Parker School awards grants
Parker School awards grants
Parker School announces that four students have been awarded Richard Smart Scholars grants for the 2013-2014 school year. They are Eve Anderson and Athena Coley from Waikoloa Middle School; Coco Romano Giordano from Paauilo School, and Kyra Matsuda from Parker School.
Each recipient has earned her $8,500 grant on the basis of need, merit and exceptional academic potential.
Eve Anderson came to Hawaii from Indiana with her family five years ago. She has been studying hula for the past four years and performs weekly in hula shows. She is actively involved in the performing arts program at Waikoloa School and also enjoys horseback riding, playing piano and writing.
Athena Coley was born in Honolulu but now lives on the Big Island. She is a top student at Waikoloa School and has won first place in state art and poetry competitions. She volunteers with Waikoloa Future Foresters, working to propagate native plants in the Waikoloa Dry Forest. She enjoys reading, drawing, singing and drama.
Born in Waipio Valley, Coco Romano Giordano has lived on the Big Island all her life. She has been on the principal’s list at Paauilo School since sixth grade and has earned several academic awards throughout her career there. She is a certified volunteer at the Hawaii Island Humane Society and in her free time enjoys drawing, sewing, algebra, learning Chinese and playing Minecraft.
Kyra Matsuda was born in Hilo, and has lived in Waimea since 2001. She has received academic awards each year she has been at Parker and was invited to join the debate team this year. She is the first middle schooler to qualify for the upcoming state debate tournament. She has volunteered as a student aide with the Kahilu Summer Arts program.
, volunteers weekly at the library, and has participated in other service projects through school, such as Make a Difference Day.
Matsuda’s mother, Laurel, said, “Kyra is thrilled and thankful to receive the Smart Scholarship, and is looking forward to enjoying the many academic and extracurricular opportunities that Parker School offers.”
Matsuda said, “Parker School offers me so much more than I could get anywhere else. I’m extremely thankful to Parker School for awarding me this scholarship and thus helping me to reach my highest potential.”
For more information, please visit www.parkerschool.net.