School Briefs 3-28

SAT/PSAT prep class offered at Kealakehe

Test Prep Hawaii’s SAT/PSAT class will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 6 and 7 at Kealakehe High School.

The $70 tuition includes all test materials and books, and is open to all students from grades 9 through 12, including home-schoolers.

HCFCU scholarship deadline is April 9

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors on the Island of Hawaii.

The credit union will award five $2,500 scholarships to seniors headed on to institutions of higher learning. Four of the scholarships will be awarded to students based on need, academic achievement, career goals, and extracurricular activities. The John Y. Iwane scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who meets these criteria and plans to enter an agriculture-related field of study. The HCFCU has offered scholarships to students in their communities for more than 25 years.

Apply at hicommfcu.com. Applications are also available at island high schools, any HCFCU branch and the student credit unions at Kealakehe, Konawaena and Kohala high schools. Applications must be received by April 9.

Native Hawaiian scholarship program receives grant

The University of Hawaii Maui College announced an Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant of $430,000 to Liko Ae Native Hawaiian Scholarship Program. This award will provide Hawaiian students with financial aid for the 2012-13 academic year.

The focus of the grant is on nontraditional students attending accredited universities and colleges nationwide and identified vocational schools in Hawaii. Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $5,000 for the school year.

Eligible students can begin applying for the scholarships March 26. The deadline is May 1. The application and application requirements can be found at likoae.org.

For additional information about this program, see the website or call the office at 984-3630.

North Hawaii Rotary offering vocational scholarships

The Rotary Club of North Hawaii is offering vocational scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Vocational education includes programs in specific areas of employment such as fields of technology, health sciences, diversified agriculture, education, culinary arts, cosmetology and automotive repair. Applicants must be accepted into a community college or a certificate program at a vocational training center within Hawaii. Exceptions for non-traditional vocational programs will be considered.

Applications are available through school counselors at Honokaa, Kanu O Ka Aina, HPA, Parker and Kohala high schools as well as through the Rotary Club of North Hawaii. Home-schooled students or individuals with a high school diploma or GED who meet the above criteria may receive an application by calling 885-9214. Applications are also available at north-hawaii-rotary.org.

Applications must be postmarked no later than April 26 and sent to Rotary Club of North Hawaii, c/o Carolyn Quick, P.O. Box 1997, Kamuela, HI 96743.

Kealakehe seeks community members for interview panel

Approximately 250 high school seniors will be interviewed April 11, 12, 25 and 26, in order to meet the requirements to receive a diploma and participate in the graduation ceremony. Kealakehe High School invites the community to assist by joining an interview panel. Each panel meets for 90 minutes and is responsible for interviewing up to three students.

Students seeking a “recognition diploma” must also complete a senior project. Panel members are needed for the interview portion of this endeavor, as well. Approximately 20 students will participate and these interviews will be held May 2. In addition to the 90-minute time commitment, panel members will be required to review the student’s proposal and research paper prior to the interview.

Contact Connie Simon at connie_simon@notes.k12.hi.us or 327-4300, ext. 2436 to get additional information and to volunteer.

Kealakehe’s Project Grad early registration ends March 31

High school seniors have until March 31 to sign up for Kealakehe’s Project Grad and take advantage of the early registration fee. Beginning April 1, the fee increases from $40 to $60. Sign up via PayPal. Visit khsprojectgrad.com.

Parent volunteers are needed to help with this year’s all-night graduation celebration. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the library workroom. Parents of underclassmen are encouraged to participate. Contact Monica Balanay at 896-1866 or Jeannie Kutsunai.

Kealakehe Project Grad is also looking for volunteers to help with the run-course portion of Lavaman Waikoloa from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 1. Contact Balanay to help with this fundraising effort. Participants receive a free T-shirt and lunch.

Parker School raises $175,000 at fundraiser

Parker School held its 7th annual fundraiser gala, Kahiau, on March 10. The dinner and auction event took place at the Fairmont Orchid and raised more than $175,000 for the school’s financial aid program. This year’s Kahiau also boasted the largest attendance so far. Parker School wishes to thank the many sponsors, donors and volunteers who helped make the event a success.

For more information, visit parkerschool.net.

Scholarship applications due April 18

The Kona Business and Professional Women will be awarding one $1,000 scholarship to an eligible Kona area woman, 21 or older, who wishes to pursue further educational studies, career advancement opportunities or promote the growth of her own business.

The organization is also awarding four $1,000 scholarships to eligible Kona area high school seniors who are planning to enroll in either a four-year college or university program this fall.

Applications must be submitted to Mary Reynolds, scholarship chair, by April 18. Applicant interviews will be scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 6 at the Kona Elks Lodge.

Applications may be obtained from a high school counselor or by calling Reynolds at 334-0077.