LIHU‘E — Kiwanis Club of Kaua‘i Scholarship Committee’s Patrick Ono said he never saw so many A’s in his life, Tuesday during the club’s meeting at the Puakea Grill where three scholarships totaling $2,500 were distributed.
“Congratulations are in order for this very special graduating class,” Ono said. “Despite so many challenges, each had the guts to persevere. And, still gave so much back to their community.”
Madhav Collins-Doijode, the son of Bridget Collins and Surendra Rao, served as the Division 22 Makai as its Lieutenant Governor. He was also past president and vice president of the Kapa‘a High School Key Club.
He was presented with a $1,500 scholarship for use when he heads to Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania with a study in Pre-Medicine after graduating from Kapa‘a High School where he holds a 4.039 Grade Point Average.
“Last year, under his leadership, we earned ‘Diamond Distinguished’ for the first time in the history of our club,” said Denise Asher, the Kapa‘a High School Key Club advisor. “Our club has a lot to be proud of, and Madhov has been the inspiration for our many accomplishments.”
In addition to the scholarship, Kiwanis Club president Cheryl Shintani presented the Kapa‘a High School senior with a special Youth Service Award from the Hawai‘i-California-Nevada region of Kiwanis Club for his outstanding service during his term as Division 22 Makai Lt. Gov.
Kaua‘i High School Key Club president Zoe Carvalho, the daughter of Lisa Ubay and Kenneth Carvalho, plans on entering Colorado State University with an announced field of study in Psychology.
“When I entered high school, one of my volleyball teammates dragged me to a Key Club meeting,” Zoe said. “In that moment, I did not know how much that decision changed my life for the good.”
She was presented with a $500 scholarship along with fellow Key Clubber Frances Virgina Muana, the daughter of Owen and Pamela Muana.
Frances is eying a career at Georgetown University where she plans to study Biology. She is a current Kaua‘i High School Key Club Event Chair for Regency.
“It was a pleasure working with Zoe,” said Diane Inouye, the Kaua‘i High School Key Club advisor. “She was always willing to do what needed to be done. Some would call Frances a late-bloomer, but an avid event participant with nearly 200 hours of community service over four years is commendable.”
Since 1989, the Kiwanis Club of Kaua‘i has provided $92,500 in scholarships for very deserving Key Club members, said Scott Sato, chair of the Kiwanis Scholarship Committee.
Recipients are awarded based on their leadership, community service activities, academic achievements, need, advisor comments, and an essay.