First Wind Recognizes Maui Student as Recipient of Lead Scholarship

The company that operates the Kaheawa Wind Power project on Maui issued its first renewable scholarship to a Lahainaluna High School graduate.  Jing Hua is the recipient of a $5,000 sholarship for up to four years.  Hua was recognized by First Wind officials in conjunction with the company’s groundbreaking ceremony today celebrating the start of construction of its 30 MW Kahuku Wind project in Oahu.

“Our scholarship program represents our support for young people who show an interest in and the capacity to contribute in the fields of environment, energy and science,” said Paul Gaynor, CEO of First Wind.   “Hawaii is home to some of our most innovative wind projects, so it is appropriate that we recognize one of the state’s future innovators today,” he said.

In addition to granting one four-year scholarship of $5,000 annually to a top student nationwide, First Wind Scholars offers one-time $3,000 scholarships to support local high school students who display strong potential for a successful college experience, as well as interest in the environment, energy, or the sciences.  First Wind plans to announce the recipients of the one-time scholarships later this month.  

Hua was Valedictorian for the Class of 2010 for Lahainaluna High School, where she was active in the National Honor Society, Pacific Asian Affairs Council and the school’s Robotics Club.  Hua is now enrolled at the University of California-Davis where she plans to study Chemical Engineering. 

Lahaina is located near First Wind’s 30 MW Kaheawa Wind Power project on Maui. Kaheawa Wind serves nearly 9 percent of Maui’s annual electricity needs with clean, renewable energy.  Upon its completion, First Wind’s 30 MW Kahuku Wind project on Oahu will have the capacity to generate enough clean, renewable energy to power up to 7,700 Oahu homes each year.