The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presented scholarships to University of Hawaii Maui College students; pictured (from left) are Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director; Darroll Sakamoto; Marion Sidon; Chayce Cardenas; Danielle Sulliban; Abigail Banggo; and Chloe Nakagawa.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded a total of $44,000 in scholarships: $9,000 in scholarships to six University of Hawaii Maui College students, $8,000 in scholarships to six Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) students from Baldwin and Maui High School, $3,000 to three AOHT alumni and $24,000 to Maui Hotel & Lodging Association members’ students.

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 are Abigail Banggo, Chloe Nakagawa and Darroll Sakamoto, and recipients from the UHMC Culinary Academy are Chayce Cardenas, Marion Sidon and Danielle Sulliban.

These future industry leaders were honored at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s Aipono Restaurant Awards gala held in April at the Fairmont Kea Lani 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 15, the Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recognized Maui AOHT seniors and presented a total of $8,000 in scholarships to six recipients who successful completed the two-year curricula designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the travel industry.

Scholarship recipients who were recognized as outstanding achievers include Mia Domingo, Deja A. Cala Nakamura, Ruby O’Donnell, Courtney Cortez Rabujara, Trisha Mae Raoacon and Karen Ynes Tabbada.

Three AOHT Outstanding Alumni – Princess Cainguitan, Galia Galano and Carla Puen – were awarded $1,000 scholarships.

Additional scholarships were awarded to Maui Hotel & Lodging Association members’ students.

This year, MHLA had a great response for its Member Scholarship, which included 17 applications (three of whom were high school valedictorians).

All scholarships are funded with proceeds from Maui Hotel & Lodging Association’s annual Excellence in Education Golf Tournament. The 2018 tournament will be held on Friday, Aug. 17.

“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 more information, contact the MHLA at 244-8625.