Our
Story
Pencils to People started as a concept in 2022 by a group of six sophomores from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. After plenty of discussion, planning, and research, we were able to be recognized and kick-off the organization during early fall of 2023. We hope to inspire others to help make a positive and impactful change in their communities. Below is a description of our Board members' personal interests and their personal stories which led them on their path to begin this non-profit.
CEO
My name is Joshua DeFries
I am the Chief Executive Officer and a founding member of our Non - Profit Organization Pencils to People. During the time that I spend not working on my non-profit you can often find me playing video games or spending time with my friends and family. I currently go to Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and have been taught my whole life about values of aloha (love and compassion) and hoʻomaikaʻi (gratitude). During my time at Kamehameha I have learned about how lucky I am to go to a school that can provide me with limitless opportunities and resources that allow me to thrive in my classes. Once I realized how important the resources that my school offered to me, were to the quality of my education, I also realized that many other students wouldn’t be able to get the same quality of education as me and I was drawn to find a way to do good in this world. Even if I couldn’t reach the whole world, I hoped that I’d at least be able to make a difference in some of the lives around my community, so this led me on a path, a path that would change my life forever.
COO
My name is Karson Choy
I am the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a founding member of the Non-Profit Organization Pencils to People. I was born and raised in Kailua Oʻahu and love every bit of it. I am currently a high school student at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama and alumnus of Maunawili Elementary. Throughout my life I was taught to always take care of my community because a person is only as strong as his environment and supporters. I once heard the quote “If you wanna go fast, go alone… but if you wanna go far, go together.” Upon hearing this quote, I realized that I should take part in this organization and be more involved in my community. From birth, I was always pushed to play sports like soccer and basketball. However, I ended up playing golf due to its beauty, complexity, and addictive features. From struggling shot after shot, all it takes is one good shot and you stay hooked trying to get that feeling back. My dad calls it “the golf bug” which is one of the many reasons why golf is such a great sport. I’ve learned so many things from playing golf like patience, perseverance, and accountability which made me the person I am today.
CMO
Trevor Tanoura
My name is Trevor Tanoura and I am the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a founding member of the Non-Profit Organization Pencils to People. I was born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Oahu. I am currently a senior, class of 2025, in highschool at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Growing up I have always been a very creative child. Whenever I would be at the park, instead of playing I would be sitting with my parents building structures with sticks or drawing in the dirt. This passion for art gave me opportunities in elementary to submit pieces in many competitions and art galleries. These experiences eventually lead me to the role of CMO. With the ability to learn in a school for Hawaiians and being surrounded by the Hawaiian culture, it really connected me to the land and gave me a responsibility to perpetuate my Hawaiian values of Aloha ʻĀina (Love of the land and its people), Alakaʻi Lawelawe (Servant leadership), and Mālama & Kuleana (Social agency & Community consciousness).
CFO
My name is Cyrus Benner
I am the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a founding member of this Non-Profit Organization Pencils to People. I am currently a senior in High School attending Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Though initially born in Mililani, I've had many different homes across the island of Oʻahu. This has allowed me to experience many different educations and perspectives across the island. My current school has blessed me with such a resource abundant education and that is something I wish for all students. One thing I was always taught was to use the resources I have to the fullest and that anything is possible if you really want it. Since I was young I have always played sports, with this foundation sprouted a desire to constantly improve myself physically and mentally. I can often be observed working out in the gym with my friends, studying in my room alone, or practicing guitar. I have always wanted to make an impact in my community to be able to achieve something more than myself, this project provided that opportunity and for that I am thankful.
CCO
My name is Kaʻihiao Roberts
I am the Chief Commons Officer (CCO) and a founding member of our Non - Profit Organization Pencils to People. For the first couple years of my life I lived in Hawaiʻi Kai before moving to Kailua. Currently I am a senior at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. Growing up I lived in a household that always pushed me to be the best version of myself both academically and physically. With this environment it shaped me into the person I am today. Nowadays some of the things that I enjoy doing are going to the gym and hanging out with friends. One thing that was always made clear to me was that it is a blessing that I go to Kamehameha Schools. Here I am given an array of opportunities and resources that help me become my best self. This is one of the reasons why I took the opportunity to become a part of this organization; to help spread these opportunities throughout the community.
CHRO
My name is Mahonri (Lokene) Talaipa
I am the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and a founding member of our Non-Profit Organization Pencils to People. I currently reside in Hauʻula, Oʻahu and have lived here my whole life. I am currently a senior at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama Campus. I strive to make my community a better place and with my current knowledge I think that is definitely achievable. This non-profit has provided me the opportunity to make a positive impact and take the initiative for the betterment of my community and for that I am thankful.
CSO
My name is Trenston Ricks
I am the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of our Non-Profit Organization Pencils to People. I was born in Waipahu and I currently reside in Āliamanu. As a senior at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, I have learned a variety of unique academic skills and gained valuable insights into my culture as a native Hawaiian. Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed by being able to attend schools that further my Hawaiian identity. The values that I’ve gained have driven me to make an effort to give back to the community that made me who I am. If, through all of my efforts, I can change one student’s life for the better, then I will have successfully fulfilled my role as CSO of Pencils to People. Every new day is a step towards that goal, and I am committed to approaching each day with intention and dedication to that vision. A single positive impact can ripple through our community, and I intend not only to create that ripple but to push and support others to create their ripples, building a wave of change that can uplift and strengthen our community for generations to come.