HONOLULU — The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. has named four high school seniors from Kauai as recipients of its annual Legacy Scholarship Program.
Mia Ricciardi of Kapaa High School received the Aiko Takitani Outstanding Student Scholarship Award of $10,000, one of the Takitani Foundation’s top two awards. Drewan Pigao from Kauai High School, Leilani Higashi from Waimea High School, and Emily Sullivan from Island School each received $2,000 scholarships as Takitani Scholars selected by their schools.
The students were among 63 recipients, one from each qualifying public and independent school in the state, who received scholarships based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. In total, the foundation awarded $181,000 to students throughout the state in its Legacy Scholarship Program this year.
“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, and knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, the Takitani Foundation chairman of the board. “The Takitanis wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawaii’s outstanding students with support to further their education.”
Ricciardi, the daughter of Stacy and Peter Ricciardi, achieved a distinguished academic record throughout her high school years at Kapaa High School.
She was on the Principal’s List since the 9th grade and has participated in the National Piano Guild since freshman year. Ricciardi is a head tutor in physics, served as vice president of Kapaa’s Interact Club as a senior, and has been a member of the school’s Art and Robotics club. She will attend Chapman University in California this fall.
Pigao, daughter of Dean and Mary Pigao, received her school’s Leadership Award in 11th grade. She has also participated in Kauai High School’s Cheer team since freshman year and has been a team captain for three years.
In addition, she has participated in the school’s Leo Club, and tennis and track and field teams.
Pigao also served as treasurer for the Student Council as a junior and as treasurer for the HOSA club.
Higashi of Waimea High School is the daughter of Blanche Acoba. She has been named to the school’s Honor Roll since freshman year and has also completed her seminary studies.
Higashi has been a member of her school’s JROTC program since the 9th grade and has volunteered in numerous community service activities, including raising money for the Hawaii Foodbank and cleaning up the environment as part of the Adopt a Highway program.
Sullivan received numerous awards for her many academic achievements.
A National Merit semi-finalist, Sullivan was also named an AP Scholar with Distinction and received her school’s AP Biology and Calculus awards as a junior.
The daughter of Traci and Ben Sullivan, she was team captain of Island School’s Mock Trial team, executive president of Student Government, and head of the Model United Nations Club in her senior year.
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