- July 15, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Lido Key resident Jacob Kalua made a pledge in elementary school that he would do everything necessary to keep up with his schoolwork. Even when hurricanes Helene and Milton displaced him and his family from their home for nearly four months during his senior year, he stayed focused on his goal.
He reaped the rewards of that dedication during his recent graduation from Sarasota High School, when he also received a scholarship from a Florida-based nonprofit that awards scholarships to students who maintain a continuous standard GPA — even when storms come barreling in and temporarily shutter schools.
"For the first one (Helene), we actually stayed on the island during the storm," he said. "There's a two-story building next to us, so we went on the top floor."
The storms were fresh on the minds of many members of the class of 2025.
This year's graduation ceremony featured the largest class in the school's history. The May 29 commencement meant quite a bit to Kalua, who has lived on the Key since he was 2 years old.
Kalua succeeded in meeting all the requirements to receive a Take Stock in Children scholarship, a commitment that started when he was in fifth grade.
The nonprofit requires students to meet a variety of criteria, from continuously maintaining a minimum GPA to attending college coaching meetings.
"It was a relief to know I did it," Kalua said when he knew he would be graduating with the scholarship after dedicating such time and energy to keeping up with the program.
The Sarasota branch of Take Stock of Children says it serves 22 middle and high schools in the county. The broader foundation coordinates $6 million in prepaid scholarships in Florida.
His father, Sheldon, said 17 students applied at the same time as Jacob as Eaglets at Alta Vista Elementary School, and five completed it.
Jacob celebrated the accomplishment with his family and friends at the commencement, a special ceremony for the scholarship winners, and a visit to Alta Vista.
The alumni wore their caps and gowns to meet with current elementary schoolers, answering questions from the youngsters.
"It was a full-circle moment," Jacob said. "I remember being one of those kids. … I remember thinking that was so far away, and now it's here."
Looking back on his years in high school, Jacob said his class' reading of "Macbeth" was one of his favorite moments.
Jacob is heading to the State College of Florida for his first two years of school, and while he is considering a major in hospitality, he looks forward to exploring all the options available in the school.
His father established his own legacy in the hospitality field on Longboat Key as a director of safety and security at St. Regis Longboat Key.
Sheldon said he is immensely proud of everything his son has accomplished since the family moved from Hawaii. He met Jacob's mother, Regina, when they were both in school, and they moved to the mainland when Jacob was 2 years old. Sheldon had completed a tour with the U.S. Coast Guard, and they decided to move closer to his mother living in Sarasota.
Jacob said one thing he most appreciated about growing up on the Key was living so close to the Gulf, which Sheldon said is also what drew his family to the area.
"Coming from Hawaii, we have always loved the ocean," Sheldon said.
At the commencement, Sheldon joined Jacob's mother, Regina, and his sister, Regan, in loading the graduate up with a plethora of specially crafted leis.
Jacob said he appreciated having a final moment to celebrate with friends who will soon be leaving.
His advice to fellow students is to make freshman year count. While they should enjoy all the fun aspects of leveling up to a new school, they should also take advantage of the opportunity to get good grades in introductory classes and set a high GPA to start.
"If I could redo high school, I probably would have joined a club to meet more people," he added.
However, he said he is glad he focused on his grades, and he is eager to explore all the offerings at SCF, perhaps in a club about other cultures and languages.
"I hope I get to focus, learn how manage my responsibilities, and work on time management skills," he said. "I'm just looking forward to becoming an adult."
