The Rotary Club of Kona Mauka has presented 16 scholarships totaling $25,400 to graduating seniors and to students working towards their degree at University of Hawaii—West Hawaii Campus. Over the years, the club has established several scholarships as a way to help young adults achieve their academic goals.
Mary Teshima Memorial Scholarship winners were Chase Takaki, $1,000; and Miranda Lugo, $1,000. Teshima’s Restaurant has been the home of The Rotary Club of Kona Mauka for more than 40 years. In honor of Mrs. Teshima’s 100th birthday in 2007, the club set up a perpetual scholarship in her name.
The Valerie Izuno Memorial Scholarship awardee was Rebecca Crabtree, $1,000. “Auntie Val,” as she was known by the students at Konawaena High School, was the vocational counselor at the school for many years. She was an inspiration to her students and worked tirelessly to help students obtain scholarships to further their education.
Wayne Hedemann Memorial Scholarship recepient was Shon Inouye, $2,000, to be distributed over two years. Wayne Hedemann graduated from Kamehameha Schools. He enlisted in the military to serve his country as a helicopter pilot and was tragically killed during the Vietnam War. His father, who was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka, sponsored a scholarship in his name. The club has perpetuated this scholarship, which has been helping students to further their education for more than 40 years.
The Cou Family Scholarship was given to Jennifer Kalili, $2,000, to be distributed over 2 years. This scholarship is supported by Marta Cou to honor her parents and grandparents. Her family always told her that education was the opportunity to make better choices in life. Cou’s grandfathers were Rotarians in Cuba and she supports Rotary’s dedication and commitment to the community.
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation scholarship was awarded to Olivia Maigret, $10,000. The recipients of this scholarship participate in a thorough interview process. A small handful of students from across the state are awarded this generous scholarship, which was originally chartered by Foodland proprietor and Rotarian ‘Sully’ Sullivan. Olivia will be studying diplomacy.
Kona Mauka Rotary Memorial Scholarships
Kona Mauka Rotary invited community members to establish a scholarship to honor a loved one while helping a student achieve their academic goals. This year, a local business created a scholarship and anonymous donors contributed. The club matched the donations dollar-to-dollar.
America’s Mattress Golden Scholarship $500; Jay Kopelman and Sherry Bracken, $1,000; and Richard and Lorraine Meitzner, $400; went to Chenoa Jesser, a journalism student.
Edith Crisp Memorial Scholarship, $1,000, was given to Kellen Lambert, who will study elementary education.
The Jean Holmquist Memorial Scholarship, $1,000, went to Kristen Hiromasa who is studying exercise science.
Carol Lu Rapp Memorial Scholarship, $1,000, was given to Sarah Pike, a business major.
The Hazel Fessler Memorial Scholarship, $1,000, was awarded to Tayana Cardoza, veterinary assistant student.
Cynthia Irons Nursing Scholarship, $500, went to Savannah Udac, nursing.
Susan Sayre and Isabella Mustard Memorial Scholarship, $500, was awarded to Elijah Gladstone in television production.
Ruth MacKay Memorial Scholarship, $500, was given to Caryn Masutomim, a second-year nursing student at UH-West Hawaii.
Jacqueline Sanders was awarded the Gerald Scoville Sr. Memorial Scholarship for $500.
Scholarships to students at the UH-West Hawaii Campus were the Kona Mauka Rotary’s Career Technical Scholarship, $500, given to Yarden Davis, nursing, and $500 to Samantha Madsen, a culinary student.