Hilo student awarded $10K scholarship – West Hawaii Today
Kaia Fujinaka, left, poses with Dana McLaughlin of the Hawaii Keiki Museum. (Courtesy/ Photo)
Kaia Fujinaka, a recent graduate from Waiakea High School in Hilo, has been awarded the Arne and Ruth Werchick Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 to support her studies at California Polytechnic State University.
Fujinaka was selected for her exceptional academic work and her commitment to the Big Island community.
Fujinaka is passionate about how mental engagement affects motor skill development. Her essay about her senior research project — a study using the skill of golf putting to measure athletic performance development — and her description of her volunteer work with kupuna in Hilo during their physical recovery both stood out among a pool of dozens of applicants.
Fujinaka will major in kinesiology at Cal Poly and plans to become an occupational therapist.
“Both Kaia’s essay and her description of her community service were outstanding,” said Dana McLaughlin founder/executive director of the Hawaii Keiki Museum in Waikoloa. “Her research was not only innovative, but also deeply empathetic — traits that will serve her well in her future as an occupational therapist.”
The Arne and Ruth Werchick Scholarship was established to support Hawaii students who are passionate about improving the lives of Big Island residents through science, service and research. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, community involvement and a clear vision for impact.
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