The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Inc. has awarded $97,000 in scholarships to 61 Hawaii high school seniors who were nominated by their respective schools. Winners were chosen based on academic achievement, community service and financial need.
Two students were presented Distinguished Student Awards of $10,000 each and one student received an Outstanding Student Award of $5,000. Seven high school seniors received $3,000 scholarships and 51 additional students were awarded $1,000 scholarships.
Recipients of the distinguished and outstanding student awards:
>> Makanaaloha Lariosa Agcaoili, Pahoa High and Intermediate School, received the Mamoru Takitani Distinguished Student Award of $10,000. He is the grandson of Marcello Sr. and Mary Ann Lariosa.
>> Peter Albert St. Michael, King Kekaulike High School, received the Aiko Takitani Distinguished Student Award of $10,000. He is the son of Angel St. Michael and the late Richard Brennan.
>> Maggie Mei Ling Kwock, McKinley High School, received the Karen Uno Outstanding Student Award of $5,000. She is the daughter of May Fan.
District finalists and recipients of $3,000 scholarships are:
>> Travis P. Lefrandt, Moanalua High School. He is the son of Frank and Joye Lefrandt.
>> Sharmaine L. Sibayan, James Campbell High School. She is the daughter of Carlos and Lucia Sibayan.
>> Kelsey M. Wemple, Kalaheo High School. She is the daughter of Dale and Gretchen Wemple.
>> Nicole A. Isoda, Kapaa High School. She is the daughter of Kent and Noelani Isoda.
>> Zhaotong Xu, ‘Iolani School. She is the daughter of Ronghui Xu and Dailin Ye.
>> Sheena Rei Choy, Mid-Pacific Institute. She is the daughter of Darrell and Leona Choy.
>> Claire M. Munguia, St. Francis School. She is the daughter of Art and Marie Caputo Munguia.
Mamoru and Aiko Takitani founded Hawaiian Host Inc., manufacturer of Hawaiian Host chocolates, and established the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Inc.
>> Kalani High School received the Making FIRST Accessible Award at the 2012 FIRST Robotics Competition championship.
The Kalani Falcons won the award thanks to their outreach in the community and their ability to introduce robotics to new people of all ages. Seven Hawaii high schools competed in the event in St. Louis, from April 25-28. Waialua High and Intermediate, Kealakehe High, Island Pacific Academy, Punahou School, Baldwin High, Kalani High and Kohala High competed.
Waialua High made it to the semifinals of the Archimedes division. Waialua has won the FIRST Hawaii regional two years in a row, and was awarded the chairman’s award at the 2011 competition last April.
