Lahainaluna High School students attend the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism luncheon.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded a total of $38,750 in scholarships: $9,000 in scholarships to six University of Hawaii Maui College students; $13,200 in scholarships to seven Academy of Hospitality & Tourism (AOHT) students; $1,800 to AOHT alumni; and $14,750 to association members’ students.

Three students from the Maui Culinary Academy and three Business & Hospitality students each received a $1,500 scholarship. Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the UH Maui College Business and Hospitality Department are Julie Anne Ibale, Chloe Nakagawa and Eunice Tabulinar.

Recipients from the UH Maui College Culinary Academy are Daniel Balalio Jr., Joseph Magofna and Stephanie Serraglio.

These future industry leaders were honored at an event on April 18 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 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 14, MHLA recognized Maui AOHT seniors and presented a total of $13,200 in scholarships to six recipients who successfully completed the two-year curricula designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the travel industry.

Scholarship recipients who were recognized as outstanding achievers include Britney Bautista, Kylie Amber Buere, Ellaine Claudette Coloma, Stacia Eng, Mary Rose Leonidas and John Michael Rinen.

Sharmaine Domingo, an AOHT Outstanding Alumni, was awarded a $1,800 scholarship.

Additional scholarships were awarded to Maui Hotel & Lodging Association members’ students. There were 14 applicants for MHLA’s Member Scholarships.

All scholarships are funded with proceeds from the annual Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Excellence in Education Golf Tournament. The 2019 tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 16.

“It’s an honor to be able to provide for our future leaders. These students have excelled in their individual areas and have been justly awarded for their achievements. We look forward to watching these 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 via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education Golf Tournament and Kupuna Dinner.

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