From Kona to the Capital: Kealakehe Shines at Academic WorldQuest Nationals
What do international diplomacy, global trivia, and a heartfelt speech at the UAE Embassy have in common? For four students from Kealakehe High School, they were all part of an unforgettable journey representing Hawaiʻi on the national stage.
In April 2025, Kealakehe’s Academic WorldQuest team—Coree Kobayashi, Luke Gee, Azalea Thorp, and Lucy Cameron—traveled to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Carlos and Malú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest National Competition, hosted by the World Affairs Councils of America. After winning first place at PAAC’s state-level event in March, these students earned the honor of representing Hawaiʻi among nearly 50 teams from across the U.S.
““It’s not every day that students from a small island in the middle of the Pacific get to stand in an embassy and hear from diplomats. Our gratitude is beyond what can be said with words.” ”
✈️ An Experience Beyond the Competition
The national competition weekend was packed with opportunities for cultural exchange, global learning, and leadership growth. The Hawaiʻi delegation attended a resource fair and keynote program, competed in the fast-paced trivia championship, and participated in an exclusive reception hosted by the Mexican Ambassador on Capitol Hill.
But perhaps the most moving moment of the trip came during their visit to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, where students from Kealakehe were invited to deliver a speech on behalf of all participants.
“That six-hour time difference feels symbolic of the larger distance Hawaiʻi often experiences from the federal government… but programs like these bridge that gap. They create pathways for our voices, our ideas, and our communities to be part of national and global conversations.”
The team’s speech highlighted their gratitude, the challenges of traveling from rural Hawaiʻi to the nation’s capital, and the deeper kuleana—responsibility—they carried with them.
“In Hawaiʻi, we are raised to understand the importance of kuleana—a deep responsibility to our people, our land, and our future generations. Being here today is not just a personal milestone—it’s an extension of that kuleana.”
🧠 A Weekend of Global Learning
Hosted at the Westin Washington DC City Center, the Academic WorldQuest competition tested students on their knowledge of international affairs, global history, geography, economics, and current events. While Kealakehe did not take home the national title this year, their commitment, teamwork, and leadership were undeniable.
“To get here, we made the choice to become global citizens—to engage and to care about what’s happening beyond the communities we know.”
From studying late into the night with flashcards to sharing moments of connection with students from across the country, the experience reinforced that global citizenship is about more than winning—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and growing as leaders.
🌱 Looking Toward the Future
“Hope that the world our generation will inherit is one where new leaders rise—leaders who are bold, compassionate, and not afraid to face the challenges of the future.”
With support from Southwest Airlines, the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC), and the World Affairs Councils of America, the team’s experience became more than just a competition—it became a life-changing opportunity.
As they return home to Hawaiʻi Island, the students carry with them powerful lessons in diplomacy, confidence, and kuleana. And as they reminded everyone in their closing remarks:
“The community you deserve is the community you help build.”
📸 Explore the Journey
👉 View highlights from the Hawaiʻi Regional Competition
👉 Learn more about Academic WorldQuest and how to get involved
🧭 Want to Represent Hawaiʻi Next Year?
If you’re a high school student passionate about global issues, teamwork, and leadership—start prepping for Academic WorldQuest 2026!
Reach out to your PAAC club advisor or contact us at paac@paachawaii.org to learn more.
