KEAAU — This year’s recipients of the Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Scholarship were announced at the BIIF Track and Field Championships on Saturday.
The $1500 scholarship was awarded to four senior runners who “best exemplify excellence in scholastic achievements, community service and involvement in cross country or track and field.”
Awardees for this year were Gianna Chinen of Kamehameha Schools – Hawaii, Torrance Satta-Ellis of Konawaena High School, Landon Yanagisawa of Waiakea High School and Cameron Cornforth of Kealakehe High School.
A $500 “Most Inspirational” award was donated by Sunrise Athletics to Keaau High School’s Catherine Nishida — based on her “personal statement and inspiration to their team with one’s actions of courage, hope and strength in character.”
Wayne Joseph taught Hawaiian history on the Big Island, Oahu and Moloka’i — and was also a track and cross-country coach for more than 30 years. He passed away in 2013 from an aggressive form of Brain Cancer.
In 2006, Joseph created the scholarship as a way to financially assist qualified student athletes, so that they can pursue their goal of higher education and make a positive contribution to the island community. Since then, the scholarship has provided $73,500 to Big Island athletes.
To be selected, a student-athlete must demonstrate “a willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to excel in his or her running activities, but also strive toward excellence in all aspects of school and community endeavors.”
Joseph would say that nothing gave him greater pleasure than to see young people enjoying life through sports.
Recipients will receive their check at the Wayne Joseph Scholarship run hosted by Sunrise Athletics on May 27th at Coconut Island.
The Sunrise Sports Foundation’s 501c3 status qualifies scholarship donors to a tax exemption.
Those who would like to donate to the nonprofit can do so through Sunrise Athletics at sunrisesportsfoundation@gmail.com.