Scholarship Programs

Scholarships & The Lahainaluna High School Foundation

When the Foundation was created it was not predicted that scholarships would become a very important and large part of the Foundation’s activities, but they are now. Early on, the Foundation received a large anonymous donation designated specifically to scholarship endowment funds for the purpose of offering scholarships to graduating students.

Lahainaluna High School Foundation Scholarship Program In Its 12th Year

May 2013 - The Lahainaluna High School Foundation’s Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce another record-setting year in scholarship awards for the Class of 2013, along with several renewals for previous recipients. The Foundation began their scholarship program in 2002 with six scholarships totaling $6,200. In 2013 the awards have increased to 47 students awards, totaling $135,000!. The remarkable success of this LHSF program is due in large part to Andy Kutsunai, the scholarship committee chair for the previous 10 years! He said it best... "The community really makes a difference! Businesses and individuals want to make an impact and they see our youth as a means to this end. We at the Foundation are very appreciative to the many partners we have involved in this scholarship program.”

Lahainaluna High School hosted the 2013 Scholarship Awards Program on May 8th in the new cafeteria, Hale Pa'ina. LHSF participated by awarding the following scholarships:

(Photos courtesy Jon Shigaki)

Making their debut this year was The Masters at Kaanapali Hillside - Blaze Kalilikane Memorial Scholarship. Blaze was a LHS grad, and employee of The Masters who was killed in an auto accident on December 19, 2012. Lois & Roger Ross presented the 1st year scholarship to Jade Chihara. Jade has been accepted at Smith College, she plans to enroll in a liberal arts program. Also pictured is Blaze's sister, Brittany.

 The second scholarship in its debut year was the Krause Chiropractic Scholarship, which was awarded to Hope Morikawa. Hope was unable to attend. Dr. Krause presented.

The third debut scholarship was the Sgt. James S. Kusuda Memorial Scholarship which was awarded to Robert Griffith. Robert has been accepted at Colorado State University and plans to major in sociology. Sgt. Kusuda was a police officer for 33 years. He was a boarder at Lahainaluna since the 6th grade when the school was known as Lahainaluna Seminary. He graduated in 1926. Presenting the award is Sgt. Kusuda's daughter and donor, May Fujiwara.

                                           

The Front Street Scholarship was back for its second year and was awarded to Chelsey Erickson-Vierra. Chelsey has been accepted at University of Hawaii Hilo and Maui Campuses. She plans to pursue studies in a medical field. The Front Street Scholarship provides a renewable scholarship of up to $35,000 a year. Pictured (L to R), presenter Leslie Hiraga, Chelsey Erickson-Vierra, Louise Abihai, Lana Vierra and Alvin Vierra.

Last year's recipient, Jeremy Briones de Gracia, received a renewal for his scholarship.


The Hotta Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Gaylord Garcia. Gaylord has been accepted at Brandeis University, American University and the University of Hawaii. He wants to pursue a career in medicine. Presenting the award was Kazuichi Hamasaki.

The Class of 1956 Scholarship is presented to Reilly Pasion. Reilly plans a major in secondary education at Colorado State University or the University of Colorado. LHSF Board President Mark Tillman presented.


The Boss Frog's Dive and Surf Scholarship is awarded to Ezra Baccar. Ezra has been accepted at the University of Rochester where she will pursue study in a medical field. Presenting the award is Jeff Rogers.

The Fred Izumi Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Bailey Pendergast. Bailey has been accepted at the University of Maryland, Villanova University and State University of New York at Cortland. Bailey in interested in the field of criminology. LHSF Board member Rob Shelton presented.

The Tadashi Sato Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Eryn Pendergast.

Eryn will be attending Syracuse University.


The Central Pacific Bank Scholarship is awarded to Jeannie Ramelb. Jeannie plans to enroll at the University of Hawaii, Manoa campus where she plans major in mathematics. Presenting the award is Lahaina Branch Manager, Issac Parilla.


The H&K Takenaga Legacy Scholarship is awarded to Marella Galace. Marella has been accepted at the Univerity of Hawaii at Manoa and UH-Maui College. She plans to pursue study in nursing. Presenting the award was LHSF Board member, Betty Sakamoto.


The Lilly Nagaoka Takenaga Scholarship was awarded to Leslie Garo (L)

The Illocandia Scholarship was awarded to Abigail Haduca (R). Abigail has been accepted at the Univerisity of Nevada at Reno where she plans to study oncologic nursing.  LHSF Board member and Boarding Dept. staff, Susan Yap presented.


