Manami Alspach and Kieran Maesaka were each awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Hawaii Island United Hongwanji Buddhist Women’s Association. This scholarship recognizes outstanding seniors for their academic excellence and active participation in temple, school, and community activities.
Guided by their Buddhist values, Manami and Kieran have both actively participated in numerous community service activities during these difficult years with compassion, humility, and leadership.
Manami Alspach, a Konawaena High School graduate and Kona Hongwanji member, will attend the Keio University with a major in Environmental and Information Studies. She is the daughter of Makiko Yamaguchi and Timothy Alspach.
Kieran Maesaka, a Kamehameha Schools Hawaii High School graduate and Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin member, plans to attend the University of San Francisco with a major in Biology. He is the son of Corey and Cheryl Maesaka and grandson of Ann and Ronald Maesaka.