Being a Native Hawaiian has deeply influenced not only who I am, but also my drive and determination to pursue higher education. Growing up as Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), I have always had a deep connection to the 'Aina (land) and to all living creatures taught to me by my familial traditions and values. Since I can remember, I have learned the importance of caring for the land, the ocean, and the ecosystems that sustain life. My heritage has taught me that we are not separate from the natural world but that we are part of it, and we have a responsibility to protect it and steward it. This is what formed my passion for pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Conservation. Through my studies, I plan to combine my cultural heritage, the love of the 'aina and my faith to contribute to conservation efforts. I want to work closely with ecosystems and wildlife, protecting habitats, preserving species, and promoting sustainable living practices that help conserve the culture of the people and place. I believe that I should be awarded this scholarship because I am excited to use my college education to protect the environment that is so important to our culture as Pacific Islanders. I have the honor and responsibility of carrying the values and tradition of the Hawaiian people into new places and to represent a minority group. I see my studies as more than just a path to a career but rather a way to contribute to something larger than myself. By dedicating my education to environmental science I am focused on being guided by my heritage, faith, and perseverance, honoring both the 'aina and the many cultures and communities that depend on it. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies and athletics, giving me more opportunities to participate or create conservation projects that have tangible impacts on the environment. I am passionate about hands on conservation work and educating communities about sustainability, or serving as a role model of perseverance and courage for all generations. With your support through this scholarship, I can turn these goals into action, continuing to represent my heritage and faith. This May (5/8), I graduated from Cape Fear Community College with my Associate degree and a 4.0 GPA while simultaneously completing my high school education. This fall, I am excited to continue my academic and athletic career as a Le Moyne Dolphin. Balancing the demands of being a Division I student-athlete on "The Heights" motivates me to stay disciplined and focused, both on the court and in the lab or classroom, as I bring my customs and traditions into these new spaces.

My experiences growing up as a Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), balancing academics, athletics, work, and service, have shaped the way I approach both life and responsibility. From a young age, I was taught that success is not just about individual achievement, but about how you contribute to the people and places around you. That mindset has stayed with me as I’ve taken on more responsibility through school, work, and volunteering. One of the most impactful experiences in my life was serving as a missionary in Mexico, where I worked with an orphanage and helped support access to clean water. The work was not easy, there were language barriers, long days, and limited resources, but it taught me persistence and adaptability. I learned that meaningful impact is not always immediate, but it is built through consistency, patience, and willingness to serve even when it is uncomfortable. That experience shaped how I view service work today, not as something extra, but as something essential. In addition to that experience, I also volunteer locally on a consistent basis with a nonprofit organization called Living Hope, where I help prepare and serve food to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or food insecurity. This monthly service has given me a deeper understanding of the needs within my own community. It has also reinforced the importance of showing up consistently because those efforts add up to real impact over time. Alongside my volunteer work, I have learned responsibility through balancing academics, athletics, and school commitments. I am currently completing my high school diploma while earning my Associate’s degree through Cape Fear Community College, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I also play competitive volleyball, which has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to perform under pressure. Managing these responsibilities has required time management and sacrifice, but this experience has shaped my perspectives in such a meaningful way. These experiences have led me to pursue environmental science and conservation as my field of study. I want to work in ways that protect ecosystems while also serving communities that depend on them. As someone who values ʻāina, land, water, and place not just as a resource but as a living relationship, I am especially interested in conservation work that respects both science and cultural knowledge. I believe the most effective solutions come from combining technical understanding with real community needs. Outside of school, my biggest passions are volleyball, music, and spending time in environments that keep me active, involved and in nature. Volleyball has been a major part of my life and continues to teach me resilience and leadership. Music and theatre have given me a creative outlet and helped me understand the importance of expression and teamwork in different forms. My greatest motivator in life is my family, especially the values I was raised with. I’ve been shaped by people who worked hard, served others, and stayed committed even when things were difficult. That mindset connects closely to the Kelley family’s belief that “Kelley boys never quit.” While my path looks different, I relate deeply to that idea of perseverance. My motivation comes from wanting to make my family proud, but also from wanting to live a life that reflects the values I was raised with, hard work, service, and respect for the land and for others. Ultimately, I want my life and career to reflect both discipline and purpose. I hope to use my education and experiences in volunteer work to create a meaningful impact in environmental conservation and community service, while staying grounded in the values that have shaped me.

