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2018 Rachel Gangwes "Mohala" Scholarship Awardee:
Alexus Paglinawan
Alexus Paglinawan has been awarded the 2018 Rachel Leilani Gangwes Scholarship of $1,000. This scholarship was sponsored in partnership with Kealani Gangwes, in memory of her late sister, Rachel Leilani Gangwes, who was born with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18). While most children do not live past their first birthday, Rachel persevered overwhelming odds to bless her family, friends, and community with eighteen years of love and joy. Rachel reminded everyone that every day is a gift with which you must do your best to uplift others, through words and actions.
Alexus was selected as the applicant that most embodied Mohala, which means to bloom, shine forth and develop; as Rachel inspired others to, and as our young leaders should endeavor to as they move forward in their academic journies while continuing to give back to their communities. As a 2018 graduate of Hilo High School, Alexus inspires to return home after attending college in the mainland and use her education and experiences to help decrease drug use in the local community.
2018 Keaukaha General Store "Holomua" Scholarship Awardee:
Kalama Kala'i Morales
Keaukaha General Store has named Kalama Kala’i Morales as the recipient of their 2018 Holomua Scholarship of $1,000. This scholarship was sponsored by community partner, Keaukaha General Store. Kalama was awarded this scholarship in recognition of his commitment to “holomua” or to improve, progress, and move forward.
As local high school seniors graduate and continue on to higher education, Keaukaha General Store wants to encourage young leaders to look at issues in the community and prompt them to think of ways to help and improve where they come from. As these graduates embark on new paths as young adults, this is an important reminder of their roots and how their efforts will reflect and contribute to the community that molded them.
Kalama is a 2018 graduate of Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu intends to return to Hilo and use his education in sports and medicine to support and improve the health and well-being of the Hilo community.
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