Education briefs

Icy challenge at Waiakea High

Icy challenge at Waiakea High

In conjunction with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Make a Difference Day, Waiakea High School faculty and staff took the Ice Bucket Challenge on Oct. 23.

Principal Kelcy Koga and 11 other male staff members accepted the challenge and braved the icy cold water. Students collected money for their chance to dump the 5-gallon tubs of icy cold water onto the faculty member of their choice.

“I’m glad I participated in the activity. It was for the students and for a good cause, the American Cancer Society,” said soaked math teacher and baseball coach Rory Inouye. “It was fun, and the water was super cold.”

A total of $888.30 was raised with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

BIRMA honors Keaau graduate

The Big Island Retired Military Association presented the 2015-16 BIRMA-Mark Allen Traxler Memorial scholarship certificate of $2,000 to Amy McBride of Keaau.

The award is in memory of Mark Traxler, son of James and Carol Traxler of Kailua-Kona.

McBride graduated from Keaau High school and will attend Hawaii Community College to major in nursing. She was granted the BIRMA scholarship based on her GPA, outstanding school leadership and community record.

McBride was the valedictorian of her graduating class, high school paddling team captain, member of Keaukaha Canoe Club and received a Certificate of Appreciation for Make a Difference Day in 2014.

BIRMA awards annual scholarships to Hawaii Island high school seniors who are children of an active duty, reserve or National Guard member of the U.S. armed forces, or the child or grandchild of a person who retired from the armed forces with 20 or more years of active military service.

Applicants must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For more information, visit biretiredmilitary.org.