From left, Andy Kutsunai of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation receives $1,000 from Eddie Oshita, West Maui Veterans Club manager and Treasurer Thomas Kunishige to fund a new scholarship for a Lahainaluna High School senior to be awarded in May 2011.

LAHAINA — The West Maui Veterans Club (formerly known as Lahaina A.J.A. Veterans Club) will offer a $1,000 scholarship to a Lahainaluna High School graduating senior.

“This will be done through the LHS Foundation. Preference for this scholarship will be given to descendants of World War II AJA (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) veterans or to students of Japanese ancestry,” announced Thomas Kunishige, West Maui Veterans Club treasurer.

Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair Andrew Kutsunai added, “We would like to welcome the West Maui Veterans Club in partnering with us to provide a scholarship to a graduating LHS senior in 2011. It is gratifying to know that in these tough economic times, community organizations such as the West Maui Veterans Club are willing to step up to provide financial assistance to the youth of our community.”

“Lahainaluna holds a special place in the hearts of community members and graduates. As the oldest high school west of the Mississippi River, it is the one aspect of Lahaina’s history that has survived, intact. There is no other place like it. LHSF commends West Maui Veterans Club for making this scholarship and creating opportunity for our youth,” the foundation noted.

For information regarding Lahainaluna High School Foundation, call 661-5332 or visit www.Lahainalunahighschoolfoundation.com.