Sydney Snyder (second from left) receives her $1,000 scholarship from (left to right) Lorena Martinez, Boi Crichton and Mark Shimer.

LAHAINA — In celebrating its 50th year anniversary, Lahaina Canoe Club presented an inaugural $1,000 scholarship to Maui Preparatory Academy senior Sydney Snyder in recognition of her outstanding academic, athletic and community service achievements.

She will attend Boston College in the Morrissey School of Arts and Sciences and major in Chemistry with hopes to work in a hands-on, science-oriented job in the future.

The daughter of Shelly and Kirk Snyder earned a 4.34 grade point average at Maui Prep while competing at all-star levels in canoe paddling, track and field, and volleyball.

“It has been a privilege coaching Sydney for the last four years for Lahaina Canoe Club and Maui Prep paddling teams,” said head coach Boi Crichton. “She has set a high standard in and out of the canoe for every aspiring junior steerswoman, and our ‘ohana is so proud of her.”

Maui Prep College Counselor and Athletic Director Keenan Reader added that Snyder — a West Side youngster who was an original preschool student at the Napili campus — has benefitted from great parents and a loving community that pushed her to pursue excellence.

“It’s amazing to see the outstanding young woman that she has become while growing up at Maui Prep. Sydney has thrived in all aspects of Maui Prep’s program. A top student who sought challenges, she will graduate salutatorian with plans to attend Boston College.”

“While at Maui Prep, she was a four-sport athlete, including MIL champion in the high jump, all-star recognition in paddling, and multi-year female athlete of the year at Maui Prep. She was a member of our school’s rock band. However, she stands out most to me for her volunteer work, where she has been a leader in the Rotary Interact Club at Maui Prep, including spearheading projects in our community to feed the homeless and the Lahaina Adult Daycare,” Reader stated.

For Snyder, it has been a rewarding and invaluable upbringing.

“Growing up here in Lahaina and with Lahaina Canoe Club has made me a stronger leader and taught me skills that I will use in college and beyond. My experience in the canoe has pushed me to become more vocal, not only in the canoe but also in my community,” she said.

Congratulations and best wishes to this rising star of the Lahaina community.