KAANAPALI – StarWish, a Lahaina-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa associates, last week announced its 2013 scholarship recipients.

This year, StarWish awarded $14,000 to 26 students to use toward college tuition; they are Jinky Aguiran, Raquel Casio, Leigh Corpuz, April Joy Damo, Brittany Joan Damo, Maricar Daoang, German Failano Jr., Aileen Ferrer, Alyssa Ferrer, Orlando Ferrer Jr., Princess Karen Galano, Daniel Galano, Leilani Cruz Garcia, Samuel Kiek, Hailey Kowalski, Taylor Kowalski, Fredelyn Princess Misay, Fredeliz Misay, Kaelyn Nakamura-Kowalski, Bianca Nicolas, Quinten Pagan, Shaynna Palasique, Chemille Quilos, Jenica Salvador, Rozcel Santos and Brendan Marc Tomas.

StarWish was founded in 2004 by a group of dedicated Sheraton Maui associates devoted to raising money to support their children and grandchildren by providing annual educational scholarships.

“StarWish is committed to investing in the Sheraton Maui ‘ohana and our next generation,” stated Nicha Attawut, StarWish president.

“We raise funds through car washes, bake sales, silent auctions and by recycling bottles and cans through the HI-5 program. Our associates are very passionate raising this money to put back into Maui’s youth.”

Paulina Damo, a housekeeper at the Sheraton Maui since 1986, has two daughters participating in StarWish’s scholarship program.

April Joy Damo is studying family resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Brittney Joan Damo is earning a degree in hospitality and tourism at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

The StarWish Scholarship Fund helps Sheraton Maui families invest in their ‘ohana and children’s futures.

April Joy calls it “helping people get closer to achieving lifelong dreams and goals.”