                                

Leilani’s Restaurant on the Beach is pleased to award a scholarship to Ryan Ragudo (2nd from left). Ryan plans to pursue a study in business at either Santa Barbara City College or the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Presenting was Jason Donez.

Kimo’s Restaurant Scholarship is presented to Aja Toscano (4th). Aja plans to major in communication at one of the four universities where she has gained acceptance. Presenting was Chris Almeroth.

Duke’s Restaurant Scolarship is awarded to Julian Bel-Robert (5th). Julian has been accepted at UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Washington and Pepperdine University. He plans pursue study in business. Presenting the Duke's award was Sean Helliar.

Hula Grill Restaurant presents a T.S. Restaurant Scholarship to Bridget Joy. Bridget has been accepted at Chaminade University. She plans major in business. Peresenting was Wil Noye (R). (Bridget was unavailable)


The Maureen S. Ariyoshi Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Andrew-Ray Espiritu. Andrew-Ray has been accepted at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas where he will pursue a degree in hospitality management. Reed Ariyoshi presented.

                                                                                    

The Ka Ipukukui Scholarship is awarded to Rhys Lendio. The scholarship is made available from funds donated by former Lahainaluna High School Principal Mike Nakano. Rhys plans to pursue a major in communications and journalism at one of the four institutions where he has gained acceptance. Board member Lester Nakamoto presented.

The Roy and Betty Sakamoto Scholarship is awarded to Makenna Stockham. Makenna plans to enroll at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she will pursue studies in global security and intelligence. LHS Alum Roy Sakamoto (R) and LHSF Board member Betty Sakamoto (L) presented.

The Sakamotos announced scholarship renewals for Leilani Miranda and Lewilyn Gutierrez, Lahainaluna High School granduates who were previous recipients of the Roy and Betty Sakamoto Scholarship.

 The RVN Restaurant Scholarship is awarded to Kanoelani Delatori. Kanoelani has been accepted at the University of Hawaii Hilo and Chaminade University. She plans to pursue her interest in the medical field. LHSF Board member Lester Nakamoto presented.

                                  

The Lahainaluna High School Foundation was pleased to award its AOHT Scholarship to Leslie Mina. Leslie has been accepted at four universities located in Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii. She plans to major in engineering.

The LHSF also presented scholarship awards to the following: Paige Cajudoy. Paige has been accepted at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She plans to major in pharmacy,

Jessica Wallace. Jessica plans to major in business administration at Pacific Lutheran University,

Vincent Magno. Vincent has been accepted at the University of Washinton, the University of California at Davis an University of Portland. He plans to pursue study in medicine.

Jeff Rogers presented.

The Lahainaluna Boarder’s Association is pleased to present the Boarder’s Association Scholarship to Jessica Wallace. Jessica plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University with a major in business administration. LHSF Board Vice-President and LHS Boarder's Association President Craig Murakami presented.

The Territorial Savings Bank Scholarship is awarded to Kayshya Saribay. Kayshya plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she hopes to study nursing.

The Valley Isle Federal Credit Union Scholarship is awarded to Mark Alamon. Mark plans to enroll at either Oregon State University, Western Oregon University or Willamette University, where he will pursue studies in technology. LHS alum and LHSF Board member Noosh Nishihara presented.

The West Maui Veterans Club Scholarship is awarded to Lakeisha Ching. Lakeisha is interested in studying astronomy at one of the four institutions where she has been accepted. Thomas Kunishige presented.

The Steven Strong, MD. Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Jenina Pascua. Jenina plans to pursue study in pediatric oncology. LHSF Board vice-president presented.

                               

The West Maui Federal Credit Union awards 5 scholarships, each valued at $1,000 to the following students: Esther Arvizu, Makana Kaaikala-Caban, Ivy Tejada, Vincent Sarian and Amanda Matsuda. Thomas Kunishige (L) and Arthur Tabano (R) presented.

The Alredo Fred Sarian Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Kekukuulani Haake. Ms. Haake has been accepted at North Idaho College, Northeastern Junior College, and University of Hawaii- Maui campus.  Kekukuulani was unable to attend. Rob Shelton presented.

The Makana Aloha Foundation Scholarship is awarded to Haley Robb. Presenting are Gunars & JoRene Valkirs. 


Receiving scholarship renewals were Joshua Gaastra and Emma Baccar.

