The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presents scholarships to University of Hawaii Maui College students; pictured (from left) are Gregg Nelson, Napili Kai Beach Resort general manager and MHLA board president; MHLA Executive Director Lisa Paulson; Faye Cariaga; Lorelee Bivit; Ronald Daniel; Mary Ann Ubaldo; and Devin Galloway.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded a total of $13,000 in scholarships: $6,000 to six University of Hawaii Maui College students and $7,000 in scholarships to five Academy of Hospitality & Tourism students from Baldwin and Maui High School.

Three students from the Maui Culinary Academy and three Business & Hospitality students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the U.H. Maui College Business and Hospitality Program are Faye Cariaga, Ronald Daniel and Sheralyn Soliven.

Recipients from the U.H. Maui College Culinary Academy are Lorelee Bivit, Devin Galloway and Mary Ann Ubaldo.

These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s `Aipono Restaurant Awards gala held recently at the Sheraton Maui in the presence of hundreds of business and restaurant industry principals.

In a special luncheon honoring graduating students in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism on May 20, MHLA recognized 88 Maui seniors and presented a total of $7,000 in scholarships to five recipients who have successful completed the two-year AOHT curricula designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the travel industry.

Scholarship recipients who were recognized as outstanding achievers include Joanne Engracio, Alena Pastana, Nick Ramiscal and Jasmine Viernes of Maui High School, and Courtney Smith of Baldwin High School.

Scholarships are funded with proceeds from MHLA’s annual “Excellence in Education” golf tournament. The 2015 tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 21.

“It’s an honor to be able to provide for our future leaders. These students have excelled in their respective areas and have been justly awarded for their achievements. We look forward to watching these stellar students turn into the next generation of industry leaders,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director.

For additional information, contact the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association at 244-8625.