Sports were just a part of the high school careers of Kaydee Rapozo and Cory Yamagata, who still found time to take on other pursuits, striking a balance between athletics, academics and community service.
Sports were just a part of the high school careers of Kaydee Rapozo and Cory Yamagata, who still found time to take on other pursuits, striking a balance between athletics, academics and community service.
Because of it, tackling college costs will be a little easier for each.
Rapozo and Yamagata, recent graduates of Waiakea and Kealakehe, respectively, were honored Saturday in Honolulu as the BIIF’s HMSA Kaimana scholarship winners, both receiving a $5,000 stipend.
Yamagata was a captain of the Waveriders’ tennis team and lettered all four years on Kealakehe’s BIIF champion soccer teams. Rapozo enjoyed a four-year career on the Warriors’ basketball team and was captain her junior and senior seasons.
Each year statewide, HMSA recognizes up to 15 students, who must hold a GPA of at least 2.75, be active through volunteerism and write an essay about their high school experience and postgraduate plans.
According to the HMSA website, Yamagata “has been devoted to community service since joining the Boy Scouts when he was 6. In high school, he expanded his volunteer work through the Interact Club and National Honor Society. His 12-year journey has taught him humility through activities such as refurbishing local schools, promoting breast cancer awareness, and performing environmental cleanups on the shores of East Hawaii.”
He’ll attend Santa Clara (Calif.) University and plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Rapozo “was active in the Key Club and National Honor Society and served as the student government vice president. She also volunteered with the Hawaii County Nutrition Program for the elderly, an experience that inspired her career path.”
She’ll attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is set to pursue a degree in biology and a career in geriatrics to continue to serve her the elderly population.
Among the 13 other students honored Saturday was recent Kaimuki grad Nina Bean, who formerly attended Hilo High.
The Kaimana Award for schools were given to Keaau (large) and Parker (small).