LIHU‘E — The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation announced Tuesday that four high school seniors from Kaua‘i were awarded a total of $14,000 in scholarships for academic achievement.
Kimberly-Ann Vidinha of Waimea High School, Madison Doo of Kapa‘a High School, Natalie Lett of Kaua‘i High School and Rayna Shafter of Island School were named as recipients of the foundation’s annual Legacy Scholarship Program.
“Mr. and Mrs. Takitani founded Hawaiian Host, and knew hard work, innovation and commitment to excellence were key factors in their success,” said Takitani Foundation Chairman of the Board Michael W. Perry in a statement. “The Takitanis wanted to recognize those same qualities in Hawai‘i’s outstanding students with support to further their education.”
• Vidinha received the $5,000 District Finalist Award. She is the daughter of Wendy and Harold Vidinha. In her junior year, Vidinha was recognized as the Pele Awards Gold Winner, a statewide high school art competition. She has also held the positions of student ambassador and student body historian in the 11th and 12th grades.
• Doo received a $3,000 award. She is the daughter of Erin Takekuma and Bryan Doo. She has been on the Principal’s List since the ninth grade, has held officer positions in the Key Club, and represented her school on the varsity volleyball team in 11th and 12th grade. She will attend Western Washington University in the fall.
• Lett also received a $3,000 award. She is the daughter of Gordon Lett. She earned first place in the Multimedia Journalist Category, Student Television Network at the 2022 convention. She was also recognized by the YWCA Kaua‘i Board of Directors’ Media and Communications for pursuing a career in media and communications. She will attend Boston University in the fall.
• Shafter also received a $3,000 award. She is the daughter of Renate and Andrew McMullen. She received the Margot Latif Award for her participation with the Island School Alaka‘i Chorus, and was also named Miss Kaua‘i Veteran 2022. The Miss Kaua‘i Veteran honor was based on her academic and extracurricular achievements and community work. She will attend the University of San Diego in the fall.
The Kaua‘i students were among 60 recipients, one from each qualifying public and independent school in the state, who received scholarships based on academic achievement, community service and financial need. The foundation awarded a total of $219,000 to students throughout the state this year.
The foundation has annually presented scholarships to outstanding students from every qualifying high school in the state since 1993, and has awarded more than $12.5 million to scholarship and academic enrichment programs throughout Hawai‘i.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
