LIHU’E – The COVID-19 health crisis has created an unprecedented challenge for all businesses and families on Kaua’i. The Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing vital resources to its members and the community at large through whatever means possible.
Each year, the Chamber offers college scholarships for graduating seniors, which are funded primarily from our annual golf tournament. It is through this program that we hope to inspire and support a new generation of business leaders for our island. Because of COVID-19, the golf tournament had to be postponed, leaving us without funds for our 2020 scholarship program. Our Chamber board and staff felt it was important to support the class of 2020 regardless. Through the generosity of Aqua Engineers, Inc., Corteva Agriscience and Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative, we have established a scholarship fund for 2020.
This year, the Chamber selected nine scholarship winners and honored them during a virtual presentation. Each scholar received $1000. They were:
Angeline Bangkirig of Kaua’i High School. Angeline is the daughter of Andres Jr and Evangeline Bangkirig of Lihu’e. She will be attending Kaua’i Community College.
Natalie Claytor of Kaua’i High School. Natalie is the daughter of Donovan and Alicia Claytor of Kalaheo. She will be attending the Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California.
Rachel Dressler of Kaua’i High School. Rachel is the daughter of Larry and Michelle Dressler of Lihu’e. Rachel will be attending the University of Portland, in Portland, Oregon.
Kaden Keep of Kaua’i High School. Kaden is the son of Dale and Genevieve Keep of Kalaheo. He will be attending Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah.
Marissa Layosa of Kaua’i High School. Marissa is the daughter of Michael and Ranee Layosa of Lihue. She will be attending Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.
Sydney Maczka of Kapa’a High School. Sydney is the daughter of Derek and Jenifer Maczka of Princeville. She will be attending Cal Poly, in San Luis Obispo, California.
Eryka Napoleon of Kaua’i High School. Eryka is the daughter of Eric and Tammie Napoleon of Lihu’e. She will be attending George Fox University, in Newberg, Oregon.
Kaila Pia of Kapa’a High School. Kaila is the daughter of George and Laureen Pia of Anahola. She will be attending the University of Nevada Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
James Pratt of Island School. James is the son of Sam and Robin Pratt of Lihue. He will be attending Santa Clara University, in Santa Clara, California.
“This year’s awardees inspire hope for the future of our island, state and nation.” said Mark Perriello, President & CEO at the Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce. “These recipients have already proven their ability to excel in life and in the classroom. The Chamber is proud to invest in the education of these rising young stars and believes that each of our 2020 awardees will make valuable contributions to our society throughout their lives and careers.”
On behalf of the Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce, we would like to extend our congratulations and well wishes to the courageous and resilient class of 2020!
