WAFF awards $25,000 in scholarships

WAIMEA — The Waimea Alumni and Friends Foundation announced the distribution of more than $25,000 in scholarships to 21 Waimea High School graduating seniors.

“All of the 21 recipients worked hard during their four years at Waimea High School, and provided service to their community,” said Russ Hasegawa, spokesman for WAFF. “We mahalo their parents, family, Waimea High School staff, coaches, friends, and community members who provided guidance and support that contributed to the success of these students. The WAFF Board of Directors would like to extend its mahalo and gratitude to all the donors in supporting the WAFF Scholarship Program, and the WAFF Scholarship Committee led by Lynne Tamashiro and Blanche Suga.”

w Kylan Constantino, son of Fernando (WHS Class of 1984) and Frances (WHS Class of 1985), earned the Misae Tokushige Takanishi Memorial Scholarship of $5,000. Kylan plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i, Hilo with a major in Japanese Studies and Computer Science en route to a career as a Japanese language teacher.

“The idea that I am never done improving is my main motivation,” Kylan said.

w Leland Kaohelauli‘i, the son of Winna (WHS c/o 1995) and Carlie (WHS c/o 1997) Kaohelauli‘i of Hanapepe, earned the $500 Scholarship from the Class of 1958, and $500 from two anonymous donors for Technical or Vocational Training. Leland plans to attend Snow College in Ephraim, Utah with a major in Automotive Mechanics, and aspiring to play professional football.

“Playing football taught me how to be a better man in life, and how to work as a team,” Leland said. “Always chase your dreams and never give up on anything.”

w Kealimalu Ka‘awa, the son of Francis and Ranelle (WHS c/o 1996) Ka‘awa, earned the Guillermo &Iggnacia-Estacio scholarship for $1,000 that he will use to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa to major in Natural Resource Management, seeking a career in Forestry Management.

“Natural Resource Management is my passion,” Kealimalu said. “So, I feel choosing this career path won’t ever feel like work — it’s my way of life.”

w Morgan Joy Igaya, the daughter of Marlong Igaya (WHS c/o 1996) and Glenda Tejada of Hanappepe, earned the Takeshi Fujita Society Elementary Education Scholarship for $1,000 that will help her when she attends George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon to major in Kinesiology en route to a career in Physical Therapy.

“Always strive for the best, and never settle for less,” is Morgan’s mantra.

w Kieren Henderson, the daughter of Wesley and Cherisse Henderson, earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. She plans on attending Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona where she plans to major in Business Office Professional to become a Real Estate Agent.

“I have learned we should never take life for granted, even the little things in life means so much,” Kieren said.

w Ashlyn Agena, the daughter of Blaine (WHS c/o 1990) and Ginny Teragawa Agena (WHS c/o 1990) of Hanapepe, was announced the recipient of the Jerry Nishihira Scholarship for $1,000. Ashlyn plans to attend Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado to major in Kinesiology, pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Ashlyn believes that, “with the support of family, friends, and the community, we are able to strive for the impossible, and succeed.”

w Vittorio Altomare, the son of John (WHS c/o 1991) and Narlyn Altomare of Waimea, was announced the recipient of the KF Scholarship for $1,000. Vittorio plans to attend Washington State University in Pullman, Washington to major in Construction Management, pursuing a career with a construction company or architectural firm.

“The best feeling is helping those in need, and I enjoy giving back to the community,” Vittorio said.

w Mason Broyles, son of Curtis (WHS c/o 1980) and Jocelyn Broyles, earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship that he will use when he attends Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, California in pursuit of a career in Business.

Mason believes “Having faith in the Lord and constantly putting in the work can take you wherever you want to go.”

w Braelyn Cayaban, the daughter of Fred (WHS c/o 1984) and Gerogette Galicinao-Cayaban (WHS c/o 1986) is the recipient of the Yugo &Lillian Ishida Health Professions Scholarship for $1,000. She plans to attend Colorado College in Colorado Springs where she signed a Letter of Intent to play basketball while pursuing her career as a Pediatrician. She will be majoring in Molecular Biology/Pre-Med.

“I would like to serve the people of Hawai‘i as a community health leader with pride, leadership, and unity,” Braelyn said.

w Keanu Dotario, son of Stanley (WHS c/o 1984) and Lydia Dotario of Kalaheo earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship that will help him when he attends the Kaua‘i Community College to major in Carpentry, or Maintenance, Electrical/Plumbing, pursuing a career in Construction or Maintenance.

