LIHUE — The performances are done, and the five performers are waiting to learn The Mokihana Club board’s decisions on their scholarships.
Kapaa High School seniors Kassy Ell, Sonya Ell and Kyle Laborte, and Kauai High School seniors Michaela Alcaraz and Adeline Bechard had the opportunity to perform before members of The Mokihana Club and their guests for scholarships on Tuesday, during The Mokihana Club’s 55th annual Music Scholarship Competition at the Lihue Parish Hall.
“This traditional competition each year offers high school seniors the opportunity to ‘win’ funds for their future music education,” said The Mokihana Club’s Publicity Chair Terri Gates. “The Mokihana board will meet to determine the amounts and winners of the music scholarships. We are pleased to support young people in pursuit of a future in music. This has been a priority of the oldest women’s organization on Kauai since the beginning.”
Prior to each candidate taking the stage for their performance, they described their experiences with music, and their desire to make music a part of their future, Gates said.
Alvarez is a section leader in the Kauai High School marching band, and a teacher’s assistant in the Kauai Opio and Keiki Orchestra that was formed by the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School music director Sarah Tochiki who also directs and conducts several Kauai Community College groups and ensembles. Alvarez plans to continue playing music in college, and beyond.
Bechard has been an actress and singer in plays since she was in elementary school. Before her voice presentation, she said she hopes to continue to perform, and believes music creates connection.
Kassy Ell, currently a member of the Kauai Interscholastic Federation Central Pacific Bank championship Cheer Squad, has formal music instruction on piano, ukulele, guitar and voice. She intends to take music courses in college.
Sonya Ell, also a member of the award-winning cheer squad, has been in school music clubs since the second grade. She enjoys play and singing songs she has written, and plans to continue her music studies at the Grand Canyon University.
Laborte, the sole male performer, presented a voice and piano piece. Laborte is part of the KCC Wind Symphony that is conducted by Tochiki. Following graduation that takes place on May 23, Laborte plans to attend KCC and continue singing and playing piano with local bands.