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High school seniors
compete for scholarships

By Harold Morse
Star-Bulletin

Sixty-five Hawaii high school seniors will vie tomorrow for a total of $60,000 in scholarships made available by Ticket Plus in the Polynesian Cultural Center's 14th annual Sterling Scholar Awards, the state's most comprehensive high school scholarship awards program.

Thirteen subject categories will be arenas in the competition, established in 1987 by the cultural center. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Ticket Plus and NBC Hawaii News 8 have joined the center as title sponsors.

"It's a philosophy of our company to assist young people through education by providing opportunities for them to reach their full potential," said Manuel Sanchez, chief executive officer of Ticket Plus, in commenting on the Ticket Plus $60,000 donation. "Education is the key to Hawaii's future. These scholarships will help Hawaii's students today and our community tomorrow."

The competition and scholarship awards will be in the center's 2,775-seat Pacific Theater, starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow. A delayed telecast of the program takes place at 4:30 p.m. Sunday on KFVE.

In its 14 years, the scholarship program has grown tremendously. More than $900,000 in cash scholarships has been awarded to high school seniors statewide since the program began.

The 13 subject categories are general scholarship, business education, English, computer science and technology, foreign language, Hawaiian studies, industrial arts, mathematics, music, science, social science, speech/drama and visual arts.

General scholarship finalists and the eventual top contestant will receive a total of $12,000.The general scholarship category prize breakdown is $5,000 for the winner, with second and third places awarded $3,000 and $2,000 respectively. The remaining two finalists each receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond. A total of $4,000 is awarded in each of the other 12 categories, with similar breakdowns for the winner, second, third and so on.

Thereare five finalists in each of the 13 categories, bringing the finalist total to 65.This year, 209 nominees from 45 high schools vied to qualify for this final round.

The Sterling Scholar program differs from others in that awards are based not only on scholastic achievements but also citizenship and leadership. A panel of three judges for each category interviews the finalists and reviews their portfolios to determine the placings. The portfolio includes the student's academic achievements, honors and awards, experiences and special projects and community service. Each student is asked to give a personal history and speak about his or her life goal.

Other supporting sponsors are Aloha Airlines, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Clarence Lee Design, Edwards Enterprises, FJC&N, McNeil Wilson Communications, Pizza Hut, Roberts Hawaii and PR Japan.

The 65 finalists are:

General Scholarship Nicole E.K.F. Lim, Iolani Sandra Kim, McKinley Kristyn Kitabayashi, Mililani Zachary Brandon Stone, Punahou David Clark Anderson, Radford
Business Education Jayme Yukie Uchida, Castle Melissa Jann Johnson, Hilo Kit Kenzo Okimoto, Iolani Rachel Asuncion, Kamehameha J.P. Barboza, Punahou
Computer Science & Technology Craig David Oyama, Iolani Yui San Ho, Kaimuki Bei Li, Kalani Matthew K. Shaw, Konawaena Makana Seth Anicas, Waiakea
English Catherine Cachero, Farrington Richard Andrew Malins, Iolani Jenny Napua Leong, Kamehameha Julia Kaiulani Nelson, Punahou Marlayna Gail Vaaler, Radford
Foreign Language Malika Dudley, Hilo Shaun Imada, Iolani Kaipo Ikamoto, Kamehameha Angelina Amian, Moanalua David Hu, Punahou
Hawaiian Studies Puakahiki Kau'i Kaina, Hilo Micah Komine, Kalani Andrew Kulani 'Akahi, Kamehameha Tiana Marie Alcoran, Konawaena Kapuanani Nalimu, Waiakea
Industrial Arts Joanne Mika Hayashi, Kalani Matthew Man Ho Ying, McKinley Derrick Masami Ching, Mililani Michael Cacal Young, Radford Patrick Lulick Feng, Waiakea
Mathematics Camilla Kwai Lin Lau, Iolani Sheryl Suk Ling Lau, Kaimuki Jordan K.Y.F. Lee, Kamehameha Suzanna Hahan, McKinley Leotaro Weitzenhoff, Punahou
Music Bradford Lee, Iolani Nathan M. Momohara, Kauai Tara Lei Tomoyasu, Pearl City Jaime Saya Lachmann, Punahou Brad Yukio Shimizu, Roosevelt
Science Lizhou "Lisa" Wang, Iolani Nel Cevallos Venzon, Jr., Konawaena Roy Kuniaki Esaki, Punahou Sandy Chien Hui Liang, Sacred Hearts Franchette T. Pascual, Waimea
Social Science Stanley Pai Chang, Iolani Marci Ai Furutani, Kauai Diana Millicent Leong, Mid-Pacific Benjamin Arthur Curlee, Punahou Rebekah L. Tanimoto, Waiakea
Speech & Drama Kathryn Emily Eagar, Baldwin David Seiyei Wakukawa, Iolani Stacey Rose Pulkmano, McKinley Kennly Asato, Mid-Pacific I Chieh (Ruby) Ho, St. Andrew's Priory
Visual Arts Anna Therese Duvall, Baldwin Huy Cong Van, Farrington Melissa DeSica, Kailua Milfer Juan Araneta, Mililani Daniel Chapman, Punahou