* Personal: Age 17; daughter of Willie and Nena Acoba of Kahului; enjoys singing, dancing hula/Tahitian, playing the piano, ukulele, writing songs, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and having jam sessions with cousins.
* At School: National Honor Society vice president, Key Club secretary, marching/pep and symphonic bands, Peer Mediation Team, Saber Souljahz, yearbook staff, Maui District Honor Band, Advanced Placement calculus and English, Na Hoku Award recipient, principal's list.
* Off Campus: Maui Arts & Cultural Center youth volunteer, attends King's Cathedral Maui, Maui Medical Group job shadowing.
Article Photos
Whitney Tiare Yanos Acoba
* Beyond High School: Plans to attend a four-year university to earn a degree in biology and become a medical doctor; wants her career to benefit Maui's community in the future.
* Who is your personal hero and why? "Throughout my life, my parents have always been my personal heroes because of their exceptional love and support. They've instilled salient values I'd like to carry out in my life. My parents are living evidence proving that possessing determination and perseverance pays off, and anything is possible when you have faith in God. They even sacrificed a lot for me so I could live a great life filled with opportunities. Because of their selflessness in freely helping others, it inspires me to do the same and strive to my fullest potential. I wouldn't be who I am today without them."
Fact Box
The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
