‘Big Dog’ Scholarship seeking applicants

Big Island high school senior track and cross country runners are encouraged to apply for the 2023 Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Scholarship.

The $1,500 scholarship is available to athletes from anywhere on the Big Island who are seeking higher education and “exemplify excellence in running, academics, volunteerism, and overall citizenship.” Applicants must also have at least a 2.5 GPA.

The scholarship’s committee said that being selected for the scholarship means that one “has demonstrated not only a willingness to make the sacrifices necessary to excel in his or her running activities, but also strives toward excellence in all aspects of school and community endeavors.”

Last year’s recipients included Kederang Ueda, Matthew Labasan and Teryn Tominaga of Waiakea High School as well as Jordan Perry of Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. A $500 “Most Inspirational” award was also granted to Taysia Rocha of Waiakea.

The 17-year scholarship was founded by the late Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph — a former Waiakea High Hawai‘ian History teacher, Track & Field and Cross Country coach and sportswriter. Joseph established the scholarship in 2006, before passing away in 2013 due to brain cancer.

Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded more than $60,000 to Big Island student athletes, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are due April 9th, and can be obtained by emailing rarkin24@hotmail.com.

A most recent report card, a college letter of acceptance and a letter of recommendation from an unrelated adult must also be attached to each application.