LIHUE — The five Rotary clubs on Kauai have announced recipients of the 2020 Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) Scholarships. Each student receives $5,000 to attend an accredited four year college or university in the United States.
The clubs, students, and fields of study are:
• Rotary Club of West Kauai: Leslie Uri, Waimea High School, Nursing at Washington State University
• Rotary Club of Poipu Beach: Macy Melchor, Kauai High School, Nursing at Washington State University
• Rotary Club of Kauai: Destrey Shibuya, Kauai High School, Electrical Engineering at College of Wooster
• Rotary Club of Kapaa: Kasiah Vercelli, Kapaa High School, Religion and Ancient Civilizations at Agnes Scott College
• Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay: Lana Ersoy, Kapaa High School, Biology at University of Southern California
“We are so happy to support these students to continue their education,” said Ray Paler, Trustee of the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation. “We are extremely excited to see what they will accomplish.
Ted Faigle, Assistant Governor for Rotary on Kauai, added, “A key area of service for Rotary clubs is to mentor, assist, and empower young people. These scholarships are one of the many ways that Rotary clubs in Hawaii do that.”
Each year the 52 Rotary clubs across Hawaii select recipients for HRYF scholarships. Scholar-ships awarded across the state this year total more than $270,000.
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation was created in 1976 by Maurice “Sully” Sullivan, founder of Foodland Supermarkets, when he served as the District Governor for Rotary in Hawaii. It was his desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates to realize their potential by attending a college of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States.
Since its inception HRYF has granted scholarships across Hawaii totaling almost $7 million. HRYF receives donations from Rotary club members and other community minded people and foundations. Donations can be made at www.hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org.
