Maui Preparatory Academy sophomore Heidi Zee Mahan has been skateboarding since she was four. Heidi was awarded the 2016-17 Tenth Anniversary Scholarship.

NAPILI – Maui Preparatory Academy last week announced the recipient of the 2016-17 Tenth Anniversary Scholarship: tenth grade student Heidi Zee Mahan. In celebration of MPA’s tenth year, this full-tuition scholarship was awarded to a deserving high school student who was new to Maui Prep.

Heidi and her family join the Maui Prep ‘ohana from California, specifically the Bay Area. However, because of her mother Zdenka’s international background – she grew up in Slovakia – Heidi has had the opportunity to travel extensively to Europe and experience many different cultures. She speaks some of her mother’s language and is currently studying Spanish.

Zdenka did not grow up in an environment where motivation, goal-setting and dreaming were an important part of life, and she strives to instill these values in Heidi’s daily schedule.

“This scholarship was something Heidi was dreaming of ever since our first visit to the school. It is my biggest reward to watch my daughter thrive and reach this amazing milestone,” she said.

Heidi has two brothers, Johnny (5) and Jake (21). Her father, John, spends countless hours with Heidi at the skate park (she has been skateboarding since she was four) and also at car races, where Heidi races quarter midget cars.

Heidi is a second-degree yellow belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and loves to run. She is already a part of the Maui Prep cross country team.

Heidi loves science and one day hopes to continue in that field or business.

Principal Ryan Kirkham commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Heidi join the Maui Prep community. She is a positive, fun-loving individual who we are confident will have a tremendous impact, not only on her class but the entire Upper School.”

Located on a scenic campus in Napili, Maui Preparatory Academy is an independent college preparatory day school for a diverse student population from preschool through Grade 12. Maui Prep is dedicated to providing a rigorous, interdisciplinary, academic program combining arts enrichment, athletics and community service as part of its core values. The school has been recognized statewide and nationally for its exceptional programs.

Maui Prep opened its doors in 2005 with 37 students in grades 6-8 and, today, has grown to almost 200 students in preschool through 12th grade.

In August 2014, Maui Prep launched its international boarding program for students in grades 9-12. Maui Prep’s highly trained faculty and staff work tirelessly to help students reach beyond their perceived level of ability and become outstanding world citizens.

For more information, or to schedule a campus tour, contact Director of Admissions Cathi Minami at (808) 665-9966 or at cminami@mauiprep.org, or visit www.mauiprep.org.