“I enjoy working on cars and building things with wood and other materials,” Keanu said.

w Zsa Zsa DuBose, daughter of Tracy and Lisa DuBose of Kekaha, earned the George &Doris Crowell Memorial Scholarship for $1,000. Zsa Zsa plans to attend Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, majoring in Economics to become a Certified Business Economist.

“I am inspired by economics because it is a broad subject that utilizes deductive reasoning and data analysis to explain society’s actions,” Zsa Zsa said.

w Geon Kittredge, son of Daniel and Desiree (WHS c/o 2001) of Waimea earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. Geon plans to attend the Kaua‘i Community College/Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, majoring in Computer Science. Geon, committing his life to Christianity, said “This baptism is what made me the person I am today, a person who will try his best to complete whatever task he needs to do.”

w Larissa Kobayashi, the daughter of Jon (WHS c/o 1986) and Leila Maeda-Kobayashi of Kalaheo, earned the Jerry Nishihira Scholarship for $1,000. Larissa plans to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, majoring in Biology/Pre-Dental, aspiring to become a dentist.

“My dream is to one day open up my own dental practice on the Westside of Kaua‘i,” Larissa said.

w Tali Moe, the brother of Falefia Moe III (WHS c/o 2005) and Fiana Moe (WHS c/o 2004) of Kalaheo, received a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa and major in Natural Resources Management, while aspiring to play professional football.

“Knowing academically where I was in the past is always a reminder for me to work harder in the classroom,” Tali said. “I am not just a good football player, I am also an academic student athlete.”

w Keppler Niccore, daughter of Ward and Jennifer Niccore of Kalaheo, earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. She plans to attend Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, majoring in Clinical Psychology or Applied Mathematics, pursuing a career as a Family and Child Therapist, or a high school math teacher.

“I strive to bring intentionality into my relationships” is a key aspect of Keppler’s life in the community.

w Cailin Pasion, daughter of Brandon (WHS c/o 1997) and Felilani-Ann Pasion of Kekaha, is recipient of the Daniel Suga Memorial Scholarship for $1,000. Cailin plans to attend Creighton University in Nebraska, majoring in Biology/Pre-Pharmacy, aspiring to become a pharmacist.

“I realize the choices I make become a crucial part of where I end up in the future,” Cailin said.

w Julie Jane Remigio, the daughter of Silverio and Avelina Remigio of Lawai, is the recipient of a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. Julie plans to attend San Jose State University in California, majoring in Animation with aspirations of becoming an animator or storybook artist.

“I realized that going after my passion is more important than hiding fear,” Julie Jane said.

w David Rickards, son of Lindsey and Jill Rickards of Kekaha, earned the Kaoru &Kikumi (Nakaue) Fujita Scholarship for $1,000. David plans to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, majoring in Computer Science, aspiring for a career as a computer programmer or engineer.

“I am ready to take on any challenges I face and stick to it until finished,” David said.

w Raelee Samio, daughter of Shawn Ho‘okano (WHS c/o 1991) and Roslyn Samio (WHS c/o 1996) is recipient to a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. Raelee plans to attend Casper College in Wyoming, majoring in Athletic Training/Exercise Science, with aspirations of becoming an athletic trainer. She will be playing volleyball while at Casper College.

“I learned to have faith and always walk into situations with my head held high and with an open mind,” Raelee said.

w Talia Indigo Anuhea Schmidt, daughter of Jason and Michelle Schmidt, earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship. Talia plans to study Botany and Plant Medicine at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, aspiring to become an acupuncturist.

“Values of aloha, malama, and ‘ohana that were instilled in me since birth have been extra important in these current times,” Talia said.

w Kaye Serapio, daughter of Amado and Rebecca Serapio, earned a $1,000 WAFF Scholarship that will help her when she attends Arizona Christian University at Glendale, Arizona, majoring in Business Administration. She will also be playing basketball for the ACU.

“I have realized, what I can do for others hold much more significance than what others can do for me,” Kaye said.

Proceeds for the WAFF Scholarships are derived from the various community activities presented by WAFF, including its golf tournament, Luau honoring Waimea High School alumni, the school carnival, and other community events.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.