Updated at 11:09 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Hannemann salutes standout students with awards
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann is recognizing top students across O'ahu, as well as a senior standout from Moloka'i, for scholastic and athletic achievements during the past school year.
Scholar-athlete awards
Hannemann has given $500 scholarships to scholar-athletes at 'Aiea, Pearl City, and Waipahu high schools, the three institutions in his former City Council district. The recipients of the awards were selected based on their excellence in at least one sport during the school year, academic performance, and leadership qualities expressed through extracurricular or community activities. Hannemann has funded the scholarships for the last 12 years, according to the release.
"Athletics were a big part of my life as a student," Hannemann said in a news release issued today.
"I learned the value of hard work not only in the classroom, but also on the basketball court and football field. I believe that a strong and well-rounded educational foundation is essential to enabling our young people to fulfill their potential in their personal and professional endeavors."
Recipients for the 2007 school year were:
'Aiea High School
Hayato Honjo: A four-year letterman on the Na Alii varsity soccer team, participant in club soccer for Powder Edge and judo at Aiea Taiheiji, Honjo was was named the school's outstanding math and science student for 2007, served as vice president of the Graphics Club, and was a competitor in the Ford/AAA auto skill competition.
Amanda Tanhchaleun: An outstanding runner on 'Aiea's cross-country team for the past three years and an OIA Western Division all-star selection in 2006, Tanhchaleun was a member and officer for the National Honor Society and Leo Club and earned academic awards. She was a recipient of Hannemann's Harvard Book prize during her junior year.
Pearl City High School
Austen Hagio: Captain of both the cross-country and track teams his senior year, Hagio also served on the student council and took part in National Honor Society, the school's varsity math team, and Boy Scouts.
Jolana Gollero: A three-sport athlete, Gollero was a team captain for Charger-air riflery, wrestling, and judo during her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Science Bowl team, Japanese Quiz Bowl, and Leo Club.
Waipahu High School
Arbie Campusos: A member of the varsity tennis and soft tennis team for four years and co-captain the last three, Campusos was a three-time state medalist in the National History Day competition, a member of the student council and math team, and winner in the Hawaii State Science Fair.
Chelsea Tejada: A past recipient of Hannemann's Harvard Book prize, Tejada was co-captain of the Marauder girls varsity tennis team and active in the National Honor Society, Leo Club, and student council.
Harvard Book Prize
Hannemann awarded the Harvard Book prize to outstanding high school juniors selected by their schools for the 2006-2007 academic year.
This year's recipients were:
Hannemann, who graduated from Harvard in 1976, has awarded this annual prize for more than 20 years. The university established the Harvard Book prize program in 1910 to attract talented students to Harvard. Sponsored by the university's alumni and presented at about 2,000 schools around the world, the Harvard Book prize recognizes outstanding high school juniors for their academic record, leadership, and character.
Hannemann Leadership Awards
The Gustav Hannemann Leadership Award and the Faiaso Soliai Hannemann Leadership Award, each in the amount of $500, were again presented to students of Samoan ancestry this year. Hannemann has offered the scholarships statewide since 1996, in memory of his parents.
The two recipients were selected based on their grades, participation in student government and other campus or community activities, and selection for honors and awards.
"My Samoan heritage has always been a source of strength for me," Hannemann said in the release.
"I'm honored to be able to recognize the next generation of Samoan leaders with these scholarship awards. I hope to encourage these students to fulfill their promise in their future endeavors."
Gustav Hannemann Leadership Award
Melanie Manutai: A Moanalua High School letterwinner in volleyball, softball, and basketball, Manutai served as an officer in the Hawaiian Dance Club and was a member of the May Day and homecoming committees.
Faiaso Soliai Hannemann Leadership Award
Deisha Lei M. Pico: A Molokai High School senior class president, homecoming queen, 4-H officer, and an athlete on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams, Pico was named to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association all-tournament first team this past season.
