Maui Fire Destroyed MHS Alum’s Home, But Not His Dreams

The Milton Hershey School family ties do not end at commencement. One recent grad who experienced a devastating life setback shortly after graduation was able to continue on his set path thanks to his resilience and the help of his MHS community.

On June 10, 2023, Inoke Taufa ’23 walked across the stage at GIANT Center to proudly accept his Milton Hershey School diploma. Shortly afterward, he traveled home to Hawaii to spend time with his family before returning to Pennsylvania to continue his education at Millersville University. Two months later, on Aug. 8, Maui wildfires destroyed more than 2,200 structures on the island. It was the fifth deadliest wildland fire in United States history and the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history, according to a blog published by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

That orange and red demon wiped out Inoke’s family home, his village, his island, and nearly stole his dreams. All he had was destroyed in the fire—including his computer, phone, birth certificate, and clothing. As the oldest child in his immediate family, Inoke felt compelled to stay with his mother and four siblings.

Inoke’s other sister, who also was enrolled at MHS, was already back on campus.

MHS Family Gives Hope

Inoke and his family worked hard to get back on their feet again. But his dreams of going to college seemed to go up in flames. What Inoke had not anticipated, however, was the determination of the MHS community to rally in support of him, his family, and his dreams.

When alumni and staff at MHS became aware of Inoke’s situation, they worked feverishly to get him back in time for the start of his freshman year at Millersville.

Many answered the call to help Inoke pursue his goal of continuing his education to build a life for himself and his family back home.

“The Milton Hershey School family was eager to rally around Inoke to provide for his needs during this challenge,” said Lorraine (Hissick) Romberger ’83, MHS director of alumni relations.

Inoke returned to Hershey with a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and a couple of other items. Unsure of what lay ahead, Inoke also began to understand he would not have to pursue his dream alone.

“MHS staff, the Dearden Foundation, and the MHS Alumni Association organized to support Inoke with transportation, clothing, food, and college supplies,” Romberger said.

Inoke came to MHS in eighth grade. During his time at the school, he always seemed to have a smile on his face. He has a personality that tends to make others around him feel happy. That personality allowed Inoke to make connections that would last much longer than he could have imagined. Compassionate members of the MHS community gave him everything he would need to start his college career.

Grateful for the support of the MHS community, Inoke remained concerned about his family back home. When he talks about that time, Inoke appears to be drifting back in his mind, reliving the nightmare. He said it was tough in the beginning, with the challenges of starting a new school and all the nuances that accompanied the move, including having to replace several legal documents. Being the Spartan he is, Inoke bravely faced each challenge and broke through to continue moving forward. With his freshman year of college complete, he is doing much better now.

“Inoke is a great representation of a Milt with determination, hard work, and strong values,” said Deb Turnpaugh, MHS regional admissions recruiter who has worked closely with Inoke and his family.

Why MHS?

Inoke’s mother learned about MHS from her employer. She investigated several residential schools and ultimately selected MHS.

Following in the footsteps of Inoke and his sister, Felisita Vasquez ’24, are two younger siblings, Salote Vasquez, a rising 10th grader, and Saravia Vasquez, a rising eighth grader, who were enrolled after the fire.

When Inoke arrived for his MHS admissions interview, he saw snow for the first time and learned how to make a snowball. Upon enrollment, Inoke’s first houseparents were MHS alumnus John Kirk ’77 and his wife, Jennifer, at student home Adriatic.

School’s Impact

Inoke said there were many adults at MHS who had a memorable impact on him. He credits them with helping him become the person he is today.

Never asking for anything nor expecting anyone to go out of their way for him, Inoke appreciates the gift of MHS, including the opportunity to accrue Continuing Education Scholarship funds and the gracious support extended to him and his family by the MHS community.

Having witnessed other college students worry about paying back loans and keeping up with paperwork for grants, Inoke realizes he does not have that burden and can focus on his education.

With the support of an MHS education and the MHS community, Inoke can continue striving toward his dreams.

Inoke’s story first appeared in Thy Traditions Dear, a biannual magazine published by MHS Alumni Relations.