Nā Leo TV Awards Spring 2025 Ho‘olono Scholarship
Nā Leo TV announces the winners of its second semiannual Ho‘olono Scholarship, which supports Hawai‘i Island youth pursuing broadcast, journalism, digital and creative media, or related fields. The Spring 2025 recipients, Lehani Coloma, Rhyan Rimmer, and Marlon Utrera Jr., were selected for their academic excellence, creativity, and commitment to using media to make a positive difference in our community.
The Ho‘olono Scholarship, meaning “to make” (ho‘o) “news or a report” (lono), was established to cultivate Hawai‘i Island’s next generation of storytellers. Each recipient has been awarded a cash scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to support their educational journeys and creative ambitions.
“These outstanding students are a testament to the power of storytelling and the potential of our island’s youth,” said Ashley Kierkiewicz, President & CEO of Nā Leo TV. “Through the Ho‘olono Scholarship, we are investing in young leaders who are using their media skills to inform and inspire their communities. We can’t wait to see where their talents take them and look forward to welcoming them back home to lead.”
Lehani Coloma of Puna, who is graduating from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, will be attending Grand Canyon University to study communications and broadcast. She volunteers as a foster sister with Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s Nā ‘Ohana Pūlama program and is the founder of the Boldly Becoming service initiative, which promotes a healthy mindset. A seasoned pageant participant, Coloma is the reigning Miss Nani Mau Teen and previously held the title of Miss Hawai‘i Island’s Teen in 2024.
Rhyan Rimmer of Hilo, a Valedictorian of Hilo High School, will pursue creative media at Northeastern University. A talented artist and aspiring entrepreneur, Rimmer has overcome significant challenges, including moving 16 times across the country, but considers each an opportunity to learn and grow. She plans to start a marketing firm that works with small businesses to help them grow and thrive, and wants to make the world more colorful and happy through her work.
Marlon Utreta Jr. of Kona, an entrepreneur who is graduating from Kealakehe High School, will attend Babson College to study film and media production. He plans to expand Pivot Youth Marketing, a digital marketing company he started while at Nalukai Academy, a Hawai‘i-based entrepreneurship camp. Utreta plans to use his digital media production skills to capture stories, preserve culture, and help local enterprises and creators grow their brands and businesses.
In addition to receiving their scholarships, Coloma, Rimmer, and Utreta were each featured on a special edition podcast, ‘Ōpio Media Makers, where they shared their journeys, inspirations, and visions for the future of community-driven media. To watch the podcasts featuring the Spring 2025 Ho’olono Scholarship winners, go to tinyurl.com/opiomediamakers.
As Hawai‘i Island’s community access TV station, Nā Leo TV empowers local voices and nurtures the next generation of media creators through various initiatives, including the Ho‘olono Scholarship, which is awarded twice a year, the annual Youth Media Challenge, and work-based learning programs with Hawai‘i Island high schools.
