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Napili Kai Foundation awards $10,000 in scholarships

By Staff | Jun 6, 2013

Pictured at the scholarship ceremony are (from left) Kerilyn Dofa, Michael-Lloyd Akiona, Marycriss Cajudoy (accepting the award for her daughter, Paige Cajudoy), Aida Taylan, Reinalyn Ines and Kai Ho‘opai.

NAPILI – The Napili Kai Foundation last week announced its 2013 scholarship awards, totaling $10,000, that were presented on May 21 at the conclusion of NKF’s weekly performance at Napili Kai Beach Resort.

The awards came from three different scholarship funds.

The Perna Foundation for Hope was founded three years ago by Janet Perna, who retired after 31 years from executive positions at IBM. Her foundation reaches out nationally and internationally to help a wide variety of organizations.

The Dennis Wilkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund was started two years ago by Dennis’ widow, Jamie, and her family and friends, who wanted to honor and memorialize him. The late Mr. Wilkinson was an architect and owner of a unit of the Napili Lani wing of Napili Kai Beach Resort.

The J.C. Millar Memorial Scholarship Fund was started more than 20 years ago by the friends of Jack Millar, the founder and, for many years, manager of Napili Kai Beach Resort.

The five awardees are all graduates and alumni of Lahainaluna High School.

Michael Lloyd Akiona, whose mother has worked at Napili Kai Beach Resort for nine years, received $3,000 from the Perna Foundation for Hope. He is entering his fourth year at Kapiolani Community College, seeking a degree as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Paige Cajudoy, a ten-year graduate of the Napili Kai Foundation, received $3,000 from the Dennis Wilkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Paige is entering her first year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in chemistry and pharmacy.

Aida Lyne Taylan, whose mother has worked in the Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort for 11 years, received $1,000 from the Perna Foundation for Hope and $500 from the J.C. Millar Memorial Scholarship Fund. Aida is entering her first year at the University of Hawaii Maui College and working toward a nursing degree.

Kai Ho’opai, whose mother, Delphine Kaiwi, has worked in the Reservations Department of Napili Kai Beach Resort for 15 years, most recently as its manager, received $1,000 from the Perna Foundation for Hope and $500 from the J.C. Millar Memorial Scholarship Fund to help him in his second year of the Culinary Program at the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC).

Reinalyn Ines, whose mother has also worked in the Sea House Restaurant for ten years, received $1,000 from the J.C. Millar Memorial Scholarship Fund. Reinalyn is entering her first year at UHMC and plans to major in hospitality and tourism.

Kerilyn Dofa, a 12-year member of Napili Kai Foundation and past scholarship recipient who graduated on May 12 from UHMC with a degree in Dental Hygiene, was congratulated for her achievement.

Dominique Laborte, also a 12-year member of the Napili Kai Foundation and past awardee, graduated on June 2 from Linfield College in Oregon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training.

The 47-year-old Napili Kai Foundation, the oldest running keiki hula show in the State of Hawaii, has been awarding higher education scholarships to its graduates and to the children of employees of Napili Kai Beach Resort for over 20 years.

As members graduate, the foundation is recruiting new members ages six to 14. Previous experience is not necessary but is desirable.

For information, visit www.napilikaifoundation.org or contact Lou Ross at 669-8384.