Big Island Students Among 42 Citizen-Scholar Awardees

Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and Chief Executive Officer. File image courtesy University of Hawai’i.

The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association recently recognized 42 seniors from public high schools across the state with $1,000 scholarships in its 12th year of Citizen-Scholar Awards.

Nine Big Island graduating seniors received the Citizen-Scholar Award. Those students were Jasmine T.K. Smeraglia of Hilo High, Kehaulani I. Kapu of Honoka’a High & Intermediate, Jay-R.P. Abalos of Ka’u High & Pahala Elementary, Phillip H. Palmore of Kea’au High, Sarah M. Mumbert of Kealakehe High, Melanie R. Sahagun of Kohala High, Brianna Halliwell of Konawaena High, Christopher Erice Bartolome of Pahoa High & Intermediate, and Taylor M.T. Nishimura of Waiakea High.

Students awarded were selected by the Hawai’i Department of Education for scholastic achievements and school and community service. Each student is required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.2 and have an extensive record of school and public service.

“Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry has been proud to honor the future leaders of our state and nation,” said Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and Chief Executive Officer. “These seniors have been selected by dint of their scholastic success, as well as their invaluable contributions to their schools and our community. They represent the best of your youth, devoting themselves to volunteerism and public service, and we’re delighted to recognize them for their leadership and selflessness.”

In addition to the 42 students being honored, HLTA added two new awards for the top senior representing Oahu, as well as the top senior representing neighbor islands. Perry M. Arrasmith of Aiea High and Julia A. Kimoto of Baldwin High were awarded an additional $2,500 each.

“We added these two new awards thanks to the generosity of our HLTA members,” said Hannemann. “The $2,500 scholarships are an added bonus to the two students who represent all the finest attributes of our future leaders, and we couldn’t have selected better students to inaugurate this special honor.”

The scholarships are possible through a partnership between HLTA, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and the DOE.  Funding is provided by HLTA members.

Full list of 2016 Citizen-Scholar Honorees:

Aiea High School, Perry M. Arrasmith
Baldwin High School, Julia A. Kimoto
Campbell High School, Rebekah T. Padua
Castle High School, Janice A.M. Hata
Farrington High School, Elvelyn Fernandez
Hana High & Elementary School, Precious Helekahi
Hilo High School, Jasmine T.K. Smeraglia
Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School, Kehaulani I. Kapu
Ka‘u High & Pahala Elementary Schools, Jay-R P. Abalos
Kahuku High & Intermediate School, Yara M.L. Rose
Kailua High School, Zachary Espino
Kaimuki High School, Starshine S. Chun
Kaiser High School, Kannon F. Rivas
Kalaheo High School, Jahanna N. Shah
Kalani High School, Izumi C. Amemiya
Kapa‘a High School, Brylyn N. Aiwohi
Kapolei High School, Joelle A.K. Tamura
Kaua‘i High School, Emma R. Leary
Kea‘au High School, Phillip H. Palmore
Kealakehe High School, Sarah M. Mumbert
Kekaulike High School, Isabelle Mosbarger
Kohala High School, Melanie R. Sahagun
Konawaena High School, Brianna Halliwell
Kula Kalapuni ‘O Anuenue/Anuenue School, Tayler Baniaga
Lahainaluna High School, Natasha Currence
Lana‘i High & Elementary School, Nicholas M. Niimi
Leilehua High School, Ethan S. Toriki
Maui High School, Jacy M. Sera
McKinley High School, Amber M. Kim
Mililani High School, Kiana K. Caranto
Moanalua High School, Jessica S.T. Luong
Molokai High School, Cendall E. Manley
Nanakuli High & Intermediate School, Ma.luisa R. Benicarlo
Pahoa High & Intermediate School, Christopher Erice Bartolome
Pearl City High School, Lindsey M. Brown
Radford High School, Hannah L. Tufts
Roosevelt High School, Noelle N. Lee
Waiakea High School, Taylor M.T. Nishimura
Waialua High & Intermediate School, Cooper R. Thomson
Waianae High School, Lester Aquino
Waimea High School, Melia H. Okura
Waipahu High School, Mc Erl Dave C. Andres