Lahainaluna and Maui High students shine at 2025 Citizen-Scholar Awards

Two outstanding students from Maui County were among the top honorees at the 2025 Citizen-Scholar Awards, held Wednesday, April 30, at the Halekulani Hotel in Waikīkī.

• RJ Arconado of Lahainaluna High School was named Top Maui County Scholar
• Ciana Cooper of Maui High School earned the prestigious title of Top Overall Female Scholar in the state.

Both students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to community service.

They were joined by fellow Maui County honorees Emma Jane Roy (Baldwin High School), Alize Pu-Hanchett (Hāna High and Elementary School), Bella Kuailani (King Kekaulike High School), Sharmaine Mae Elan (Lānaʻi High & Elementary School), and Rose Marie Cockett (Molokaʻi High School).

The Citizen-Scholar Awards, hosted annually by the Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association (HLTA) in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, celebrated one student from each of the state’s 42 public high schools.

Each student received a $1,000 scholarship, with top county scholars awarded an additional $2,500 and the top overall male and female scholars receiving an additional $5,000. All Citizen-Scholars were also matched with a local sponsor from the hospitality industry or business community and received roundtrip tickets from Southwest Airlines to support them on their educational journey.

This year’s top honors went to:

• Top Overall Male Scholar: Ethan Yang, Kaiser High School (O‘ahu) – attending Stanford University
• Top Overall Female Scholar: Ciana Cooper, Maui High School (Maui) – attending Columbia University
• Top O‘ahu Scholar: Esther Lim, Leilehua High School – attending Brown University
• Top Maui County Scholar: RJ Arconado, Lahainaluna High School – attending University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
• Top Kaua‘i Scholar: Kaye Marie Alvarez, Waimea High School – attending Notre Dame of Maryland University
• Top Hawai‘i Island Scholar: Louis Perroy, Waiākea High School – attending Brown University

“These Citizen-Scholars are shining examples of what it means to give back while achieving at the highest level,” said HLTA President and CEO Mufi Hannemann. “They reflect the values of service, perseverance, and leadership that will continue to shape a brighter future for Hawai‘i.”