Scholarships Announced for Pāhoa Class of 2018 Students

Pāhoa High School gym. DOE photo.

Mainstreet-Pāhoa Association has announced $5,000 in scholarship awards for the Class of 2018 following a successful fundraising feast event at Pāhoa Sacred Hearts Church on Sept. 30.

Hundreds of community members including volunteers, the Pāhoa High School Girls’ Volleyball Team and Boys of Youth Challengehelped deliver vegan lasagna and ribeye steak meals to over 350 supporters.

Mainstreet-Pāhoa Association’s Pāhoa Schools Booster Club and Scholarship Fund thanks the following participants for their contributions and support: Island Natural Foods, Malama Market, Tin Shack Bakery, Kalani Honua, Ning’s Thai Cuisine, Stratos Pizzeria, Black Rock Café, Pahoa Auto Parts, Paul’s Repair, Boogie Woogie Pizza, Sustainable Island Products and Bananarama Bakery.

The original scholarship endowment was established in memory of the late Hawai’i County Council Member Richard G. Edwards. A former Puna Lion’s Club member, Edward’s family chose the Lion’s Club to administer the scholarship. The endowment was transferred to the Pāhoa Schools Booster Club this past year under the financial guidance of Nancy J. Kramer, CPA. The initial endowment transferred was $21,000. Contributions this year of $5,000 each by Kaleo’s Bar and Grill and Puna Kai Shopping Center have grown the endowment to $31,000. The goal for 2020 is $50,000.

Class of 2018 scholarships also received significant contributions. Puna Geothermal Ventures provided $1,000; local businessman Vernon Lindsey and Lava Shack donated $500. Former Pāhoa High School Guidance Counselor Nancy Seifers has stepped up to create the “Aunty Nancy” Scholarship of $1,000.

The selection process and award amounts for Class of 2018 scholarships will be determined beginning in November.

Pāhoa Schools Booster Club intends to distribute the awards among students at HAAS, Kua O Ka La and Pāhoa High School. More information on scholarship awards will be announced when application materials become available at the end of the year. All three schools are encouraged to participate in the application process.

For more information, contact PahoaBoosterClub@gmail.com or call (808) 965-7110.