Arissa Kahaiali‘i is congratulated by Kirk Douglas of the Boys & Girls Club of America.

LAHAINA — An exemplary Lahaina teen was recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of America at the Hawaii State Capitol last week as part of the Youth of the Year competition, which honors our nation’s most awe-inspiring young people on their path to great futures.

The Youth of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service, academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle.

After speeches, interviews and evaluation by a panel of judges, Arissa Kahaiali’i of Lahaina was named Hawaii State Youth of the Year.

Kahaiali’i has been a member of the Lahaina Clubhouse for more than eight years.

A senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui, she participates in swimming, water polo and band. After graduating, she plans to attend college to study business.

Kahaiali’i will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and advance to the regional competitions this summer.

Kahaiali’i said, “My clubhouse is my home. It gave me a safe space and taught me how to be myself. I’ve learned a lot while being a member of the Boys & Girls Club. Sometimes it takes the small steps, not the giant ones, to bring the biggest change.”

Thomas Daya, director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Maui, commented, “Arrisa truly embodies what the Youth of the Year program represents. She gives nothing but aloha to everyone that walks into the clubhouse. She represents the youth of Lahaina and of Maui to a very high standard. She truly exemplifies what Boys & Girls Club of Maui does for youth.”