The Kauai Pop Warner Football League took time to recognize the scholastic achievements of its five leagues Friday during the Scholastics Banquet held at Wong’s in Hanapepe.
Scholar-athletes honored achieved a 96 percent or better grade point average and went on to compete against the top scholars in the Pop Warner WESCON Region and the Nationals for Academic All-American status. Athletes were not only considered for their academic achievement, but also for their community involvement, honors, and extra curricular activities.
“We are trying to stress to our student athletes that performance in the classroom is just as, if not more important, than performance on the field,” said Blaine Agena, the KPWFL scholastic coordinator.
Cailin Pasion of the Kekaha Titans, and Makoa Vanaman of the Hanapepe Colts were announced as scholarship finalists in the WESCON Region.
The Academic All-American winners from the national Pop Warner program will be announced on April 1. Those winners will be invited to attend the Pop Warner All-American Scholar Weekend which will be held in Philadelphia during the Memorial Day weekend.
“Hats off to these young men and women for their hard work in the classroom,” said Teddy Arroyo, the KPWFL president. “We are very proud of them showing good character in knowing the responsibility of a student athlete. Their parents can be very proud of them, knowing that their child achieved the highest level in Pop Warner football.”
KPWFL student athletes include Maeani Arbilera, Shylah Bagaoisan-Rita, Jaiden Sams, Elias Casillas, Kade Erdmann, Cailin Pasion, Joseph Sams, Kasey Carveiro, Ashley Alfiler, Kaisen Castillo, Makoa Vanaman, Ashlyn Agena, Deyshia Kenney, Maiya Oshima, Carter Chihara, Jim Ehia III, Justice Funamura-Sasil, William Quetula Jr., Jaesha Mata, and John Bancroft.
