Andy Irons Foundation Awards First-Ever College Scholarships to Five Kaua‘i Students

HANALĒI — The Andy Irons Foundation celebrated a new chapter in its mission to support Kaua‘i’s youth by awarding its first-ever scholarships to five local students during a ceremony on Saturday, August 9, at Pine Trees in Hanalei.

The inaugural recipients are Zander Satterlee-King, heading to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; Stone Abubo, beginning his first year at UC Berkeley; Shyloh McCann, entering her second year at UCLA; Sofia Smith, starting her first year at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and Ilikea Kamalani, attending Tropic Bird Flight Service.

The scholarship program was created this year by the Andy Irons Foundation, founded in honor of the late three-time world champion surfer. Led by Lyndie Irons and Danielle Tache, Andy’s wife and mother, the foundation’s mission is to celebrate Irons’ legacy by supporting community-based programs for young people struggling with addiction, mental illness, and learning disabilities.

The event carried a relaxed, welcoming spirit. Recipients and their families shared their excitement for the year ahead, traded advice, and shared stories about growing up together on Kaua‘i. Leis were given to each student, and Brittany Schwartz, owner of the popular food truck Hanalei Burger, generously donated fries and burgers for all in attendance.

The ceremony also gave special recognition to David Mireles, a college counselor at Kapa‘a High School, who has spent countless hours helping local students prepare for college. From helping with essays and filling out applications to figuring out financial aid, he’s been an invaluable resource for college-bound students on Kauai, always offering his time and support without any expectation of return.

“This scholarship is an extension of our commitment to Kaua‘i’s keiki,” said Lyndie Irons. “Andy loved this island and its people, and we want to continue opening doors for the next generation to pursue their education and dreams.”

Founded in 2011, the Andy Irons Foundation began as a way to address the challenges Andy himself faced, using his story to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. Starting locally in the Hawaiian Islands and expanding globally, the foundation partners with impactful organizations and programs to ensure no child struggles alone.

For more information about the Andy Irons Foundation or to make a donation, visit andyironsfoundation.org.

This scholarship is open to students attending Kapa’a High School. More details will be posted soon.