At 6 a.m., while many high school seniors are still getting ready for the day, Kenny Tsuru is already checking business emails, coordinating meetings and planning his next batch of ice cream.
“My day-to-day life can be hectic, but it’s something I’ve learned to manage,” Tsuru said.
The 18-year-old Pearl City High School senior is balancing classes, early college coursework through Leeward Community College, and his ice cream business, . His hard work is paying off, as he’s graduating with both his high school diploma and a certificate of achievement in management from Leeward CC in May.
He also became the youngest entrepreneur to complete ʻĀina to Mākeke, a food business program offered through Leeward CC’s Office of Workforce Development in partnership with Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance and the college’s (WVAPDC), where Tsuru produces his ice cream.
“This moment means so much to me,” Tsuru said. “It represents all the hard work, dedication and commitment I’ve put into my education over the years.”
- Related 糖心Vlog官方 News story: “Teen ice cream entrepreneur chases dreams in Leeward CC food business program, ” February 24, 2026
Overcoming pain
Looking back on his journey, Tsuru says it was hard to imagine these milestones. It wasn’t long ago that he was navigating a new fibromyalgia diagnosis that, at times, left him in too much pain to walk or attend school in person.
“Now, being able to walk across the stage for two graduations this year makes everything feel even more meaningful,” he said.
His determination to succeed shows up in a schedule that rarely slows down. After his busy mornings, Tsuru heads to Pearl City High School for a full day of classes, then spends his evenings doing homework or making ice cream at the WVAPDC commercial kitchens. Despite the demanding pace, Tsuru said the experience helped him discover what he wants for his future.
Giving back
“I love connecting with people, sharing products I’m passionate about, and being able to give back to the community,” Tsuru said.
That purpose drives his work at Kenny Boy Ice Cream. He pledged 10% of 2026 profits to Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi and donated another $5,000 to North Shore communities impacted by recent Kona Low storms.
This fall, Tsuru will continue his education at the University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu, where he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business. He also hopes to put Kenny Boy Ice Cream on retail shelves across Hawaiʻi soon.
“Anything is possible when you take that first step and stay committed,” Tsuru said. “And honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing except maybe eating a little more ice cream along the way.”
—by Devon Bedoya