WAIMEA — Tyrelle Unciano will be the first child from her family to attend college, looking at possibly 12 years of school before she becomes a pediatrician. “I want to be a doctor because this is something all Filipino people
WAIMEA — Tyrelle Unciano will be the first child from her family to attend college, looking at possibly 12 years of school before she becomes a pediatrician.
“I want to be a doctor because this is something all Filipino people aspire to become,” she said. “I also want to be able to make young people more aware of the benefits of good health.”
Unciano was one of seven scholarship recipients who shared in $4,000 presented by the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, and one presented by Virginia Beck in remembrance of her mother, Patricia L. Beck, Monday evening at a small reception for the scholarship recipients and their families at the West Kauai Medical Center.
Another was Melia Takakusagi, who wants to return home after becoming a radiologist.
“If there are no jobs for me, I’ll work someplace else until one becomes available,” said Takakusagi, who graduated from Waimea High School in May. “I just want to come back to better the health of the community.”
Other scholarships went to Quiana Duarte, a Waimea High School graduate; Tiffany Castales, a nursing student at the Kauai Community College; Daisy Coloma, Waimea High School graduate; Kristin Moriwake and Charlotte Kaauamo.
Steve Kline, KVNH occupational therapist, said proceeds for the scholarships came from events spearheaded by the KVMH Auxiliary, including the upcoming bon dance scheduled for Aug. 21 at the hospital’s front lawn.
“This year, the auxiliary was fortunate enough to have sufficient funds to provide seven scholarships,” Kline said. “We would love to be able to fund more scholarships, but we’re grateful for whatever we can do to help our Westside youth.”
