Veronica “Bonnie” Nagahisa is making history this May. On May 3, she will graduate from Chaminade University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Just three weeks later, on May 23, she’ll walk the stage again, this time at Kapaʻa High School to receive her high school diploma, becoming the first student on Kaua‘i to achieve both at the same time.

“For most students, earning a high school diploma is the goal. But for Bonnie, it was just the beginning,” said Kapaʻa High Principal Tommy Cox. “She’s a great example for our students — showing them that nothing is impossible with the opportunities available at Kapaʻa High.”

Nagahisa’s college journey began quietly after eighth grade, when she started taking online courses at Kauaʻi Community College. Her mom, Kimi Nagahisa, an Early College counselor at Kanu o ka ʻĀina Charter School, helped guide her through the process. “Sheʻs the best big sister, balancing high school commitments, volunteering, working four days at a musubi truck, and helping me so much,” Kimi Nagahisa said. “We try our best to mold and raise our kids but in many ways, they teach us patience, grace, and kindness. I am just so proud of her.”

By the end of her sophomore year, Bonnie had completed both her high school and associate degree requirements. Still “super young,” as she put it, she enrolled full-time at Chaminade University — continuing remotely from home — to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Many high school students throughout the state participate in the dual credit program where they can matriculate from high school with an associate degree, which in turn can lower the amount of classes they need to take and pay for to attain a bachelor’s degree. According to Hawaiʻi P-20, 52 HIDOE students received an associate degree as a graduating high school student last year.

Despite her demanding schedule, Nagahisa stayed active at Kapaʻa High, taking electives and study halls to stay connected with friends and campus life. She was a National Honor Society member and a regular at volunteer events like Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, and campus beautification. She also made time to support nearly every school sporting event. “Staying engaged and showing school spirit was important to me, even with a full plate,” she said.

Her advice to others: “Maintain balance the best you can. It’s the foundation for everything good in life. That balance looks different for everyone — the key is to find what works for you, especially when chasing big goals. At the end of the day, whatever you’re striving for — big or small — it’s essential to make space for joy, peace, and connection. Those things help ease the stress that often comes with pursuing your goals.”

Next up for Nagahisa: the online Master of Arts in Teaching program at Chaminade University, with a concentration in secondary education. Her goal is to inspire future students, just as she’s inspired so many already.

For now, she’s savoring her final moments as a high school senior — one who’s already achieved something extraordinary.