RECIPIENTS

2006-2007 Recipient Daryl Joyce Presiados view essay
Ms. Joyce's early childhood in the Philippines has inspired her to take advantage of the educational and career opportunities in the US. As a student at Kealakehe High, she achieved a 3.8 GPA. Inspired by her older sister's example, she plans to attend college in San Diego and eventually work as a traveling nurse.

2006-2007 Recipient Shiori Fujishige view essay
Her multicultural background and travel experience led Ms. Fujishige to an interest in the world. During high school, she worked at The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, where she shared the Aloha spirit with guests of different nationalities. Ms. Fujishige will pursue this career path by studying international business at the University of Redlands.

2006-2007 Recipient Chelsea Gans view essay
Growing up in Kona has taught Ms. Gans to make the most of the opportunities that are presented to her. She has been fascinated by Hawaiian Culture and Marine Biology, and looks forward to a career that allows her to "explore and be hands on." Ms. Gans will study Liberal Arts at Chico State University.

2005-2006 Recipient Chelsee Furukawa view essay
Chelsee is an accomplished scholar, athlete, and volunteer. Her leadership experience at Konawaena High School includes serving as president of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the student government. She also participated in Interact, Leo Club, and the Japanese Club. In the realm of sports, Chelsee played both soccer and tennis, and spent four years as the captain of the bowling team. As a volunteer, she was active in Hawaii's 4-H club, and plans to continue working with its California equivalent, H.E.L.P., as a way to build her leadership skills and contribute to the local community. Because of her achievements at Konawaena, Chelsee won the Dean's Scholarship to pursue a major in pre-medicine at Chapman University.

After college and medical school in California, Chelsee plans to return to Kona to work as a doctor. She is concerned that because of a shortage of dermatologists on the Big Island, patients often wait six weeks to see a specialist about skin problems. She plans to improve the quality of medical care available to the Kona community by opening her own dermatology clinic.

2005-2006 Recipient Kimberly Manago view essay
Kimberly describes herself as a "hard worker" with many extracurricular interests. In addition to her studies, Kimberly has been involved in Konawaena Student Government, Leo Club, National Honor Society, Math League, and Japanese Club. Outside of school, she has volunteered and worked with the 4-H club.

As a student at UCLA, Kimberly will pursue a major in Civil Engineering. After graduate school, she plans to begin her career by working in California for a few years. Using this experience, she would like to open her own engineering firm in Kona. Kimberly feels that growing up in Kona has taught her to recognize opportunities and strive to take advantage of them.

2004-2005 Recipient, McKenzie Weimer view essay
McKenzie Weimer, a student at San Diego State University (SDSU), is the first Kona-California Scholar and the recipient of the $750 award. Graduating from Kealakehe High School in 2002 with a 3.7 GPA allowed her to visit California for the first time, to enroll in college. McKenzie maintained excellent grades at Mesa Junior College, and transferred to SDSU, where she is pursuing a major in Child and Family Development. She supports herself financially by working as a full time nanny for a child with autism. She feels that her upbringing in Kona and continued support from friends and family give her the strength she needs to face challenges and share with others. Her future plans include a master's degree and a career in child counseling.

The Kona-California Scholarship Committee congratulates McKenzie for her academic achievements and community service. May she find further success and continue to share the Aloha Spirit!