The Kona chapter of American Association of University Women has awarded its 2017 scholarships to three women from West Hawaii schools. Each will receive $2,000 to assist with future educational goals.
Neena Charles, from Mauka Lani Christian Academy, will attend Brigham Young University to study biology. She plans to become a pediatrician and to move back to Hawaii to start a family clinic. She was salutatorian of her class, member of the student council, played soccer and volleyball and was team captain. She is a church leader, was a stage manager in school productions, and an active volunteer at community events. She learned the “value of hard work” by cleaning the school campus regularly with her entire family to assist with school tuition. She is described as “a gifted leader who brings joy wherever she goes.”
Chloe Gan, from Ka’u High School, loves science and will study mechanical engineering at University of Portland. She was top of her class, won Best in Engineering/Environmental Science at Hawaii District Science Fair, earned the Veteran Legislator of the Year award in youth and government, is a member of the National Honor Society, a youth mentor, and helped organize a community event that showcased local youth talent. She is described as “one of the most intellectual, sincere, and dedicated students” and also is very involved in social justice issues, participated in 4H and was captain of the cross country team. She hopes to return to Ka’u and help empower youth and to improve the lives of the people around her.
Komela McAuliffe, from Honokaa High School, has a passion for working with children and will attend Lewis and Clark university, and study elementary education. She is at the top of her class, is described as “a natural leader,” is a member of the National Honor Society and the Science Club. She was president of her senior class, as well as a youth soccer coach, and was an excellent tutor/ mentor for younger students resulting in her getting hired. During a challenging time, her teachers were her family away from home and she wants to give back to youth.