Arsene “Blackie” Gadarian (center) awarded scholarships to Austin Takemoto (left) and Davin Kaina.

LAHAINA — Arsene “Blackie” Gadarian presented two $1,000 vocational scholarship awards from Blackie’s Machine Shop at the Lahainaluna High School Senior Scholarship Awards Program on May 11.

The awards were given to students Austin Takemoto and Daven Kaina in the Automotive and Industrial Arts departments.

Winners were selected by recommendation of the vocational instructors, who determined which student was qualified and will use the money to buy tools and pay for tuition for advanced training in his trade.

Takemoto is multitalented in auto repair and robotics. He plans to become an electrician.

Kaina is skilled in carpentry and fiberglass. He plans to pursue a career in boat fabrication and repair.

Gadarian also gave Takemoto an electrician’s tool pouch and a pro tool bag to Kaina.

Since 1981, Blackie and Sara Gadarian have presented a total of 194 vocational scholarships at Lahainaluna High School.

Blackie said, “It takes special talent and skill to work with your hands to fabricate or repair things. These young men should have a successful future.”