Maui County Federal Credit Union awards $10,000 in scholarships to local students

Maui County Federal Credit Union is proud to announce it has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 local students, continuing its long-standing commitment to empowering Maui County’s future leaders through higher education.

This year’s recipients include six incoming college freshmen, three returning undergraduates, and one graduate student pursuing degrees in fields such as elementary education, nursing, kinesiology, accounting, and health sciences. MCFCU is honored to recognize the following 2026 scholarship recipients:

• Mia Aoyagi
• Tehya Chumley
• Jaycen Fernandez
• Napuaonalani Jost Ikeda
• Kylan Kihata
• Taylor Neizman
• Samaira Carys Racoma
• Dedrick Sabas, Jr.
• Maria Eliza Sanado
• Zoee Toda

“At Maui County FCU, we believe education opens doors, not just for students, but for our entire community,” said Michele Kawahara, MCFCU President & CEO. “Our hope is that these students will complete their education and choose to bring what they’ve learned back home to Maui. The talent and heart that grow up here are what our community needs to thrive for generations to come. We’re excited to support their journeys and proud to be part of their success stories.”

Scholarship recipients shared how this support will impact their futures. Zoee Toda noted, “This undergraduate education will serve as a crucial steppingstone towards my long-term career aspirations. My goal is to return to my home, Maui, Hawai’i, and serve the children of my community in the medical field. I envision myself becoming a physician, specializing in pediatrics and family medicine. I am driven by the desire to provide accessible, affordable, and reliable healthcare for the children of my community. Witnessing the healthcare disparities that exist within my community has fueled my ambition to make a positive impact, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to the care they deserve. This scholarship would have an immense impact on my journey in gaining the education I need to help my community.”

Over the past 26 years, MCFCU has awarded $319,000 in scholarships to local students. MCFCU remains dedicated to fostering educational opportunities that strengthen families and the community for generations to come.