Hospitality industry awards $52,000 in scholarships to public school seniors

Nine Hawaii Island students were among seniors from each of the state’s 42 public schools who received a $1,000 scholarship for their postgraduate education from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association.

The presentations were made last week during a luncheon at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach on Oahu.

The scholarships, known as the Citizen-Scholar Awards, are a partnership of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Department of Education. Funding is provided by HLTA members. This was the 14th year the awards have been made.

The students were selected by the Department of Education for scholastic achievements and school and community service. Each must have a minimum 3.2 grade point average and an extensive record of school and public service.

“Hawaii’s hospitality industry has been proud to honor the future leaders of our state and nation,” said Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and CEO. “These seniors have been selected by dint of their scholastic success as well as their invaluable contributions to their schools and our community.

“They represent the best of your youth devoting themselves to volunteerism and public service, and we’re delighted to recognize them for their civic leadership and selflessness.”

In addition to the $1,000 award to each senior, a second scholarship of $2,500 was presented to the top student from each of the state’s four counties. The students were selected by an HLTA committee. Hawaii County’s recipient was Crismel Juan of Kea‘au High School.

Crismel is proudest of her work this year with the statewide Hawaii Public Health Institute Youth Council, which involved a student-led push at the Legislature to curb smoking. She is an officer with the National Honor Society and active with the student government senate, Health Occupations Students of America, and AVID and Interact clubs. Crismel is the daughter of Mariepe Tallon and she plans to attend the University of Rochester.

From Big Island

The 2018 Citizen-Scholar Award recipients from Hawaii Island are:

• Kailee C. Kurokawa, Hilo High School

• Shania-Ku‘ulei Ebreo, Honokaa High School

• Malie K. Ibarra, Ka‘u High School

• Crismel D. Juan, Keaau High School

• Maya K. Gee, Kealakehe High School

• Mary Marvelanne Clark, Kohala High School

• Ronald K. Crivello-Kahihikolo, Konawaena High School

• Jeryll John V. Bernardo, Pahoa High and Intermediate School

• Leira Joyce E. Vea, Waiakea High School