Athletic Scholarships Available Through HMSA

By Wendy Osher

Image courtesy HHSAA.

Student athletes in Hawaii have an opportunity to apply for an estimated $45,000 in college scholarships available for Hawaii high school seniors.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) Kaimana Scholarship applications are due Feb. 18, 2011.  A total of 21 scholarships valued at $2,000 each will be awarded to high school seniors graduating in 2011.

Applications are available on the HMSA website (hmsa.com) and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) website (www.sportshigh.com), and must be submitted to the HHSAA.

Awards are based on the student athletic and academic achievement, community involvement, and sportsmanship, with special focus given to students in lower-profile sports. An additional $1,000 will be awarded to three distinguished recipients.

Jenae Taylor Kruck. Photo courtesy HHSAA.

Sheyenne Machida. Courtesy HHSAA.

Charlene Pacubas. Courtesy HHSAA.

2010 winners from Maui included: Jenae Kruck of Lahainaluna High School for Soccer and Water Polo; Sheyenne Machida of Maui High School for Cross Country, Springboard Diving, Swimming, and Track & Field; and Charlene Pacubas of St. Anthony High School for Air Riflery, Basketball, and Softball.

“HMSA Kaimana Scholarship winners are outstanding students who excel both on and off the field and demonstrate a spirit of volunteerism in their communities,” said Robert P. Hiam, HMSA president and chief executive officer. “The energy and achievements of our student winners inspire me every year. We are proud to support a program that encourages healthy living, team spirit, and community involvement, and helps to strengthen Hawaii’s future leaders.”

Qualifications:

Applicants must be Hawaii high school seniors graduating in 2011 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in their senior year. They must also have played on at least one of their school’s athletic teams during the current school year in a league-sanctioned sport.

How to apply:

Student athletes must submit a short essay on why they believe they deserve a scholarship, obtain two letters of recommendations from faculty members, and verification in writing by a member of the school faculty of thier GPA. Completed applications must be submitted to the HHSAA by Feb. 18, 2011. Applications are available at hmsa.com or www.sportshigh.com, and must be submitted to the HHSAA.

Notification:

Scholarship recipients will be notified in writing in May, and will be recognized at the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon on June 25 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki.