The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presented scholarships to University of Hawaii Maui College students. Pictured, from left, are Clyde Sakamoto, Carol Reimann, Raenn Canto, Lorelle Peros, Kayla Giannotto, Nahika Stout, Shiree Gomes, Thomas Glover and Gregg Nelson.

WAILUKU — The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded $4,000 in scholarships to six University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) Spring Semester students from proceeds of the annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament held last fall.

Four students from the Maui Culinary Academy received $500, and two Business & Hospitality students received $1,000 scholarships. Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients of $1,000 scholarships, representing the UHMC Business and Hospitality Department, are Shiree Gomes, a Hospitality & Tourism major; and Shelly Mae Silva, who is pursuing an Associates in Applied Science Degree.

Maui Culinary Academy students receiving $500 each include Raenn Canto, Thomas Glover and Nahika Stout.

These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi magazine’s Aipono Awards ceremony in the presence of hundreds of business and restaurant industry leaders.

“It’s an honor to be able to provide for our future. These students excel in their respective areas and have been awarded for their achievements. We look forward to watching these stellar students turn into the next generation of business leaders,” said Carol Reimann, MHLA executive director.

The 2011 Excellence in Education golf tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 26.

This popular event funds Maui’s Academy of Hospitality & Tourism, a curriculum in high schools for students interested in the visitor industry. It also provides for scholarships for UHMC students in the Culinary and Business & Hospitality programs.

For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.