House Names Maui’s Aaren Soriano 2013 Youth of the Year

Aaren Soriano, pictured middle center of photo. Photo courtesy, state of Hawai’i, House of Representatives.

By Wendy Osher

Maui’s Aaren Soriano was recognized as the 2013 Youth of the Year by members of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

The junior at Kamehameha Schools Maui campus was among four finalists from the Hawaii Boys & Girls Clubs considered for the award.

House lawmakers say the organization is credited with inspiring Hawaii’s youth, many from disadvantaged circumstances, to become responsible citizens.

Aaren Soriano, Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year 2013. Photo courtesy Wendee Wilson & Office of Representative Angus McKelvey.

Soriano, who selected the topic of abuse for his senior project, stated in a media release, “Domestic violence is a silent epidemic that has devastating effects, not only on its victims, but on the community at large.”

In recognizing Soriano, lawmakers note that he has a 4.0 GPA, is a member of the National Honor Society, and hopes to attend either Yale or Stanford.

Others recognized as finalists this year: Katelyn Brown who is member of the Boys & Girls Club of Schofield Barracks Teen Center was named the Military Youth of the Year;  Desiree Kamelamela is a junior at Hilo High School and is a member of the Hilo Club; Tosha Nohea Taylor is a senior at Kapa’a High School on Kauai and is a member of the Kapa’a Clubhouse.

Aaren Soriano, Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year 2013. Photo courtesy Wendee Wilson & Office of Representative Angus McKelvey.

Aaren Soriano, Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year 2013. Photo courtesy Wendee Wilson & Office of Representative Angus McKelvey.