Fall 2024 Ho‘o Lono Winners
Nā Leo TV announces the winners of its inaugural Ho‘o Lono Scholarship, which supports Hawai‘i Island youth pursuing broadcast, journalism, digital and creative media, or related fields. The Fall 2024 recipients, Daysen Higa and Erin Wagner, were selected for their academic excellence and commitment to using media to make a positive difference in our community.
The Ho‘o Lono Scholarship, which means “to make” (ho‘o) “news or a report” (lono), was established to cultivate Hawai‘i Island’s next generation of storytellers. Each recipient was awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
“We are proud to support the dreams and academic pursuits of Hawai‘i Island youth through the Ho‘o Lono Scholarship,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, President & CEO of Nā Leo TV. “We believe in the power of storytelling as a vehicle to strengthen connection, understanding, and a greater sense of community. This scholarship is more than just a financial award; it’s an investment in our future and those who will enrich Hawai‘i’s media ecosystem.”
Daysen Higa, a Waiākea High School graduate and valedictorian, is pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He is passionate about creating accessible media tools for individuals who face financial barriers. Higa hopes to bridge the gap between innovation and access, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of resources, can tell their stories.
Erin Wagner, a graduate of Hilo High School, is studying journalism at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. She is committed to using journalism to promote social justice, gender equality, and civic engagement. During her time at Hilo High, she actively contributed to KVIKS, the school’s student-run media station.
In addition to receiving the scholarship, Higa and Wagner were featured in a special edition podcast at Nā Leo TV’s Hilo Studio. The episode provides the community with an opportunity to hear from the scholarship winners directly as they share their journeys, inspirations, and visions for the future of community media.
As Hawai‘i Island’s community access TV station, Nā Leo TV empowers local voices and fosters the next generation of media creators through various initiatives, including the Ho‘o Lono Scholarship, which is awarded twice a year, the annual Youth Media Challenge, and work-based learning programs with Hawai‘i Island high schools.
