The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presented scholarships to U.H. Maui College students. Pictured, from left, are Lorelle Peros, UHMC HOST coordinator; Carol Reimann, MHLA executive director; Christine Galano; Maria Juarez; Kinoikilaioalana Valdivia; Leimomi Acia; Amanda Lee Barnes; and Ken Molina.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded $6,000 in scholarships to six U.H. Maui College Spring Semester students from proceeds of its annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament held last fall.

Three students from the Maui Culinary Academy and three Business & Hospitality students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the U.H. Maui College Business and Hospitality Department are Christine Galano, a Lahainaluna High School graduate pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Travel Industry Management; Maria Juarez, a Baldwin High School graduate interesting in obtaining a managerial position in the hotel industry; and Kinoikilaioalana Valdivia, a 12-year employee in the visitor industry.

Scholarship recipients from the Culinary Academy include Leimomi Acia, whose dream is to earn a bachelor’s degree from U.H. and travel around the world teaching culinary arts; Amanda Barnes, a 4.0 grade point average student who hopes to one day own her own catering business; and Ken Molina, a Maui High School graduate who maintains a 4.0 GPA.

These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s ‘Aipono Awards gala held on Sunday, April 15, at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.

“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 2012 Excellence in Education golf tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 24. This popular event provides scholarships for U.H. Maui College students and Maui Academy of Hospitality & Tourism students. For information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.