The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presents scholarships to University of Hawaii Maui College students; pictured, from left, are MHLA Membership and Events Coordinator Christine Christensen; John Torres; Daniel Iwasaki; Paola Jacobo; Danielle Sulliban; Chayce Cardenas; MHLA Executive Director Lisa Paulson; and Angela Nolan, area managing director for Vistana Signature Experiences Hawaii and MHLA board president.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded a total of $20,000 in scholarships: $9,000 in scholarships to six University of Hawaii Maui College students and $11,000 in scholarships to nine students from Baldwin and Maui High School.

Three students from the Maui Culinary Academy and three Business & Hospitality students each received a $1,500 scholarship. Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the UH Maui College Business and Hospitality Department were Ryan Borger, Daniel Iwasaki and Paola Jacobo. Recipients from the UHMC Culinary Academy were Chayce Cardenas, Danielle Sulliban and John Torres. These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s Aipono Restaurant Awards gala held on April 23 at the Hyatt Regency Maui in the presence of hundreds of business and restaurant industry workers.

In a special luncheon honoring graduating students in the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism on May 15, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recognized 54 Maui seniors and presented a total of $11,000 in scholarships to six recipients who have successfully 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 Sharmaine Domingo, Dean Wilfred Lizada and Justin Yago from Maui High School, and Kristyn Aiwohi, Karly Cairme and Tehani Mo’ikeha from Baldwin High School.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently presented scholarships to Academy of Hospitality and Tourism high school students. Pictured (from left) are: MHLA Executive Director Lisa Paulson; Karly Cairme; Kristyn Aiwohi; Tehani Mo‘ikeha; Sharmaine Domingo; Justin Yago; Dean Wilfred Lizada; and Angela Nolan, area managing director for Vistana Signature Experiences Hawaii and MHLA board president.

Scholarship monies for UHMC students and Maui AOHT graduates are funded with proceeds from MHLA’s annual “Excellence in Education” golf tournament. The 2017 tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 18.

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

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships, and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament and Kupuna Dinner. For additional information, contact the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association at 244-8625.