Scholarship winner Forest Rezayani is congratulated by Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise members (from left) Brandie Henderson, Kim Treloar and Ann Neizman.

NAPILI — Ann Neizman, president of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, reported that the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation’s Scholarship Committee selected 56 graduating high school seniors across the State of Hawaii to receive $290,000 in scholarships.

Forest Rezayani, 18, of Maui Preparatory Academy was awarded $5,000, which will be put toward his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the fall.

Forest, beaming and so thankful for the chance to further his education, has not only overcome great odds in his personal life but has excelled academically.

During the awards assembly, Forest said, “Truly, this generous award has saved my life.”

Ryan Kirkham, principal of Maui Preparatory Academy, said, “We have seen tremendous growth in Forest since he joined us two years ago. He truly exemplifies a student who takes ownership of his own education. He is a passionate individual who is constantly seeking out new challenges in pursuit of excellence.

“Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation hit a home run in selecting Forest for this prestigious scholarship award.”