makes you do extracurriculars prepares you for life because you’re multitasking. And in the real world, you have to multitask.
What advice do you have for the class of 2025?
Be a driving force, but be humble while you do it.
Gabby Aiona, Class of 2022
Attending Pomona College, studying economics
How do you feel HPA prepared you for college?
The work ethic has translated over. Getting my stuff in on time, knowing how to do things the right way and also some prerequisites for classes. I transferred a lot of knowledge that I’ve learned here to college. I also appreciate how we do sports at HPA, with required activities after school. It’s something that a lot of my friends that I’ve talked to in college haven’t really had to do. I think it adds a level of uniqueness to what happens at HPA.
What advice do you have for the class of 2025?
To really get involved in extracurriculars. Any club or activity you are interested in because you do have a lot of free time that you haven’t really had before. It’s really important to stay busy.
Is there anyone at HPA you’d like to give a special shoutout to?
Probably my second-grade teacher, Ms. White. She was amazing. It’s always nice to go back and see her around. I remember that class very vividly. She was always really caring and we used to have snack time in class. It was just a really fun experience. I remember having a lot of fun in second grade.
Nick Sebastian, class of 2023
Attending Wake Forest University, studying communications
How do you feel HPA prepared you for college?
Probably the No. 1 thing for me, I’m not scared to try new things. It’s been very helpful for me. HPA really encourages you to keep going out to try new things and the school gives you a lot of opportunities to do so.
What advice do you have for the class of 2025?
Go do things you get invited to, even if it’s not your thing. Just be as outgoing as you can. If your college has a pre-orientation program, definitely do that. That’s how I met some of my closest friends.
Kinau Grace, class of 2022
Attending the University of Hawaii-Manoa, studying early elementary education
How do you feel HPA prepared you for college?
The college counseling team helped me a lot. Ms. Montgomery made me comfortable asking all those questions as we prepared for college. And it’s also nice to know you always have a community here to come back to.
What advice do you have for the class of 2025?
Don’t be afraid to ask people those hard questions and be open to new ideas. It’s hard, but you’ll get used to it.
Jakob Honda, Class of 2023
Attending Linfield University, studying sports management
How do you feel HPA prepared you for college?
My time here really prepared me academically. I feel I know how to study. Socially, it is very similar because Linfield is such a small school, so there are a lot of similarities. I feel like you are set up to succeed when you leave HPA.
What advice do you have for the class of 2025?
Just have fun, embrace new experiences and learning new things.
We’re always thrilled to welcome our alumni back to campus. For information on upcoming events and ways to reconnect, email alumni@hpa.edu