23 Maui Students Earn StarWish Scholarships

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa. Courtesy photo

By Wendy Osher

A total of 23 students were awarded scholarships from the nonprofit Star Wish organization as part of the group’s $16,000 fund to assist individuals with college tuition.

StarWish is a Lahaina-based organization, founded by associates of the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in 2004 to provide annual scholarships to support the children and grandchildren of associates.

The 9th Annual StarWish scholarship recipients include: Jinky Aguiran, Raquel Casio, Leigh Corpuz, April Joy Damo, Brittany Joan Damo, German Failano Jr., Alyssa Ferrer, Orlando Ferrer Jr., Daniel Galano, Leilani Cruz Garcia, Christian Guzman, Taylor Kowalski, Krystle Joy Lopez, Fredelyn Princess Misay, Bianca Nicolas, Quinten Pagan, Janah Pagatpatan, Aysha Nishibdyashi Rincon, Kristel Sabas, Jenica Salvador, Rozcel Santos, Brigette Tomas, and Dayna Yoshimura.

“At StarWish we say “for the ‘ohana, by the ‘ohana” said Nicha Attawut, StarWish president in a press release announcement. “Our associates are very passionate and committed to raising this money to put back into Maui’s youth. We have even received donations from long-time guests of the resort that are committed to giving back to the associates who have made their vacations memorable over the years. We see the annual scholarship program as an investment in Maui’s youth and our future generations.”

Funds are raised for the scholarships through an annual Easter and 4th of July rubber ducky races, car washes, bake sales, silent auctions, and HI-5 recycling programs.  Since 2004, the group has awarded more than $111,000 in scholarships to families of employees at the Sheraton Maui.