Napili Kai Foundation Awards $36,000 in Scholarships
By Lahaina News
Napili, Maui, Hawaii: The Napili Kai Foundation has awarded $36,000 in higher education scholarships to 8 Foundation graduates, Lahainaluna alumni, and Napili Kai Beach Resort employee children. The recipients are:
Joanna Marie Acosta, a 7-year member/graduate of the Foundation and a 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as a senior, majoring in Accounting. She received $5,000.
Brianna T. Bandy, a 7-year member of the Foundation, daughter of a 29-year employee of Napili Kai Beach Resort, and a 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to Arizona State University as a senior, majoring in Secondary Education/English. She received $5,000.
Theressa Cabading, a 6-year member/graduate of the Foundation and a 2022 Lahainaluna graduate will be attending University of Hawaii, Manoa, as a freshman, majoring in Nursing. She received $3,000.
Kylie S. Ines, an 11-year member/graduate of the Foundation and a 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to Washington State University as a senior, majoring in Human Development. She received $5,000.
Namahina H. Kawabata, a 12-year member/graduate of the Foundation and a 2022 graduate of Maui Preparatory Academy, will be attending Pacific University in Oregon, majoring in Graphic Design/Digital Art. She received $4,000.
Jaela P. Naha, a 12-year member/graduate of the Foundation, daughter of a 21-year employee of Napili Kai Beach Resort, and a 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to University of Hawaii, Maui, as a senior, majoring in Nursing. She received $4,000.
Ira Jean Navarro, daughter of a 12-year employee of Napili Kai Beach Resort, and a 2019 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to the University of Providence in Great Falls, Montana, as a senior, majoring in Accounting. She received $5,000.
Tori Kaimana Tihada, a 10-year member/graduate of the Foundation, and a 2018 Lahainaluna graduate, will be returning to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, as a senior, majoring in Hospitality Management. She received $5,000.
The Napili Kai Foundation, now 56 years old, is the longest running weekly keiki hula show in Hawaii. The Foundation offers it cultural program, free of charge, to the children of West Maui. Membership now spans generations and averages 35 with a travel troupe of 15. The keiki are taught by renown Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar, along with Kumu Kalei Jaramillo and Kumu Rance Villarimo, and perform a weekly show at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. The keiki range in age from 5-18. For membership information, please contact Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar at www.napilikaifoundation.org.
In 1986, the scope of the Foundation’s program was expanded by the establishment of its unique scholarship fund, which has, to date, distributed over $330,000 in higher education scholarships to graduating keiki and alumni to help them achieve their educational and career goals.
The scholarships are funded by: JCMillar Scholarship Fund, Bert and Barbara Stubblefield Scholarship Fund, Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope, Felts Family Foundation, Dean and Colleen Dwyer Scholarship Fund, Nation Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund, Jeff Ames Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Ron Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund.