Pictured at the scholarship event are (from left): Joanna Acosta; Samantha Calma; Briana Bandy; Kylie Ines; Lauryn Laborte; Leah Werblun; Tori Tihada; Jaela Naha; Phyllis Ross, accepting an award for her granddaughter, Taylor Panlasigui; and Marites Peralta, accepting an award for her daughter, Linsay Mae Peralta. PHOTO BY SARA LO.

NAPILI – On Tuesday, May 21, the Napili Kai Foundation awarded $36,000 in higher education scholarships to 11 foundation graduates, Lahainaluna High School graduates, Napili Kai Beach Resort employees’ children and alumni.

Joanna Marie Acosta, a seven-year member of the foundation and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and majoring in Accounting. She received a $3,000 scholarship.

Briana Bandy, a seven-year member of the foundation, an employee child and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending Arizona State University and majoring in Secondary Education, English. Bandy received $4,000.

Samantha Marie Calma, a six-year member of the foundation and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending the University of Hawaii Maui College, majoring in Nursing. She received a $2,500 award.

Kylie S. Ines, an 11-year member of the foundation and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending Washington State University and majoring in Forensic Science/Education/Business. Ines received $4,000.

Lauryn Laborte, a 12-year member of the foundation and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending UH Maui and majoring in Psychology. She received a $3,000 scholarship.

Jaela P. Naha, a 12-year member of the foundation and 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be attending UH Maui and majoring in Nursing. Naha received a $3,000 scholarship.

Taylor A. Panlasigui, a seven-year member of the foundation and 2018 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to Portland Community College and focusing on a General Associate of Arts study. Panlasigui received $2,000.

Linsay Mae Peralta, an employee child and 2018 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to Chamberlain School of Nursing, focusing on a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Peralta received a $3,000 scholarship.

Courtney L Ruidas, a nine-year member of the foundation and 2016 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to Portland State University, focusing on a Bachelor’s Degree in Aging Services. Ruidas received $2,500.

Tori Kaimana Tihada, a ten-year member of the foundation and 2018 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in Hospitality Management. Tihada received $4,000.

Leah G. Werblun, a nine-year member of the foundation and 2018 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to University of Northern Colorado, majoring in Biology/Pre-Med. She received a $5,000 scholarship.

The Napili Kai Foundation, now 53 years old, is the longest-running weekly keiki hula show in Hawaii. The foundation offers its cultural program, free of charge, to the children of West Maui.

Membership now spans generations and averages 35 with a travel troupe of 15. The keiki are taught by renown Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar, along with Kumu Kalei Jaramillo and Kumu Rance Villarimo, and perform a weekly show at Napili Kai Beach Resort.

In 1986, the scope of the foundation was expanded by the establishment of its unique scholarship fund, which has distributed over $200,000 in higher education scholarships to graduating keiki to help them achieve their educational and career goals.

The scholarships are funded by the J.C. Millar Scholarship Fund, Bert and Barbara Stubblefield Scholarship Fund, Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope, Felts Family Foundation, Barbara Bunce Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Dennis Wilkinson Memorial Scholarship Fund.