HCFCU Awards $20,000 in Scholarships

Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union has announced the names of the eight Hawai‘i Island recipients of its 2017 College Scholarships, which total $20,000.

Seven of the scholarships were awarded to high school graduates planning to attend a two- or four-year institution of higher learning in the coming school year; one of the scholarships was awarded to a recipient who is continuing her education post-high school graduation.

The scholarships are named after a retired HCFCU employee and community volunteers who made important contributions to the HCFCU.

The $2,500 Peter T. Hirata Scholarship was awarded to Andre Fazeli. The Konawaena High School graduate intends to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

Shariah Mae Olomua, a Kamehameha Schools Hawai graduate, was awarded the $2,500 Albert Akana Scholarship. Olomua’s career goal is to study business and law.

The $2,500 Katsumasa Tomita Scholarship was presented to Danielle Brown. The Hilo High School graduate intends to become a professional writer.

Lois Taylor, a graduate of Kealakehe High School, is the recipient of the $2,500 Frank Ishii Scholarship. Taylor will study environmental biology

The $2,500 Mitsugi Inaba Scholarship was awarded to Aaliyah Kamalii-Keka of Pahoa Intermediate and High School who intends to pursue studies in Nursing and Hawaiian Language.
Gabriella Boyle, a graduate of Kohala High School, was awarded the $2,500 Student Credit Union Scholarship. Boyle intends to pursue a career in Psychology.

The $2,500 John Y. Iwane Scholarship was awarded to Hailey Briseno who graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy. Hailey intends to pursue a career in Ecosystem and Marine Sciences.

Sarah Rouse of Wheaton College is the very first winner of HCFCU’s new $2,500 Yasunori Deguchi Scholarship. The scholarship is offered to high school graduates who could not attend college right after graduation or are currently in their second year of college and in need of further financial assistance.

About Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union
HCFCU is a not-for-profit credit union owned by its over 39,000 member/owners with branches in Honoka‘a, Kailua-Kona, Kaloko, Kealakekua and Kohala. In addition to complete checking and savings services, the credit union offers credit cards, auto, mortgage, construction, small business, educational and personal loans; online and mobile banking; investment services; youth programs and supports numerous Hawai‘i Island programs and events. Membership in Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union is open to all Hawai‘i Island residents. For more information, go online.