PUHI — Michelle Ayau saw a picture and a story about some girls in the Kaua‘i Community College Nursing program getting scholarships, and never thought that she would one day be a scholarship recipient, let alone a candidate for a
PUHI — Michelle Ayau saw a picture and a story about some girls in the Kaua‘i Community College Nursing program getting scholarships, and never thought that she would one day be a scholarship recipient, let alone a candidate for a nursing degree.
Ayau was a student speaker talking about the difference having a scholarship makes in pursuing post-high-school graduation.
“I almost didn’t come to school because of finances this semester,” said Ayau, a nursing student for the past four years. “I hope to someday inspire other students to pursue their dreams.”
KCC Chancellor Helen Cox thanked the scholarship donors for their contribution towards helping students attain post-high-school education at the annual KCC Scholarship reception geared to honor both scholarship donors, scholarship recipients and student employees.
“About a third of the students at KCC have a financial need,” Cox said. “Without the aid provided by scholarship donors, many of the students would have to give up their dream of a college education.”
Cox said last year, there were 125 students that received financial assistance with some students earning more than one scholarship. KCC scholarships totaled $135,000 and that number made a difference in the lives of its recipients.
“Today we celebrate our community and students,” Cox said. “The students are standing at the doorway to dreaming big and demonstrate the courage and fortitude to take the step towards a better future. Scholarship donors and students together work to make a better community where the future is in their hands.”
Stu Burley, retired from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Mana and recently elected as a Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board member, recognized the donors.
“We all give our blood for the children,” Burley said. “Industry has to realize that the future likes with students and everyone becomes partners in the development of our future generation.”
Charles Devaney, a culinary arts student, said when he arrived at KCC, it was just a stepping stone towards heading to Kapiolani Community College.
“But after I got to know the people here, I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I always wanted to study culinary arts and before coming here, I saved my money to study.”
That hard work went for naught as Devaney was involved in a bicycle accident in which he broke his neck, costing him all the money he had saved up.
“The KCC people helped me with applications that made it possible for me to be here,” Devaney said. “I look forward to being a part of KCC and help where I can. Maybe one day I may be able to set up my own scholarship.”
David McClain, president of the University of Hawai‘i until July 31, 2009, said leadership is evident in the donations the community makes to the students.
He added that he was pleased to hear students talk of giving back.
That quality of giving back also earned Elika Sakazaki the KCC Student Employee of the Year, an award tied in to the scholarship program as one of the ways students get financial aid.
“Elika has a strong work ethic, often volunteering time to get things done without thought of compensation,” read his nomination from the KCC Bookstore where he is employed. “Often, it proves to be his greatest strength and greatest weakness at the same time.”
Sakazaki edged out Crystal Victorino, a clerical student assistant in the Business Office for the honor.
Victorino was described as “not one to sit idly by, she always asked for more duties which personnel from Human Resources gladly gives her and entrusts her with, allowing the staff to work on other assignments.”
For his honor, Sakazaki receives a car care certificate valued at $50, a UH Bookstore certificate valued at $150 and a tuition grant for the Fall semester, which after the slight tuition hike of $79 per credit, amounts to more than $1,000.
He also receives a plaque and the perpetual plaque with his name displayed at his work place for a year.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
