MHLA Awards $20,000 in Scholarships

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association presents scholarships to UH Maui College students (from left): Tetsuji Yamazaki, GM, Sheraton Maui and MHLA Board President; Jayford Agbayani; Dana Cordero; Ronald Daniel; Dyana Sanchez; Mikiala Holley; Dominques Tati Kaniaupio; Lisa Paulson, executive director; and MHLA; Gregg Nelson, GM, Napili Kai Beach Resort. MHLA photo

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association recently awarded $20,000 in scholarships—$6,000 in scholarships to six University of Hawai‘i Maui College students and $14,000 in scholarships to nine Academy of Hospitality students from Baldwin, Lahainaluna and Maui High Schools.

Three students from the Maui Culinary Academy and three Business & Hospitality students each received a $1,000 scholarship.

Students were recognized as outstanding achievers by their department coordinators.

Recipients from the UHMC Business and Hospitality Department included Dana Cordero, Ronald Daniel and Dyana Sanchez.

Recipients from the UH Maui College Culinary Academy included Jayford Agbayani, Mikiala Holley and Dominques Tati Kaniaupio.

These future industry leaders were honored at the Maui No Ka Oi Magazine’s ‘Aipono Restaurant Awards gala held on Sunday, April 10, at the Grand Wailea Resort in the presence of hundreds of business and restaurant industry principals.

In a special luncheon honoring graduating students in the Academy of Hospitality & Travel on May 17, 2016, MHLA recognized 67 Maui seniors and presented a total of $14,000 in scholarships to nine recipients who have successful completed the two-year Academy of Hospitality & Travel curricula designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the travel industry.

Scholarship recipients who were recognized as outstanding achievers include Maui High School’s Jelly Mae Agapay, Princess Cainquitan, Kayla Guillermo, Lyka Huga and Jellyfer Tamayo; Baldwin High School’s Dayna Calubaquib, Zyra Dela Cruz and Elissa Media; and Lahainaluna’s Emerald Lynch.

Scholarship monies for UHMC students and Maui AOHT graduates are funded with proceeds from the annual MHLA’s “Excellence in Education” golf tournament.

The 2016 tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.

“It’s an honor to be able to provide for our future leaders,” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director. “These students have excelled in their respective areas and have been justly awarded for their achievements. We look forward to watching these incredible students turn into the next generation of industry leaders.”

MHLAis a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. The organization also provides educational opportunities and scholarships, and gives back to the community via the annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk, Excellence in Education golf tournament and Kupuna Dinner.

For additional information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.