Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island congratulated outstanding young entrepreneurs and awarded $3,500 in scholarships during the 38th annual Futures Unlimited Awards Banquet at Sangha Hall.
The Junior Achievement company program helps high school students develop leadership and entrepreneurship skills by guiding them through the creation of a small business, from product development to marketing and sales. The awards recognize the hard work of the students and advisers from local businesses.
A familiar face returned home to Hilo to keynote the awards banquet. Jimmy Chan, founder of the Hawaiian Chip Co., is a 1993 Waiakea High School graduate and a Junior Achievement company program alumnus. He shared his entrepreneurial journey with the audience, and spoke about the importance of the lessons he learned through Junior Achievement.
The three student companies participating in this cycle were Branching Out sponsored by Big Island Toyota, Young Creations sponsored by HFS Federal Credit Union and Zenith sponsored by HPM Building Supply.
Company members sold their products to friends, family and the public during a trade fair at Prince Kuhio Plaza in November. Through the course of the cycle, the companies sold more than $31,000 in merchandise.
Branching Out was named Outstanding Company of the Year and recognized for having the highest company sales at $11,652. Zenith was honored for having the most compelling presence at the trade fair.
“We are so proud of our students’ efforts and know that they have bright futures,” said Jeanine Acia, district manager for Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island. “The futures unlimited banquet is a great opportunity to celebrate their success. We also must thank our volunteer mentors who give so generously — our program would not be a success if it weren’t for them.”
For more information about Junior Achievement for grades K-12, contact Acia at 292-0570 or jahilo@jahawaii.org.
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Overachievers
Other students and “small businesses” honored during the 38th annual Junior Achievement Awards Banquet:
• Daniel Briski of Young Creations and Brittney Williams of Branching Out shared the Outstanding President award.
• Vice presidents honored for their contributions to their companies were:
Kanoe Kama (Branching Out, finance),
Kalsey Nacis Jr. (Branching Out, production)
Naya Nguyen (Branching Out, marketing)
Keziah Soares (Branching Out, human resources)
Kira Taylor (Young Creations, public relations)
• The top three salespeople of the year were Tristen Cullio of Branching Out with $2,277 in sales, Brittney Williams of Branching Out with $2,050 and Daniel Briski of Young Creations with $1,063.
• Naya Nguyen, Branching Out, Outstanding Sales Presentation
• Brittney Williams, Branching Out, most products sold and highest individual sales at the trade fair.
• Young Creations, Community Service award
Scholarships
• Crismel Juan, Young Creations (Keaau)
• Naya Nguyen, Branching Out (Waiakea)
• Princess Fatimah Rasalan, Young Creations (Keaau)
• Keziah Soares, Branching Out (Keaau)
• Brittney Williams, Branching Out (Waiakea)
• Alfred Zuniga of Zenith (Keaau)