High School Students Honored for Innovation, Leadership, and Impact at 2025 Tao Award Ceremony
Ko ‘Olina, HI — June 2, 2025 — The Tao Award Ceremony, held on Monday, June 2 at the Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina, celebrated the exceptional achievements of student leaders from Farrington High School and Waipahu High School. Hosted by GLSS, Kure, and Tao Mission, the event featured final project presentations delivered to a panel of international business leaders.
Students were recognized for their outstanding compassion for community well-being, their ability to measurably improve health outcomes using GLSS Yellow Belt + Green Belt Training & Certification alongside Kure’s AI-Powered Project Management Platform. Their work deeply impressed esteemed guests including Philippine Consul General Arman Talbo, U.S. Department of Commerce Director John Holman, Office of Economic Revitalization Director Denise Obrero, and Founder & CEO of Blend House Elvinse Moleta.
Among the featured student projects:
Using Insulin Pump Analytics to Generate Meal Plans — This project led to a 45% reduction in participant blood sugar levels through data-driven nutrition planning.
Depression-Induced Polyphagia and Obesity — This project achieved a 5.25 lb average weight loss and a 370% stress reduction using AI-based strategies.
Transforming Financial Literacy in Hawaii: A New Approach — This project promoted financial literacy among high school students, laying the foundation for system-level change with the potential to impact millions.
Tanoa Return Policy — This team optimized the item return process in retail stores, offering a collaborative, creative solution that modeled how unity can drive progress.
Improving the Cadet Portfolio Login Experience — This group exposed flaws in a widely used high school system, showing courage and determination to advocate for change and inspire others to do what’s right.
In recognition of their impact, students were awarded scholarships.
““We were honored to award these scholarships to such passionate and capable young leaders. Their compassion, competence and courage to create positive change are already making a real difference—and the Tao Award Ceremony provided a platform to celebrate that on a grand scale.””
The event also offered students the opportunity to network with business professionals, connect with fellow student leaders, and be celebrated for their achievements in a prestigious setting. It was a powerful culmination of their work and a springboard toward future success in college, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.
Special thanks to teachers David Chattergy from Farrington High School as well as Kimi Maeda and Hayley McDermott from Waipahu High School.
Congratulations to all the students on this well-deserved recognition!
For more information about the Tao Mission, visit TaoMission.com
