Ten Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi Students Awarded College Scholarships

Sixty-two high school students from across the state were awarded a total of $181,000 in scholarships from the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation through the foundation’s Legacy Scholarship Program.

Scholarship recipients.
Photo Courtesy

Ten high school seniors from Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi received scholarships and two Maui seniors won top state honors.

Maui High School senior Joseph Kim, winner of one of the Foundation’s highest awards, the Mamoru Takitani Outstanding Student award, received a $10,000 scholarship.

Maui Preparatory Academy’s Lexie Leon received an $8,000 scholarship award as the winner of the Karen Uno Distinguished Student Award.

Eight seniors from other public and independent schools on Maui each received $2,000 scholarship awards.

The students received scholarships based on academic achievement, community service and financial need.

Joseph Kim, the son of Kyung Sook and Sun Yun Kim, received numerous scholastic achievement and service awards throughout his high school career. In addition to his stellar academic accomplishments, Kim maintained an active role at school as President of the National Honor Society, Captain of the Math League and school Science Fair and as Vice President of the Key Club in administration. An active volunteer in the community as well, Kim served as a Big Brothers tutor, a Korean Academy teacher, Bailey House Museum volunteer and as a worship leader and Sunday school teacher at Maui Onnuri Church. Kim will attend Columbia University in New York this fall.

Lexie Leon, the daughter of Valerie and Richard Leon, is recognized as one of Maui Preparatory Academy’s most distinguished students by being named to the school’s Headmaster List for all four years. In addition to serving as President of the National Honor Society, Leon won five gold medals from the Science Olympiad, received numerous awards for academic excellence, was Captain of the school’s Varsity Paddling team, and active in church and community service endeavors throughout high school. Leon plans to attend Nova Southeastern University in Florida this September.

“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani’s legacy of commitment, dedication and generosity is honored each year through the Takitani Foundation,” said KSSK Radio personality Michael W. Perry, who serves as Chairman of the Board of the Takitani Foundation. “The Takitanis knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success with Hawaiian Host, and wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawaiʻi’s outstanding students with the opportunity to further their education.”

Award recipients of $2,000 awards from the public schools in the Maui School District are: Katelynn Oliveira of Hāna High & Elementary School, Katie Yoshioka of Henry Perrine Baldwin High School, Alexus Yoro of King Kekaulike High School, Ian Viloria of Lānaʻi High & Elementary School, Sonja Angst of Molokaʻi High School and Erica Sawczynec of Kihei Charter School.

The Takitani award recipients of $2,000 for the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools are Dorian Raboy-McGowan of Kamehameha Schools Maui, and Milena LaMonica of Seabury Hall.