Kaua‘i, Waimea High students win HMSA scholarships

The Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association has awarded $5,000 scholarships to Emma Burgess of Kaua‘i High School and Hope Newton of Waimea High School, as part of its 18th annual Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.

This year HMSA recognized nine Hawai‘i high schools and 15 outstanding Hawai‘i high school seniors pursuing higher education for their achievements and excellence in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities and sportsmanship.

“This is my favorite event of the year at HMSA,” said HMSA President and Chief Executive Officer Mark M. Mugiishi. “It’s our honor to recognize these amazing standout students and future leaders of Hawaii for their many accomplishments.”

HMSA has sponsored the Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program in partnership with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association since 2005.

At the awards ceremony, 15 students across the state received scholarships worth $5,000 each. Nine high schools – including Kapa‘a High School on Kaua‘i – were recognized for achieving the highest program scores in their league (classified by enrollment) in academics, athletics, community service, healthy activities, and sportsmanship. The nine highest-scoring schools received $1,500 each.

To be eligible for a scholarship, student recipients had to graduate from a Hawaii high school in 2023 with a 2.75 or higher GPA, participate in at least one HHSAA league-sanctioned sport, and demonstrate involvement in community service throughout their high school career.

Recipients can use their scholarships to pay for tuition, books, computers, and room and board.