Nominations for Duke Kahanamoku Scholarship Program Now Open

From now until Dec. 1, 2018, eligible student athletes statewide can apply for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation’s (ODKF) Duke Kahanamoku Scholarship Program, which offers need-based scholarships for up to $25,000 each. 

To qualify, applicants must be a Hawai’i resident, demonstrate financial need, be involved in community service, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and participate in a “Duke sport” (canoeing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, water polo, or volleyball), with a record of leadership and accomplishment. Scholarships will be awarded by June of 2019 for credit towards the 2019–2020 school year. The scholarship application can be found online. 

Below is a description of the different scholarships:          

The Duke Award is Hawai’i’s largest one-time student scholarship of $25,000. The scholarship is awarded to an exceptional Hawai’i high-school senior who exemplifies the character and values of Duke Kahanamoku. Students applying for the Duke Award must submit a nomination from an Athletic Director, Coach, Counselor, and/or Principal to qualify. Selected finalists will also be profiled on the Hawai’i Sports People TV show during the entire month of February.

General/Regular Scholarships these one-time scholarships of up to $7,500 will be awarded to high-school seniors or full-time undergraduate students attending an accredited college who demonstrate financial need, have competed in a “Duke sport,” and exemplify the character and values of Duke Kahanamoku.

“Our foundation is seeking out Hawai’i youth who embody the aloha spirit and have demonstrated the drive and character necessary to be an authentic ambassador for our state,” said Noel Pacarro Brown, board president for the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. “New for this year – we’ll announce our recipients at Duke’s Night, a community event that celebrates and honors all of the scholar athletes.”

The award recipients will be revealed on Feb. 23, 2019 at the inaugural Duke’s Night event at Diamond Head Theater. The evening will begin with a showcase of the top three scholarship candidates for the Duke Kahanamoku Scholarship of 2019, followed by a white-envelope reveal of the recipient. A benefit concert featuring a local artist will close out the night, with all proceeds directed to future scholarships. Sponsorships from $500 to $10,000 are available for purchase.

More information on the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation and their scholarship program can be found online  or by email at [email protected].