Maui Preparatory Academy honored standout students last week who exemplified excellence in the school’s three foundational pillars: academics, arts, and athletics.

Academics
The Upper School Academic Leader award went to Layla Merrill '26 who has distinguished herself through an impressive and challenging course load. Taking AP Calculus (typically a senior-level course), AP Chemistry, AP Literature, and college courses, she has demonstrated remarkable academic rigor. She is also a state qualifier in the 200 IM swim event and is headed to the Honua Finals with the surf team. A member of National Honor Society (NHS), National Art Honor Society (NAHS), and Interact Club, she exemplifies the scholar-athlete ideal.

Anna Nguyen, Class of 2026, was honored as Citizen of the Year for her outstanding commitment to community and school life. She actively participates in Interact Club, NHS, Performing Arts, Paddling, Crochet Club, and Mock Trial, demonstrating leadership and service across diverse interests.

Arts
Logan Kalar, Class of 2025, was named Musician of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. A talented and committed performer, Kalar has appeared in multiple school productions, including Willy Wonka, Bye Bye Birdie, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Beauty and the Beast, and High School Musical. He also serves as a lead vocalist for the school’s 7AM Band.

Arjun Patel, Class of 2025, was named Visual Artist of the Year for his thoughtful and cutting-edge portraits. He also shows a keen interest in screen-printing, expanding his creative skills beyond traditional mediums.

Ashley Davis, Class of 2027, emerged as a standout in the performing arts despite being new to the stage. She captivated audiences with her commanding performance as Sharpay Evans in High School Musical, demonstrating natural talent and charisma in a leading role.

Kelsey Reul, Class of 2027, was named Dancer of the Year for her dedication to the performing arts. A perennial participant in school productions, Reul has played leading roles such as Charlie in Willy Wonka, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and appeared in this year’s High School Musical. Her presence on stage has become a cornerstone of Maui Prep’s theatre program.

Athletics

Sloane Jucker, Class of 2026, was named Co-Athlete of the Year for her exceptional achievements in surfing and swimming. She won the MIL individual surfing title, swam on two relay teams at the state championships, and earned double medals at the MIL Swimming Championships, solidifying her place as one of the school’s top athletes.

Sacha Salem, Class of 2026, was recognized for a stellar year in both swimming and golf. She qualified for the state championships in every swimming event, earned four gold medals at the MIL Championships, and brought home a silver and bronze from the state meet. She was named an MIL First Team All-Star in swimming. In addition, Salem played a key role on Maui Prep’s MIL champion golf team, which finished third at the state tournament. She placed 20th individually.

Renner Chumley, also Class of 2026, was honored for his achievements in golf and swimming. He helped lead Maui Prep to a state championship in golf in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023. This season, he was the Pueo’s top finisher at both the MIL and state tournaments. In swimming, Chumley earned a bronze medal in the 100 backstroke at the MIL Championships and competed in multiple state-qualifying relay events.

Tehya Chumley, Class of 2026, received the Pueo Award for sportsmanship and her contribution to fostering a positive athletics culture at Maui Prep. A member of both the golf and swim teams, she qualified for the state championships in both sports, exemplifying dedication and team spirit.

Kellen Cordero-Fernandez, Class of 2026, was the male Pueo Award winner, recognized for his leadership as captain of the paddling and track and field teams, significantly contributing to the positive spirit of Maui Prep athletics.