02-05-2025
Kaua‘i girl graduates high school, college at the same time
KAPA'A, Hawai'i (KHON2) — Two accomplishments at once. A Kaua'i student is making history on the island as she prepares to walk the graduation stage not once, but twice in May.
Veronica 'Bonnie' Nagahisa is a senior at Kapaʻa High School and will receive her high school diploma on May 23.
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But before she gets to walk for her high school graduation, Bonnie has to graduate from college first.
The Hawai'i Department of Education announced that Bonnie will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chaminade University on Saturday, May 3.
'I've always taken pride in my education. I've always loved reading, writing and just learning in general. So my mom proposed that I take some beginner college classes,' Bonnie said.
At the end of her sophomore year, HIDOE said she had completed the requirements for high school and her associate's degree.'I made it a point to still go to high school even though I was done so I could interact. I went to all of the football games, volleyball games and I took part in the National Honor Society,' she said.
This summer, Bonnie will head back to Chaminade to begin her journey to a Master's of Education.
'I'm going to get to dive into that English that I wanted to learn about initially, so I'm very excited to further my education in that way.'
After she meets her educational goals, Bonnie looks forward to giving back to her Kaua'i community by becoming a teacher.
'I believe that all students deserve a high-quality education and an educator who cares about them. And I believe that I can do that.'
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And for other Hawai'i students who are trying to carve the same path, Bonnie said the most important thing is to maintain balance.
'At the end of the day, whatever you're striving for — big or small — it's essential to make space for joy, peace and connection. Those things help ease the stress that often comes with pursuing your goals.'
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