Nāpili Kai Foundation awards $52,000 in scholarships to local students

The Nāpili Kai Foundation has awarded $52,000 in higher education scholarships to 11 recipients this year, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting local students pursuing college degrees.

The awards were granted to graduates of the Foundation’s hula program, Lahainaluna High School alumni and children of long-time employees of the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort.

This year’s scholarship recipients and their awards include:

• Mekayla Bandy, daughter of a 31-year Nāpili Kai employee, returning to UH Mānoa as a sophomore in psychology – $5,000
• Cheira-Emeryl Cappal, daughter of an 18-year employee, returning to Portland State University as a sophomore in marketing and advertising management – $5,000
• Theressa Nhelle Cabading, a six-year member graduate of the Foundation, returning to UH Mānoa as a senior in nursing – $5,000
• Kayla Mabalot-Del Castillo, daughter of a 12-year employee, entering UH Mānoa as a freshman in graphic design animation – $4,000
• Gracia Marie Acosta, a seven-year member graduate of the Foundation, returning to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a sophomore in hospitality – $5,000
• Shari Peralta, daughter of two employees with a combined 35 years of service, returning to UH Mānoa as a sophomore in nursing – $5,000
• Sarah Nicole Cariaga, a seven-year Foundation graduate, entering UNLV as a freshman in hospitality – $4,000
• Jasmine Lagazo, a six-year Foundation graduate, returning to UNLV as a sophomore in nursing – $5,000
• Janice Yabo, daughter of a seven-year resort employee, entering UH Maui as a freshman in business administration – $4,000
• Zoe Salvador, daughter of a 32-year employee, entering UH Mānoa as a freshman in accounting – $4,000
• Aizza Lei Liwanag, an eight-year Foundation graduate, returning to UNLV as a junior in pre-dental microbiology – $6,000

The Nāpili Kai Foundation, now 59 years old, is the longest running weekly keiki hula show in Hawaiʻi. The Foundation offers its cultural program free of charge to keiki from 5-18, which includes a weekly show at the Nāpili Kai Beach Resort. For membership information, contact Kumu Hula Kathy Ralar at www.napilikaifoundation.org.

In 1986, the scope of the Foundation’s program was expanded by the establishment of its unique scholarship fund, which has to date distributed $464,000 in higher education scholarships. The scholarships are funded by: JC Millar Scholarship Fund, Bert and Barbara Stubblefield Scholarship Fund, Perna-Rose Foundation for Hope, Felts Family Foundation, Nation Meyer Memorial Scholarship Fund, Jeff and Libby Ames Fund, Ron Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund and Gillian Coder Memorial Scholarship Fund.