Nicole Fukumoto presents the scholarship award to Kiara Galicinao (left).

LAHAINA – The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui (JCS Maui) recently presented a $1,000 scholarship toward college expenses to Lahainaluna High School graduate and class Valedictorian Kiara Galicinao and King Kekaulike High School graduate Aja Muromoto.

The daughter of Kelcie Matsui and Kevin Galicinao, Kiara, while attending LHS, was a member of the Japanese Club, Hawaiiana Club, Aloha Club, National Honor Society, Skills USA and Student Government. She was also involved with cheerleading and volunteered as a Japanese tutor.

Kiara will attend the University of Oregon with plans to study architecture and Japanese.

“I will be sure to keep the promotion of the Japanese culture a top priority of mine as I continue on to college, and as well as when I return to Maui to begin my career,” Kiara said.

The daughter of Thomas and Liane Matsumoto, Aja, while attending King Kekaulike, was a member of the Japanese Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Avid Club and Best Buddies. She is a current member of the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui. She also played volleyball and volunteered as a tutor.

Aja will attend Western Washington University and study International Business and Japanese.

The JCS Maui Scholarship is an annual scholarship. Selection criteria includes the student’s interest in perpetuating the Japanese culture, how their education will assist in perpetuating the Japanese culture, and their present and past involvement in Japanese organizations, as well as academics and community service participation.

Donations for the annual scholarship may be made to the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and mailed to P.O. Box 5090, Kahului, HI 96733.

For more information on the scholarship program, call Committee Chair Tiffany Iida at 276-5444.