                           

The S & T Ichiki Scholarship is awarded to Junna Gazman (3rd from left). Junna is interested in business and finance. She has been accepted at the University of Portland, Azusa Pacific University and Pacific University. The S&T Ichiki Scholarship is a renewable scholarship.

Also pictured is the mother (L) of An & Jing Hua, who are both being renewed, as well as Cheyenne Baltonado (2nd). Each will receive $5,000. Geral Ichiki presented.

                                                           

  

 

 2012 Scholarship awards

The Alfredo Fred Sarian Agricultural Memorial scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Starlyne Abut. Starlyne plans to attend the University of Hawaii Maui College where she will work towards becoming a veterinarian. LHSF Vice President & Secretary, Nancy Cross presented.

The Bank of Hawaii Lahaina scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Mr. Mikah Franz. Mikah plans to attend either the University of University of Washington or Washington State University and major in business administration. Ann Neizman, Vice President and Lahaina Branch Manager presented.

   

The Boss Frog’s Dive & Surf scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Mr. Elliott Smith. Elliott plans to attend the Oregon State University and study electrical engineering. LHSF board member, Susan Yap presented.

  

The Breana Polynesian Clothing & Gifts scholarship for $500 is awarded to Ms. Loa Uehara. Loa plans to attend Columbia University and study business with a concentration on Global or International Business. Store proprietor, Dianna Wallace presented.

 The Central Pacific Bank Lahaina Branch scholarship for $1000 is awarded to Miss Jasmine Domingo. Jasmine will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is interested in aviation administration. Issac Pena-Parilla, Lahaina Branch Manager presented.

The Fred Izumi ’52 Legacy scholarship for $2,000 is awarded to Miss Ashley Magno. Ashley will be attending University of Washington and is interested in becoming a pediatrician. LHSF board member, Mark Tillman presented.

  

The Fumio (Humong) & Kiku Nishimoto Memorial scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Amanda Murphy. Amanda plans to attend either Northern Arizona University or Boise State University in order to become a nurse. Rob Shelton, LHSF Board President presented.

The H & K Takenaga Legacy scholarship for $1,500 is awarded to Ms. Kiana Yamat. Kiana plans to attend University of California-San Diego and to pursue higher education in engineering. LHSF Deputy Executive Director, Matt Erickson presented.

 The Ilocandia scholarship for $500 is awarded to Mr Marcus Badua. Marcus plans to attend University of Hawaii at Hilo to heavily delve into mathematics. Rob Shelton presented.

  

The ‘Imi Na ‘auao scholarship for $500 is awarded to Mr Jimlord Tagayuma. Jimlord will attend University of Hawaii Maui College. He will be studying to become an architect. LHSF Scholarship Committee Chair, Andrew Kutsunai presented.

  The Ka’anapali Land Management scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Kiara Galicinao. Kiara plans to attend the University of Oregon and will major in architecture. Kathleen Giambalvo presented.

  

The Lahainaluna Boarders’ Association scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Kanoelani Dodd. Kanoelani plans to attend the University of Alaska Southeast at Juneau and will study criminal justice. LHSF board member and Lahainaluna Boarders' Association President Craig Murakami presented.

The LHS Class of 1956 scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Mr. Arik Dutcher. Arik is planning to attend Brown University and study neuroscience. Class of 1956 representative Alex Ross presented.

  

 

The Lahainaluna High School Foundation Endowed scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Aida Lyne Taylan (center). Aida will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College and plans to major in nursing.
The Lahainaluna High School Foundation Endowed AOHT scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Takavaha Taufa (left). Takavaha plans to attend University of Hawaii Maui College and major in travel management. Matt Erickson presented.

 The Lillian & Robert Wright Memorial scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Jinky Ramos Aguiran. Jinky plans to attend the University of Washington Bothell and is interested in pediatrics. Nancy Cross presented.

The Maui Jazz Festival scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Janeen Higuchi. Janeen plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to dual major Music Education and Music Performance. Penny Wakida, Scholarship Committee Member presented.

 The Maureen Setsuko Ariyoshi Memorial scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Loa Uehara. Loa plans to attend Columbia University and study business with a concentration on Global or International Business. Henry & Reed Ariyoshi presented.

The Michael M. Nakano scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Jasmine Garde. Jasmine plans to attend San Diego State University and study nursing. LHS Vice Principal Keola Rogat presented.

