October Makana Pono Spotlight: Cherish Aquino

Accounts payable specialist and working mother Cherish has been at Islands Hospice for nearly five years, where she works with business vendors, patients and families on financial matters, ensures billing is completed in a timely manner and assists with other non-clinical operations. However, she admits it can be a challenge to juggle work and raising a family.

 Cherish had one wish for her eight-year-old daughter, Caydence: to give her the opportunity to have an amazing education at a school like Iolani.

“When we thought our chances were slim to none, the wonderful administration at Iolani School found a way. I chose Iolani because of their astonishing scholarship opportunities and generosity to grant families like mine a chance to pursue a quality education for my children,” she said.

She is grateful to Iolani for providing Caydence with the education and support to help her succeed. As this month’s Makana Pono recipient, Cherish has chosen to direct her $5,000 donation to the school that gave her daughter so much.

“My husband and I can see that Iolani is providing the tools to help encourage and strengthen our daughter’s passions and skills. Since being a part of the ‘Iolani Ohana, her character has illuminated more of her creativity, compassion, perseverance, courage and altruistic spirit through everything she does in and out of school,” she said. “There are many wonderful schools in Hawaii, but I am honored to give back to Iolani School because of the impact and opportunity they gave my children.”

Cherish volunteers for lunch duty, class field trips and class events at Iolani, and is also involved with the Wounded Warrior Project. She encourages her colleagues to get involved in causes they are passionate about. “No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone,” she said. “Pay it forward.”