Hawai‘i Island students honored as 2025 Citizen-Scholars

Exceptional public high school seniors from Hawai‘i Island were among 42 students statewide honored during the 2025 Citizen-Scholar Awards at the Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu in April.

Hosted by the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, in partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Education and Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the annual awards honor one graduating senior from every public high school in the state for their academic success, leadership and service to their communities.

Louis Perroy of Waiākea High School claimed Hawai‘i Island’s top honor, and was named Top Hawai‘i Island Scholar. He was one of nine students representing the island as a Citizen-Scholar. Scholarships also went to:

• Marisa Oishi of Hilo High School
• Danica Valera of Honokaʻa High School
• Laci Ah Yee of Kaʻu High School
• Cameron Connery of Kealakehe High School
• Janessa Lynn Aronce of Keaʻau High School
• Eden Perez of Kohala High School
• Hailey Burns of Konawaena High School
• Stephanie Garano of Pāhoa High and Intermediate School

Each student received a $1,000 scholarship, with each top county scholar awarded an additional $2,500 and top overall scholars of each gender receiving an additional $5,000.

All Citizen-Scholars were also matched with a local sponsor from the hospitality industry or business community and received round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines to support them on their educational journey.

“These Citizen-Scholars are shining examples of what it means to give back while achieving at the highest level,” said Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association President and Chief Executive Officer Mufi Hannemann. “They reflect the values of service, perseverance, and leadership that will continue to shape a brighter future for Hawai‘i.”

This year’s top honorees were:

• TOP OVERALL MALE SCHOLAR: Ethan Yang, Kaiser High School (O‘ahu); who plans to attend Stanford University.
• TOP OVERALL FEMALE SCHOLAR: Ciana Cooper, Maui High School (Maui); who plans to attend Columbia University.
• TOP O‘AHU SCHOLARScholar: Esther Lim, Leilehua High School; who plans to attend Brown University.
• TOP MAUI COUNTY SCHOLAR: RJ Arconado, Lahainaluna High School; who plans to attend University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa on O‘ahu.
• TOP KAUA‘I SCHOLAR: Kaye Marie Alvarez, Waimea High School; who plans to attend Notre Dame of Maryland University.
• TOP HAWAI‘I ISLAND SCHOLAR: Louis Perroy, Waiākea High School in Hilo; who plans to attend Brown University.

Click here for a complete list of this year’s scholarship winners.