The recipient of the Roy & Betty Sakamoto 2012 scholarship for $1,500 is awarded to Miss Leilani Santos Miranda. Leilani plans to attend the University of Portland where she will study communications. Roy & Betty Sakamoto presented.

Lewilyn Gutierrez, last year's recipient, received a scholarship renewal. She is continuing to studey business at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

  The RVN Restaurant scholarship for $500 is awarded to Miss Ruchelle Cabida. Ruchelle will be attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo where her interest is in nursing. LHSF Executive Director Richard "Noosh" Nishihara presented.

  

The Steven R. Strong, MD Memorial scholarship for $2,500 is awarded to Miss Gleylynn Paige Casil. Kaila plans to attend the University of California, San Diego and go into pediatrics. Matt Erickson presented.

 The Territorial Savings scholarship for $750 is awarded to Mr. Alec Wagner. Alec plans to attend St. Mary’s College of California to study biology with a concentration in molecular biology. Noosh Nishihara presented.

  

The TS Restaurants Leilani’s on the Beach & Kimo’s scholarships each for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Kailani Amine. Kailani will be attending San Diego State University and is majoring in business with a minor in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

The TS Restaurant Hula Grill and Duke’s on the Beach scholarships each for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Annie Faith Ruiz. Annie plans to attend the University of Hawaii Maui College and study culinary arts. Jason Donez & Orrin Cross presented.

 
The Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union scholarship for $500 is awarded to Mr. Michael-Bodean Bates. Michael-Bodean is attending the University of Oregon. He is interested in criminal justice and law. Matt Erickson presented.

 
The West Maui Veterans’ Club scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Mr. Tyler Okimoto. Tyler will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College where he plans to study marine biology. Thomas Kunishige presented.

  

 

The first West Side Friends for Higher Education scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Kelcie Naleieha (L). Kelcie plans to attend the University of Oregon and study medicine or criminal justice.

The second West Side Friends for Higher Education scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Aleia Natividad (R). Aleia plans to attend Willamette University to become an English teacher. Susan Yap presented. 

 
The West Maui Community Federal Credit Union is happy to again award (5) five $1,000 scholarships. This year’s recipients are:
• Miss Kailani Amine. She plans to attend San Diego University and study business.
• Miss Kiara Galicinao. She will attend University of Oregon and study architecture.
• Miss Janeen Higuchi. She will attend University of Hawaii at Manoa and study music.
• Mr. McNiel Magdaong. He will attend Long Beach City College and study engineering.
• Miss Erin Sana. She will attend Western Oregon University and study Elementary Education.

Thomas Kunishige & Arthur Tabanao presented.

The Tadashi Sato Memorial scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Miss Holland vanHemert. Holland plans to attend the Northern Arizona University and study art. Mark Tillman presented.

  The 2012 Makana Aloha Foundation scholarship for $5,000 is awarded to Mr. Joshua Gaastra. Joshua plans to attend University of California San Diego and study biotechnology and computer engineering.

We are proud to announce that the first scholarship recipient, Emna Baccar, is doing great in her studies in medicine at Geaorgetown University. Her scholastic excellence compelled th Makana Aloha Foundation to renew her $5,000 award for the fall semester. JoRene & Gunars Valkirs and Jami Burks presented.


The Shigeru & Toyoko Ichiki Endowed scholarship for $6,000 is awarded to Miss Cheyenne Baltonado. Cheyenne plans to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where she will study aerospace engineering. Geral Ichiki presented.

The 2nd year Shigeru & Toyoko Ichiki Endowed scholarship for $6,000 is awarded to Miss An Hua. An is still attending the University of Minnesota studying geology.

The 3rd year Shigeru & Toyoko Ichiki Endowed scholarship for $6,000 is awarded to Miss Jing Hua. Jing will continue to attend the University of California Davis where she is studying bioenergy & biofuel.

The 4th year Shigeru & Toyoko Ichiki Endowed scholarship for $6,000 is awarded to Miss Elizabeth Lagbas. Elizabeth will continue to attend the University of Washington where she is studying engineering.

The Kumagai Teachers’ scholarship for $1,000 is awarded to Ms Shannon Fields. Ms. Fields will work towards national certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Andy Kutsunai presented.

  

The ‘Okage Sama De (I am what I am because of you) Fujii Teachers Recognition award for $1,000 is presented to Senior Class advisor, Anne Goff. Wallace & Mrs. Fujii presented.

  

 Congratulations to all award recipients!  May your torches never be extinguished as you move forward and continue to grow!

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