My name is Alana Nohea Surigao. From a young age, I have felt a deep connection to the natural world and a strong responsibility to protect it. Growing up as Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), I was taught that the land, ocean, and all living things are not resources to be used carelessly, but a shared inheritance that must be cared for and respected. My Christian faith reinforces this same belief, reminding me that creation is sacred and that humans are called to be stewards of the Earth. These values have shaped not only how I see the world, but also the path I want to pursue through STEM, specifically environmental science and conservation. What draws me most to this field is the opportunity to combine science with service. Environmental science is not just about studying ecosystems or collecting data, it is about understanding how human choices impact the planet and using that knowledge to create real solutions. I am passionate about learning how natural systems work so that I can help protect them, especially in vulnerable and biodiverse places like Hawaii. I want to be part of developing sustainable practices that allow communities to thrive without destroying the environment that sustains them. My passion for this field became more real through my volunteer experiences. One of the most impactful experiences I had was serving as a missionary in Mexico, where I worked with an orphanage and helped provide access to clean water. The work was physically and emotionally challenging at times, especially with language barriers and limited resources. However, it opened my eyes to how deeply environmental issues, like water access, affect human lives every day. It showed me that environmental science is not distant or abstract but instead, it directly impacts health and opportunity. That experience strengthened my desire to pursue solutions that are both scientific and human centered. In addition to service work, I have learned the importance of discipline and perseverance through balancing academics, athletics, and the arts. I currently maintain a 4.0 GPA while pursuing my high school diploma and Associate’s degree through Cape Fear Community College. I am also involved in volleyball, music, and theatre, all of which have taught me teamwork, time management, and resilience. These experiences have shown me that success requires consistency and effort, even when things become overwhelming. I believe these same qualities will be essential in STEM fields, where problem solving often requires patience, collaboration, and persistence. What excites me most about pursuing a STEM degree is the possibility of turning passion into action. I want to learn how to conduct research, analyze environmental challenges, and participate in conservation projects that have a real impact. I am especially interested in community based conservation efforts that involve local voices and Indigenous knowledge, because I believe solutions are strongest when they are inclusive and respectful of the people who are most affected. My goal is not only to study environmental problems but to help create practical, sustainable solutions that can be used in everyday life. I also feel a strong responsibility to be a role model for younger generations, especially young women who may be interested in STEM but feel unsure of their place in it. My hope is to show that it is possible to combine identity, faith, and academic ambition in a meaningful way. I want to encourage others to see that science is not separate from compassion, service, or cultural values, it can actually be strengthened by them. Just as I was inspired by the values passed down to me, I hope to pass that same encouragement forward. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my education in environmental science at a four-year university and pursue hands on research and fieldwork opportunities. While balancing college athletics. I want to work on projects that focus on conservation, sustainability, and environmental protection, especially in ecosystems that are under threat. Long term, I hope to contribute to solutions that help communities live in better balance with the natural world while also preserving biodiversity for future generations. Ultimately, my passion for STEM comes from a combination of personal values, lived experiences, and a desire to serve something greater than myself. I see environmental science as a way to protect what I have been taught to cherish. I do not view this path as just a career choice, but as a lifelong commitment to stewardship, learning, and service. With continued education and opportunity, I hope to use my skills to help build a healthier, more sustainable world where both people and nature can thrive together! Thank you deeply for your consideration.

Climate change and environmental damage are among the most urgent challenges facing our world today. Our mindless, selfish, generational actions have damaged the beautiful Earth that was ours to steward. If action is not taken now, we risk leaving a planet that is increasingly uninhabitable for humans and wildlife alike. That is why sustainability, responsible resource management, and global cooperation are so critical. Communities and individuals must all take part in finding creative ways to merge modern living while protecting natural habitats. As a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and a Christian, I have been raised to value the Earth as a sacred, shared, beautiful home to humans and animals. This perspective inspires my pursuit of environmental science and my commitment to promoting sustainable practices. I hope to contribute to solutions by developing community based conservation programs, raising awareness about recycling and resource management and advocating for sustainable land use practices in indigenous lands like Hawaii. By protecting biodiverse locations we can help to further sustaining the powerful Earth. Through education, research, and hands on projects, I aim to help communities understand the importance of sustainability and empower them to take meaningful action. My volunteer experiences, including working with children in Mexico to improve access to clean water or participating in local conservation projects have taught me that small actions, when multiplied across communities, can create real change. I believe that students like myself, who are passionate, disciplined, and committed to service, will play a key role in building a healthier, more sustainable world. By awarding me this scholarship, you would support my ability to continue my education, gain the skills I need, and contribute to a future where humans and nature can thrive together for future generations to come.

