Throughout the years, KVIKS Media has been home to many remarkable students: leaders, creators, and innovators who’ve shaped our program in meaningful ways. For a long time, we’ve had little more than words to express our appreciation. But that changed with the formation of the KVIKS Media Foundation.
Thanks to the Foundation’s growth, we’re now able to do more than just say “thank you” we can show it. This year, we are incredibly proud to present our very first KVIKS Media Foundation Honorariums: two $500 awards that recognize outstanding dedication, creativity, and leadership in our program.
Congratulations to our 2025 recipients: seniors Kylan Reid Kaneko and Rianne Angelique Kealohaokalani Empaynado.
The KVIKS Media Foundation was born from a simple idea, to support a club that had already given so much to our school and community. Today, it’s more than just a support system for new equipment or travel expenses. It’s a way to honor the people who make this program thrive. It’s about recognizing the students who go above and beyond, not for awards or applause, but because they care deeply about the work, the mission, and each other.
Rianne, affectionately known as our “resident raccoon,” has worn many hats—and worn them well. From graphic design and visual branding to last-minute project rescues, Rianne has been the reliable, creative force we’ve leaned on time and again. Her artistic talent has helped define the look of KVIKS Media, and her initiative has helped carry us through countless challenges. Rianne shows up, steps up, and never backs down from making something better.
Kylan is “Mr. AV”—the backbone of our audio team and the reason our broadcasts sound as polished as they do. If you’ve ever clearly heard a game’s commentary, the bounce of a basketball, or the squeak of sneakers on the gym floor, that’s Kylan’s magic at work. His attention to detail and passion for sound has elevated our events and set new standards for audio production at Hilo High. Behind the scenes, he’s always thinking two steps ahead.
These two students represent everything we strive to cultivate in KVIKS Media: commitment, creativity, and community spirit. The Honorarium isn’t just about being skilled—it’s about showing leadership, supporting others, and helping build something that lasts.
We thank Rianne and Kylan for their incredible contributions and hope their example inspires the next generation of KVIKS Media members.
Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep leading. Your impact matters—and we see it.
