Students Dream Big with Scholarships

Left to right, Hanale Lindo presents Molokai Credit Union scholarships to Reilly Fukuoka, Timika McLaurin and Ka’ehuikimanoo Pu’uloa Linker Meyers- Moss. Photo by Dayanti Karunaratne

By Dayanti Karunaratne

A scholarship can make college more affordable, and in many cases possible, by helping to cover tuition and other expenses. It also reduces students’ stress and helps them to focus on their studies rather than financial worries. Some scholarships target minorities and underrepresented groups as a way of leveling social justice.

The Molokai High School Library was transformed for the school’s annual Scholarship Award Ceremony May 15, when several graduating seniors accepted an array of different scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars in front of about 50 family and friends. 

“If you are diligent, you will be rewarded, you will be supported, and you will endure to the end, until your goal is achieved,” said Mikiʻala Pescaia, one of the presenters for the scholarships. 

The ceremony was about the students and helping them to achieve their dreams, but it also gave teachers, mentors and scholarship donors a chance to share words of wisdom and encouragement.

“Remember to come home to Molokai,” Keo Hirata said, turning toward eight recipients of sponsor Kapa Curious, a Maui-based natural dye company that promotes cultural knowledge. The entire audience agreed, as they gave a round of applause to Hirata’s words.

Announcers went through a handful of brand-new scholarships, including the Molokai Workforce Leadership Scholarship to Francis Bumatay. This award provides tuition assistance for students enrolled at the Molokai Education Center’s Applied Business and Information Technology program. 

Jorah Varr, presenting the award to Bumatay, described him as “thoughtful, bright and heart-centered.” Varr spends much of her time at the high school helping students explore their post-secondary options, in her role as Hoʻokele Program Coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, Molokai. 

“Recipients are recognized as the future leaders of Molokai — individuals who will strengthen local organizations, support sustainable economic growth and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our island,” Varr said.

In most cases, students are required to apply for scholarships. The Friendly Market scholarships are different; department heads choose students who show effort, achievement and improvement. Lehi Muro, Aristotle Oamil and Camaran Schilenski received The Friendly Market’s $2,000 scholarships this year.

Timika McLaurin, pursuing a pre-nursing degree at UH Hilo, stepped on the stage multiple times.

“I chose this career path because I want to help the people of Molokai. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles we face as a rural community, especially in health care, and I want to be a part of the solution,” McLaurin said.

She credits her success to extracurricular involvement, good grades and personal essays where she opened up about herself. 

“I also had very good letters of recommendation written for me, so thank you to my teachers and mentors for that,” McLaurin said.

Julia Peterson explained the history of the Hung Wo and Elizabeth Lau Ching Scholarship, honoring the first president of Aloha Airlines. 

Many scholarship donors shared their rationale for investing in post-secondary education for Molokai students. 

“We hope this serves as a small reminder that there are people in your community who believe in you, are proud of you and are cheering you on,” Kumu Mahina Hou Ross said while announcing the seven winners of the new Wailele Farm’s Twin Falls Maui Scholarship. 

Pescaia gave an emotional speech about her vision for the Haʻehaʻeku Scholarship, founded by her ‘ohana. 

“Haʻehaʻeku was a giant known for his compassion in provisioning the people of Molokai in times of hardship. This ʻuala vine represents everything we hope for in our scholar. It takes just a snippet to make a whole new unstoppable vine that will hopefully reap the rewards of a good harvest,” Pescaia said.

This year’s recipient of the Haʻehaʻeku Scholarship is Kahikikalaikalolo Helm, whose career path in maritime transportation was noted as critically important for the people of Molokai.

The Friends of Molokai High School and Class of ’72 helped to distribute the scholarships to the students, and shared their experiences with the audience. They brought back memories of running with Coach Nakayama, who also joined the presentation and shared his dream of making the annual Molokai High School Scholarship Award Ceremony even bigger in the future.