Earlier this month, members of the Navy League of the United States, Kauai Council, presented scholarships to three high school seniors at a dinner at Kaua‘i Community College. The seniors are winners of the annual essay contest, Navy League of
Earlier this month, members of the Navy League of the United States, Kauai Council, presented scholarships to three high school seniors at a dinner at Kaua‘i Community College.
The seniors are winners of the annual essay contest, Navy League of the United States, Kauai Council officials said in a press release.
The title of the essay contest this year was “What Makes a Marine a Marine?” The winner was Christopher Aguilar, a Waimea High School senior and son of Victor and Priscilla Aguilar of Kalaheo.
Not only is Christopher Aguilar a scholar, he is an athlete, a member of the JROTC program, and president of the student body.
He has been accepted to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, and is the first winner of the contest to choose the military for his future. He received a $1,500 award.
Second place went to Chelsie- Jean Fernandez, a senior at Waimea High School and daughter of Ross and Faye Fernandez of Kekaha.
Chelsie-Jean Fernandez will be attending the University of San Francisco, and will study communications and journalism. She aspires to be the editor of The New York Times. She received a $1,000 award.
In third place was Frank Speetjens III, a Kaua‘i High School senior and son of John and Melissa Speetjens of Lihu‘e.
Frank Speetjens III is a member of the Kaua‘i High track and field team, and received a check for $500.
As an added bonus, members of the United States Marine Corps League, represented by First Sgt. J.Q. Smith (ret.) and Master Sgt. Gene Bullock (ret.), presented the winners with additional awards.
Christopher Aguilar received $500, and Chelsie-Jean Fernandez and Frank Speetjens III received $250 each. All were also awarded certificates of achievement.
Navy League of the United States, Kauai Council President Albert Moe, a retired U.S. Navy commander, presented a $250 check to instructors of the KCC culinary-arts program, in appreciation for the banquet the students prepared.
