The ‘Ohana
Apolonia • Gary • Ligaya • Paraluman • Jade
Apolonia Stice
Apolonia was born in Spreckelsville, Maui and grew up on the island of Lana’i. Upon her graduation from Lana’i High School, she attended the University of Hawai’i and graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Education degree. She joined the Peace Corps in 1963-65 and served in Tacloban, Leyte teaching math education at Leyte Normal School. After leaving the Peace Corps she taught math at Kailua High School and Kalaheo High School where she retired in 1995.
After teaching math at Kalaheo High School for 30 years, Apolonia Agonoy Stice retired and fills her days working with her husband Dr. Gary Stice in their real estate business. She enjoys the challenge of keeping clients happy and working with people. Apolonia serves on the Board of Friends of the East-West Center, The Filipino Association of University Women, and the Kalaheo High School Foundation, as well as actively supporting I’m A Bright Kid Foundation and other theatrical productions involving her daughters and grandchildren.
Gary Stice
Gary Stice, of Glendale, CA, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Stanford University. In 1966, he earned a PhD in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawaiʻi as an East-West Center grantee. Soon after, Gary worked as an Associate Researcher at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics before becoming a Windward Community College Professor from 1972-1992. As a professor of Geology & Oceanography, Gary has pursued studies of Pacific island volcanoes & coral reefs. He has developed several field study courses for individual Hawai’i Islands in Geology & Oceanography. A Professor Emeritus in Geology & Oceanography, he has continued to be involved in research and teaching at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.
The ’Ohana
In 1966, Gary and Apolonia married in Samoa, then returned home to share their knowledge and aloha with Hawaiʻi.
As the Stice ʻOhana grew, so did the reach of their mission. Gary and Apolonia have three daughters: Ligaya, Paraluman and Jade. They have each established unique ways to support the mission of the non-profit.
Ligaya, the eldest daughter, is a practicing pediatric anesthesiologist in Honolulu. She attended the Boston University Medical School and completed her residency training at the Cornell Medical Center. As a former professional dancer, Ligaya also works as a guest choreographer at the Honolulu Theater for Youth and is on the board for Hawai’i Theater
Paraluman has been an educator for over 30 years, spending most of her career teaching 10-12 grade Chemistry and AP Environmental Science at Punahou School. She completed her BS in Geophysics at the University of Hawaii, Manoa and her MS at Stanford University in Applied Earth Science. At Punahou, she is also the Director of Academy Summer School programs and producer of the annual Variety Show.
Jade is currently the Program Manager for Family Hui Hawaiʻi, an organization that supports families by providing them the education and space to thrive. As a program manager, Jade empowers Hawaiʻi’s families by guiding them through the first few years of parenting. She is also a certified natural childbirth educator and an advocate for women and children’s health and well-being.
Lokomaika’i
The Stice sisters share in their love for the performing arts. Both Jade and Ligaya serve as board members and co-founders for the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation. This organization seeks to perpetuate the legacy Ronald E. Bright by supporting performing arts education in Hawaiʻi. Their program includes scholarship support and summer musical theater programs for local youth.
The Gary and Apolonia Stice ʻOhana non-profit organization was created in 2008 based on the family’s shared lifestyle of giving and service.