Joyce Iwashita, daughter of Brian and Ayumi Iwashita of Hilo and former Hilo High valedictorian, was named the 2014 Truman scholarship winner by the foundation created by the late President Harry S. Truman. The scholarship is given to outstanding college juniors who intend to pursue public service. The foundation chooses just one winner from each state every year.
Joyce Iwashita, daughter of Brian and Ayumi Iwashita of Hilo and former Hilo High valedictorian, was named the 2014 Truman scholarship winner by the foundation created by the late President Harry S. Truman. The scholarship is given to outstanding college juniors who intend to pursue public service. The foundation chooses just one winner from each state every year.
The Truman Foundation seeks not just high achieving students but those who “hope to be a ‘change agent,’ in time, improving the ways that government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions serve the public.” Beyond hoping, Truman Scholars demonstrate a dedication to community service. The award brings $30,000 for graduate studies and opportunities for intern and mentorships that can prove priceless.
Hilo has done well, with four Truman Scholarship winners to its small-town credit. Previous winners are Chelsea Takahashi, Elyssa Correia and Christina Economy.
Iwashita is preparing to enter her senior year at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Ore., where she is majoring in economics. She servedone summer in Washington, D.C., working as an intern for then-Sen. Daniel Akaka. She plans to attend law school. Afterward, she wants to make a career of public service at the national level, perhaps in the Department of Justice.
“Hilo can be proud of Joyce, and all of the Hawaii Truman Scholars, fine young people willing to make a difference,” said Hilo High counselor Casey Carpenter.