The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presented scholarships to University of Hawaii Maui College students. Pictured (from left) are Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of the Sheraton Maui and MHLA board president; Jayford Agbayani; Dana Cordero; Ronald Daniel; Dyana Sanchez; Mikiala Holley; Dominques Tati Kaniaupio; Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director; and Gregg Nelson, Napili Kai Beach Resort general manager.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships: $6,000 in awards to six University of Hawaii Maui College students, and $14,000 in scholarships to nine Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) students from Baldwin, Lahainaluna and Maui High School.

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

Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the UH Maui College Business and Hospitality Department were Dana Cordero, Ronald Daniel and Dyana Sanchez, and recipients from the UH Maui College Culinary Academy were Jayford Agbayani, Mikiala Holley and Dominques Tati Kaniaupio.

These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards gala held on Sunday, April 10, at the Grand Wailea Resort in the presence of hundreds of business and restaurant industry principals.

In a special luncheon honoring graduating students in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism on May 17, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recognized 67 Maui seniors and presented a total of $14,000 in scholarships to nine recipients who have successful completed the two-year academy curricula designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the travel industry.

Scholarship recipients who were recognized as outstanding achievers include Emerald Lynch from Lahainaluna High School; Jelly Mae Agapay, Princess Cainquitan, Kayla Guillermo, Lyka Huga and Jellyfer Tamayo from Maui High; and Baldwin High School’s Dayna Calubaquib, Zyra Dela Cruz and Elissa Media.

Scholarship funds for UH Maui College students and Maui AOHT graduates are funded with proceeds from Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s annual “Excellence in Education” golf tournament. The 2016 golf tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 5.

“It’s an honor to be able to provide for our future leaders. These students have excelled in their respective areas and have been justly awarded for their achievements. We look forward to watching these incredible students turn into the next generation of industry leaders,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships, and gives back to the community through the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament and Kupuna Dinner.

For information, call the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association at 244-8625.