Of the 17 University of Hawaii at Hilo Chancellor’s Scholarships awarded to public and private school students this year, nine went to Big Island graduates.
The sought-after Chancellor’s Scholarships for UH-Hilo are valued in excess of $29,376 and cover four years of tuition for students who maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher during their high school career while demonstrating leadership and community service.
“The Chancellor’s Scholarships at UH-Hilo allow high achieving students to thrive here locally while also encouraging their peers to excel along with them,” said UH-Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “All of our students learn better when they are amidst a diverse group of peers.”
Both Xander Grouns and Jaydee Ah Sing of Waiakea High School were honored this year for their grades and community leadership. Waiakea High School, which has a history of graduates receiving the scholarships, prioritizes student achievement, encouraging future students to apply.
“Both Jaydee and Xander are exemplary students that took full advantage of their career academy experience at Waiakea High,” said Waiakea Principal Kelcy Koga. “Any opportunities for our students to continue their education and pursue their career dreams are certainly beneficial, not only for the student and their families, but also for our community.
“Waiakea High faculty and staff are tremendously proud of both of them and the entire class of 2022.”
Princess Jona Natania Respicio of Honokaa High and Intermediate School was also awarded the scholarship while serving as a senior class officer.
“Natania is responsible, diligent, and extremely supportive of peers,” said Honokaa Principal Rachelle Matsumura. “Scholarships help to relieve the financial burden on our students and their families. They give hope to dreams that all students have, and assist with making their dreams come true.”
Respicio received several other scholarships as well including the Women’s League of Central Union Church and the B Plus State Scholarship for UH-Hilo.
Giving back to the community was also a priority for Ke‘alohilani Grace, who graduated this year from the Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii campus.
“When participating in service learning school opportunities, volunteering in community activities and events, engaging in dual enrollment college courses, and serving as a team member of the high school’s softball and wrestling teams, Ke‘alohilani does so with integrity and aloha,” said KSH-Hawaii Principal Lehua Veincent. “She is one of many of our graduates that serves as a model of endurance, resilience, industriousness, and pono for others.”
Chancellor’s Scholarship recipients are required to enroll as full-time students at UH-Hilo and earn a minimum of 30 credits each academic year. Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater and continue to participate in leadership activities and community service with other recipients.
“Keeping our local students here close to home benefits both UH-Hilo and our island community as these students become role models for middle and high school students, who can envision a pathway to a career right here at home,” said Irwin. “We of course hope that many of them will opt to study abroad or participate in the National Student Exchange, which will give them educational experiences out of state and learning that they can bring back to their communities here in Hawaii.”
The full list of Big Island graduates honored with Chancellor’s Scholarships are: Jaydee Ah Sing, Waiakea High School; Xander Grouns, Waiakea High School; Nai‘a Balancio, Konawaena High School; Mikayla Carter, Makua Lani Christian Academy; Shayne Dagupion, Kealakehe High School; Ke‘alohilani Grace, Kamehameha Schools-Hawaii; Roanne Mendoza, Keaau High School; Maureen Moreno, Keaau High School; and Princess Jona Natania Respicio, Honokaa High and Intermediate School.
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com
