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Celebrating Award Winners in the Class of 2026

Celebrating Award Winners in the Class of 2026

At this year’s high school graduation, Assets School recognized several exceptional seniors whose accomplishments, character, and perseverance reflect the very best of our community. Each award represents a unique set of values we hold dear. We are proud to highlight the following students who were honored during the ceremony:

THE KAREN K. SCHEID COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: Bo Lasher

The Karen K. Scheid Scholarship is a $5,000 award given to a college-bound graduating senior from Assets School who has demonstrated determination, character, and success in coping with dyslexia and its related challenges. This award was established in the year 2000 and will run in perpetuity. Scheid, a former longtime Trustee, gives the award in gratitude for the monumental part Assets played in her two children’s success as dyslexic learners.

THE RADIANT STAR AWARD: Taj Rose

The Radiant Star Scholarship is a $5,000 award given to a college-bound graduating senior from Assets School in memory of Zachary Fujisaki Mar (Class of 2008) who, during his too short time in this life, reached out to touch others with his gifts. The award honors the senior who best shares Zach’s quiet determination, positive attitude when facing adversity, enduring courage, and passionate heart.

 LEN BLACK RESILIENCY AWARD: Logan Ford

The Len Black Resiliency Scholarship is a $1,000 award given to a graduating senior from Assets School. The scholarship recognizes a senior who demonstrates a strong capacity to recover quickly and learn from difficulties in life. They must be self aware and self-accepting, able to leverage their strengths to overcome life’s challenges, and have tremendous patience working through a trauma or crisis, while never losing hope or giving up on themselves. The late Len Black was a longtime high school teacher and created this award. 

BARRETT MCCANDLESS AWARD: Noa Thompson

The late Barrett McCandless, former Head of School, was known and revered as a champion of children who learn differently and as a visionary educator and school leader. Barrett is credited with founding the modern mission of our school. Her keen understanding of the needs of gifted children and children with dyslexia are evident in the daily life of Assets’ teachers and students. Her vision formed the foundation upon which was built the unique curriculum Assets uses so successfully. To honor Barrett’s life and work, we recognize a graduating senior who has distinguished themselves at Assets and who personifies the qualities Barrett admired: perseverance, commitment to one’s goals, and, of course, achievement.

LOU SALZA HONU AWARD: Lehia Tanner

Former Head of School Lou Salza used the metaphor of the honu, or Hawaiian sea turtle, to represent the terrific struggles of our children as they made their way through school. Once the ocean is underfoot, once the environment is changed, the Honu becomes a confident and competent adult. The Lou Salza Honu Award recognizes that individual who has their toe in the water, ready to swim. This individual shares with Lou a life inspired by heart and guided by knowledge–an advocate who embodies the spirit of Assets.

PAUL SINGER MVP AWARD: Tori Azuma

Former Head of School Paul Singer notes that every community has a one-of-a-kind member whose very presence and essence help to foster an environment that enhances the experience for everyone else. These authentic individuals are inspiring and energizing. Their personalities are defined by positive qualities such as compassion, kindness, integrity, trustworthiness, fairness, and honor. Just as a Most Valuable Player award is given to a player who distinguishes themselves on a team, the Paul Singer MVP Award recognizes those who are among the most valued and valuable members of the graduating class. Beyond statistical achievements, these individuals make the greatest contribution to the community because of who they are and what they represent--a gold standard of character that others admire and emulate.

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