I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because I am deeply committed to using my education to create a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come. As a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and a Christian, I have been raised to value both the Earth and the community around me. From a young age, I learned that caring for the land and the people who depend on it are inseparable responsibilities. These values inspire my pursuit of environmental science and conservation, with the goal of protecting ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and promoting sustainable living practices that can benefit both people and the planet. I hope my work will contribute to a future where communities can thrive within nature, and where future generations inherit a world that is vibrant, resilient, and healthy. My commitment to service and stewardship has been strengthened through meaningful volunteer experiences. One of the most impactful was my time as a missionary in Mexico, where I helped provide clean water and care for children at an orphanage. The work was challenging, and at times exhausting, but it taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and dedication. I learned that even small acts of service like, bringing clean water, sharing knowledge, or simply offering compassion, can have profound, lasting effects. These experiences also reinforced my belief that the most effective solutions are rooted in understanding and respecting the communities they serve. Alongside volunteer work, I have balanced rigorous academics with athletics and the arts, participating in volleyball, music, and theatre. Each of these experiences has strengthened my discipline, creativity, teamwork, and resilience. Qualities that I know will be essential as I work toward environmental solutions in the real world. Currently, I am enrolled in a dual-enrollment program, allowing me to earn my associate degree from Cape Fear Community College while graduating from high school this May. I plan to continue my education at a four-year university to complete a degree in environmental science, equipping myself with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful change. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my studies, pursue research opportunities, and participate in conservation projects that have tangible impacts on the environment. I am passionate about leaving a positive mark on the world, whether through hands-on conservation work, educating communities about sustainability, or serving as a role model of perseverance and courage for younger generations. With your support, I can turn these passions into action, helping build a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come! Thank you for considering me.

I can always remember having a deep connection to the Earth and all living creatures. Growing up as Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian), I learned from my family the importance of caring for the land, the ocean, and the ecosystems that sustain life. My heritage has taught me that we are not separate from the natural world but that we are part of it, and we have a responsibility to protect it. My Christian faith also guides me in this belief, inspiring me to care for God’s creation with humility and purpose! One of the ways I’ve demonstrated perseverance is through my volunteer work as a missionary in Mexico. I spent time with an orphanage, helping provide clean water and assisting in daily care. It was challenging with language barriers, long hours, and difficult conditions but through this I learned how to stay committed, solve problems and remain positive even when progress seemed slow. Those experiences reinforced my belief that meaningful change requires patience, determination, and humility. I have also shown much perseverance through my academics and personal pursuits. I maintain a 4.0 GPA while earning both my high school diploma along with my Associates degree from Cape Fear Community college. I will graduate from Cape Fear this May having fufiled my General Education studies. Addittionally I am active in sports like volleyball, which has taught me teamwork, dedication, and pushing myself to reach goals. I am currently considering playing volleyball at a division one four year college, which motivates me to stay disciplined and focused both on and off the court. In addition, I am deeply involved in music and theatre, where I have learned creativity, collaboration, and the importance of expression. Balancing academics, athletics, and the arts has challenged me, but it has also strengthened my ability to manage my time, work hard, and remain committed to my passions. Looking ahead, I plan to combine my love of nature, my faith, and my cultural heritage to contribute to conservation efforts. I want to work closely with ecosystems and wildlife, protecting habitats, preserving species, and promoting sustainable living practices. Beyond that, I hope to inspire others, especially children, to value and care for the Earth. I dream of raising a family that loves the land and respects all living things, continuing the lessons I learned as a Kanaka Maoli. Ultimately, I see my studies as more than just a path to a career but rather they are a way to serve a larger purpose. By dedicating myself to environmental science and conservation, guided by my heritage, faith, and perseverance, I hope to leave the world a little better than I found it, honoring both the land and the communities that depend on it.