Keauhou Canoe Club awards scholarships

KEAUHOU-KONA — Kelson Omori of Captain Cook and Brendon-Lee Cordero of Kealakekua are recipients of 2024 scholarships from Keauhou Canoe Club (KCC). The graduating seniors recently received their $2,000 scholarships at a presentation during a KCC board of directors meeting.

Winning the James F. Rodgers Academic Achievement Scholarship is Kelson Omori, who plans to attend UH Community College-Palamanui and and major in Hawaiian Studies. A Magna cum laude graduate of Konawaena High School, Omori is a sports enhusiast who enjoys paddling with KCC, lacrosse, bowling and tennis.

“Paddling has been a transformative experience in my life, offering both physcial challenges and mental tranquility,” notes Omori. “It’s taught me the importance of teamwork and coordination, as each stroke must be in harmony with my fellow paddlers to propel the canoe forward efficiently.”

Brendon-Lee Cordero of Kealakekua is the recipient of the Mike Haines Merit Achievement Scholarship. A graduate of Konawaena High School, Cordero plans to work in a life saving profession as either an EMT or firefighter. He is employed at KTA Superstores and has volunteered with Konawaena’s football team and in food distribution to students in South Kona. He served as the team captain for Konawaena High School’s paddling team and has been lauded for his team spirit, sportsmanship and eagerness to lend a hand to help others when needed.

“I’ve chosen my career path as I feel these jobs will enable me to help our community,” shares Cordero.

Over 30 local seniors have received scholarships totaling $45,500 from Keauhou Canoe Club in the past 17 years. The club annually awards scholarships to west side Hawai‘i Island graduating seniors who have at least two years recent paddling experience in a school athletic program or paddling club.