Nine Hawai`i Island Students Awarded Takitani Foundation Scholarships

Photos courtesy of Pineapple Tweed/Takitani Foundation.

Nine Hawai‘i Island high school seniors have been awarded college scholarships by the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. as part of the annual Legacy Scholarship program.

Chloe Gan of Ka‘u High School and Tanner Riley of the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy each received $5,000 scholarships as finalists in the state-wide competition. 

Chloe Gan, daughter of Mary and Thomas Sugrue, has actively pursued academic and community endeavors throughout high school. She served as Captain of the Varsity Track and Field, Cross Country and Soccer teams, and as Vice President of the Youth and Government delegation, as well as a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club. Gan plans to attend the University of Portland in the fall of 2017.

Finalist Tanner Riley is the son of Tara and Bryan Riley of Kailua-Kona. Riley’s academic excellence placed him on the Headmaster’s List throughout high school and made him a National Merit Semifinalist. A member of the HPA Honor Committee, Riley also volunteered as a teen leader for the Outreach Program, the Neurolab Research Institute in Genetics and the New Life Ranch Leadership Development Program. Riley plans to attend Dartmouth College in New Hampshire in the fall of 2017.

In addition, seven seniors from Hawai‘i Island schools each received $2,000 scholarships by merit of their academic achievements, financial need and demonstrated commitment to their communities:

• Leilani Puphi of Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School
• Chayna Yoshida of Kea‘au High School
• Gabrielle Tabbada of Kealakehe High School
• Cosette Daniels of Pahoa High & Intermediate School
• Kiaria Nakamura of Waiakea High School
• Naneaikealaula Thomas of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i
• Darien Jones of Parker School

The students were among 62 recipients statewide–one from every qualifying public and independent school. The total scholarship awards from the Legacy Scholarship Program amounted to $181,000 this year.

“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani’s legacy of commitment, dedication and generosity is honored each year through the Takitani Foundation,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, who serves as Chairman of the Board of the Takitani Foundation.  “The Takitanis knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success with Hawaiian Host, and wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawai‘i’s outstanding students with the opportunity to further their education.”

Mamoru and Aiko Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, Inc., manufacturer of Hawaiian Host chocolates, and established the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. to give back to the community by providing the gift of education to Hawai‘i’s youth. Hawaiian Host donates part of the proceeds from the sales of Hawaiian Host products to the Foundation in support of its scholarship programs. Since 1993, the Foundation has annually presented scholarships to an outstanding student from every qualifying high school in the state and has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships through its programs.