Lopez scholarship winner changes plans but keeps scholarship

By Mary Bywater Cross with Gretchen Wing

“Change” is the word to describe the career path of Kai DiBona, a 2021 award recipient of the Lopez Island Community Scholarship Foundation. Originally, Kai began her educational path with a goal of attending Western Washington University for a four-year accounting degree. Kai’s scholarship application was strengthened by the letter of support from Katie Fleming of San Juan County Environmental Stewardship Department which acknowledged Kai’s “enthusiasm for acquiring new information, participating in new experiences and applying your learning to real world situations, making a difference.”

Leaving the supportive island environment and opportunities, however, and moving into the larger world left Kai confused and frustrated. After two years at Western, she was able to take a break, doing a lot of hiking and reviving to her handicraft hobbies of knitting and crocheting. Kai says moving her body and working with her hands helped her to realize her love of building a career using her hands creatively. With her mom’s support and encouragement, she enrolled in the Evergreen Beauty College.

Given this sharp shift in career plans, Kai was concerned the LICSF might not wish to support her financially. In the summer of 2024, Kai submitted a letter expressing her appreciation for LICSF support and wondering if the Board would still back her. Board member Debby Hatch investigated Evergreen Beauty College’s mission learning that “Each member of the Trieu family (owners of EBC) cares deeply about the lives of their students. This same sense of care is infused throughout every aspect of the Evergreen culture. And it’s a difference you’ll feel.”

For Kai, this difference matters, because of the Asian heritage she shares with the Trieus. One-year-old Kai had been brought to Lopez from China in 2004 by Patt Moore and Alan DiBona. Attending this beauty college owned and operated by Asians allows Kai to be the type of hairstylist she never found on Lopez. “Growing up, it was difficult for me to find a person to cut my hair the way I wanted,” she said. “One of my goals is to be able to learn as much as I can about other hair types so I can service all different hair types and people.”

Not only did the LICSF Board enthusiastically approve Kai’s new direction in attending this award-winning certified program, but its members are also extremely pleased to support the personal growth and change this young woman has undertaken.

Caption for photo: Kai at work, with fellow beauty college student Janise Rands