Scholarships Support Molokai Students

Photo Jack Kiyonaga

By Jack Kiyonaga, Editor

Every year, a conglomeration of Molokai businesses, nonprofits, alumni and more present the graduating class from Molokai High School (MHS) with scholarships to encourage their post-high school aspirations.

“This support empowers these deserving students to pursue their dreams without financial barriers,” explained MHS Principal Katina Soares to family and friends gathered at the MHS library on May 8. “These exceptional recipients excel academically, but also embody the spirit of determination and service.”

This year, 19 different awards were given out to 24 MHS seniors, totally over $88,000 in scholarship money. Awards were given out for a range of skills and future plans from nursing to early childhood education to workforce trades.

“We’re incredibly proud of all of you,” said Soares to the graduating seniors.

Financial support for Molokai students is one way in which Molokai institutions have tried to create a homegrown workforce to serve Molokai’s many needs. One industry in particular which is counting on Molokai-raised talent to return home is healthcare.

Janice Kalanihuia, president of Molokai General Hospital (MGH), explained that providing financial assistance to serious students is a proven path for success. Back in the 1980s, MGH teamed up with the Molokai Health Foundation (MHF) to offer small scholarships to Molokai students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. For years, the scholarship went to students, however not many were able to follow through on their career ambitions.

Photo by Jack Kiyonaga

In response, 10 years ago the scholarship was reorganized to be a much larger amount given to two people per year under stricter criteria. Now, the recipient must be accepted or attending a full-time healthcare program, keep a 3.0 GPA, complete at least a year of school or work on Molokai and want to come home to work.

The envisioned program has been a success, explained Kalanihuia, producing paramedics, pharmacists, radiologist technicians and nurses. And several of these recent graduates now work at MGH. The $8,000 per year award goes to whatever the recipients need the money for – whether that be food, rent or trips back to Molokai to be with family.

“We don’t care what you do with [the money], just finish school,” said Kalanihuia.

With Molokai’s major air transportation issues over the last several years, attracting healthcare providers to Molokai has been difficult. Having homegrown providers is one way of addressing these issues in healthcare access, she explained.

And while the scholarship has been successful, for Kalanihuia, one final hurdle remains: a born and raised Molokai doctor returning home to serve the community.

“I think there is that capacity in the community,” she said.

The MGH-MHF scholarship is currently looking for a new recipient. Learn about the award more at queens.org/locations/hospitals/Molokai.