Kamehameha Schools Maui senior Arissa Kahaiali‘i accepts the Hawaii State Youth of the Year award from Kirk Douglas of the Boys & Girls Club of America. Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii photo

The Maui News

A Lahaina teen was recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of America at the Hawaii State Capitol on Oahu last week as part of a Youth of the Year competition, which honors the nation’s “most awe-inspiring young people” as they move into their future. 

Arissa Kahaiali’i, a senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui who has been a member of the Lahaina Clubhouse for more than eight years, was awarded the Youth of the Year title following speeches, interviews and an evaluation by a panel of judges.

The title recognizes leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to live a healthy lifestyle, according to a news release. 

“My clubhouse is my home,” Kahaiali’i said at the award ceremony on Oahu. “It gave me a safe space and taught me how to be myself. I’ve learned a lot while being a member of the Boys & Girls Club. Sometimes it takes the small steps, not the giant ones, to bring the biggest change.”

Kahaiali’i participates in swimming, water polo, and band. After graduating, she plans to attend college to study business, the news release said.

The senior will serve as an ambassador for all teens in the state, receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and advance to the regional competitions this summer.