Fifteen student-athletes were honored by HMSA with a $5,000 Kaimana scholarship for their accomplishments and achievements in academics, athletics and community service. CJ Caraang | SL

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For the 14th year in a row, the Hawaii Medical Service Assocation Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program honored 15 student-athletes from four different islands at the Hawaii Convention Center Saturday morning.

HMSA recognized the students for their accomplishments and achievements in three categories: academics, athletics and community service.

"The way it started was, we were looking for a way to help recognize and inspire youth in our community to live healthy lives. One of the best ways we thought we could do that was finding youth in the community who were doing great things, not only in athletics to lead a healthy life, but also having great sportsmanship and were already giving back to their community," said Wendy Nakasone, HMSA Vice President of Consumer Solutions.

The scholarship selection committee consisted of Robert Kekaula (KITV4, Spectrum Sports), Debbie Nakanelua-Richards (Hawaiian Airlines), Dave Reardon (Honolulu Star-Advertiser), Steve Uyehara (Hawaii News Now), Elisa Yadao (HMSA) and Chris Chun (HHSAA). The panel had to sift through 300 applications, narrowing it down to 30 semifinalists before selecting the final 15.

2019 HMSA Kaimana Scholarship Receipients:

  » Pomaikai Evans-Bautista, Kamehameha-Hawaii (track & field, volleyball, basketball)
  » Enjolique Hughes, Makua Lani Christian (golf, soccer, volleyball)
  » Kailee Jackson, University Laboratory paddling, cross country, water polo)
  » Gianna Sbarbaro, Le Jardin (cross country, track & field, soccer)
  » Emily Truong, Sacred Hearts (soccer)
  » Taylor Venenciano, Iolani (soccer, track & field)
  » Mayumi Fulgencio, Kauai (track & field, soccer)
  » Tabitha Ross, Island School (cross country, paddling, soccer, track & field)
  » Alexa Jackson, Baldwin (golf)
  » Robert Russell, Maui (football, track & field, wrestling)
  » Tilera-Mei Adolpho, Kahuku (basketball, tennis, volleyball)
  » Kelani Corbett, Leilehua (wrestling, judo)
  » Noah Matsumoto, Kaiser (football, baseball)
  » Justin Pfau, Pearl City (basketball, football, judo, track & field)
  » Chloe Sabandal, Farrington (soccer, track & field)

"I think every year we are more and more impressed with the amazing things kids are doing. I know when I was in high school, I certainly would not have enough time of the day to do all the things they are doing. Every year, when we hear the wonderful and various things they're achieving. We're blown away and I think this year's class is along the same lines," Nakasone said.

Each student received a $5,000 scholarship.

"At HMSA, we really want to help to continue to make our community healthier. One of the ways we feel we can do that is by investing in the next generation of leaders for our community. Some people don't necessarily think, ‘How do you connect scholarships with health?' but we think it's a very important way we're investing in the long term success and viability of our community," Nakasone said.

Nine high schools received a Kaimana School Award which comes with $1,500 and a banner.

Big Island Interscholastic Federation
  » Small school (fewer than 200 students): Parker School
  » Large School (200 students or more): Keaau

Interscholastic League of Honolulu
  » Small school (fewer than 400 students): Le Jardin
  » Large school (400 students or more): Hawaii Baptist

Kauai Interscholastic Federation
  » Kapaa

Maui Interscholastic League
  » Small school (fewer than 350 students): Maui Preparatory
  » Large school (350 students or more): Kamehameha-Maui

Oahu Interscholastic Association
  » Small school (fewer than 1,300 students): Kalaheo
  » Large school (1,300 students or more): Radford