Name: Jennifer L.L. Kunisaki
Age: 18
School: Baldwin High
Favorite subject: Mathematics
Pastimes: Volunteer, Maui Humane Society
Future: Dietitian

"It has different fabrics and teaches them colors and how to tie shoelaces, use a zipper and button clothing," said Kunisaki.

Baldwin High School teacher Bette Nomura said Kunisaki knows how to solve problems.

"She's very conscientious and very trustworthy," Nomura said.

Kunisaki, who graduated with a 3.75 grade-point average, was a state finalist in the 1996 Sterling Scholar Awards competition. She has received a $2,000 scholarship from the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Kunisaki, the daughter of Wallace Kunisaki and Ruth Yamamura, has been involved in many community service projects.

Last summer, she worked as a volunteer at the Maui Humane Society. For an independent studies project in her senior year, she helped special education students improve their sewing skills.

She has helped clean the wildlife sanctuary at Kanaha and taught reading to immigrant students.

Kunisaki said while working as a volunteer at an elderly care facility, she noticed how some patients were unhappy with their meals. She wants to become a dietitian so she can create menus that are nutritious and have an island flavor.

"I could provide them with local food," she said.