LIHUE — In 200 years, nobody will remember his name, or recognize his photograph, said Caitlin Telles. “But the things I leave behind, the lessons I will have taught, will impact the world 200 years from now — even in
LIHUE — In 200 years, nobody will remember his name, or recognize his photograph, said Caitlin Telles.
“But the things I leave behind, the lessons I will have taught, will impact the world 200 years from now — even in the slightest degree, and that is what matters to me,” said the graduating high school senior.
Telles was one of 13 students who received scholarships presented by the Zonta Club of Kauai during a dinner reception Wednesday at the Ho‘okipa Cafe at the Puakea Golf Course.
The scholarships totaled $22,000, the largest amount presented by the Zonta Club of Kauai since the program started 30 years ago.
Telles was the recipient of a $1,500 award from the Mary Thronas Memorial, a fund created by contributions from the Zonta Club of Hanalei, Thronas’ family, and members of the Zonta Club of Kauai.
Long-time Zonta Club member Betty Bell contributed $10,000, which was applied to scholarships, said MaBel Fujiuchi, the evening’s hostess.
Rachel Geringer, a mother who already attained a bachelor of arts degree, received a $2,000 Betty Bell Award for her commitment to become a nurse.
Christina Martiney is a mother working for her degree in horticulture from the Oregon State University. She received a $3,000 Betty Bell award.
Samantha Nichols is ranked No. 1 in her Waimea High School class of 133 students, holding a grade point averge of 4.140. She earned a $2,500 Betty Bell Award for her journey to Knox College.
Erica Owan, graduating from Kauai High School, earned a $2,500 Betty Bell award.
Kasey Emoto, graduating from Kauai High School and ranked No. 1 in a class of 289 students, wants to pursue a career as a dermatologist. Her efforts will be bolstered by a $1,000 award presented in the memory of Bill Akana, the husband of Zonta Club member Marge Akana.
Cailey Caires, heading for the University of Hawaii-Hilo, earned a $1,000 Zonta Club scholarship.
Anaiah Christensen, another Kauai High School senior, plans on attending the Point Loma Nazarene College to pursue a degree in kinesiology. Christensen does after-school volunteer tutoring of Marshallese children, and has done two tours of volunteering at an orphanage in Thailand. She received a $1,000 Zonta scholarship.
Laura Koga, a senior at Kauai High School, will be heading to the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California where she plans to study biology related to health and wellness. She earned a $1,000 Zonta scholarship.
Caitlin Miyahara is heading to Washing State University for study toward becoming a veterinarian. She earned a $1,000 Zonta award.
Maihong Lin, also ranked No. 1 in Kauai High School’s class of 289 students, earned a $2,000 Zonta award toward her goal of attending Bentley University in Boston.
Athena Abadilla, graduating from Waimea High School, received a $2,000 Zonta scholarship.
Sara Morimoto is ranked No. 1 in the Kapaa High School class of 224 students with a GPA of more than 4.149. She earned a $2,000 Zonta award.
Proceeds for the scholarships come from Zonta Club of Kauai fundraising events.
“This has to be one of the most heart-warming moments of the Zonta year,” Fujiuchi said.
