LIHU‘E — Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami joined members of the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i on May 22 when the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i celebrated the awarding of $15,000 in scholarships to five graduating senior students at the Puakea Grill.
“As the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i president, I am extremely proud of the five academic scholarship recipients,” said Edie Ignacio Neumiller.
Recipients of $3,000 scholarships are Chennel Mae Andres, Mahina Dameron, Chloe Inouye, Sophia Stein and Olivia Blackmer.
Andres, equipped with her Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation scholarship, will be heading to the University of Portland to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing.
Once her nursing degree is secured, Andres plans to return to Kaua‘i and seek employment a registered nurse while pursuing a masters of science in nursing, and ultimately a doctorate from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, said Zonta Club of Kaua‘i member MaBel Ferreiro-Fujiuchi.
“When asked the artificial intelligence question, Chennel strongly but politely indicated the AI could not replace the ‘human-ess’ of nursing,” MaBel said.
Blackmer, graduating from Waimea High School with a 4.102 grade point average, is looking to pursue a career in environmental science.
Mahina Dameron, a strong member of the Island School paddling team and the Voyager swim team, is looking to attend the University of Southern California to pursue a degree in psychology.
Chloe Inouye, a three-time gold medal winner at the state swim championships, recently signed a Letter of Intent to Pepperdine University to pursue a degree in international business.
Sophia Stein was awarded a $3,000 scholarship toward her goal of architecture.
“When asked the employment question, Sophia responded that everyone should commit to a job, and show up,” Ferreiro-Fujiuchi said. “There is a documented need for architects in Hawai‘i, and therefore, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i is awarding Sophia a $3,000 scholarship.
“We have again chosen the best. We have advanced the status of women. We have invested in, and protected our future.”
