The Maui News

WAILUKU–Maui County Federal Credit Union (MCFCU) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 scholarships. Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to 10 outstanding students from our community and are part of MCFCU’s ongoing commitment to supporting higher education and empowering the next generation of leaders.

This year’s scholarship recipients consist of five incoming college freshmen, four returning undergraduates, and one graduate school student. Fields of study range from biology, diagnostic ultrasound and business, to anthropology, history and law. The 2024 scholarship recipients are:

Taylor Aloy, 2023 Kamehameha Schools graduate, attending Seattle University

Kalela Gaspar, 2024 Maui High School graduate, attending Grand Canyon University

William George, 2023 Maui High School graduate, attending University of Nevada

Devyn Gruber, 2024 Lahainaluna High School graduate, attending University of Hawaii Manoa

Hanale Kauhaahaa, 2024 Lahainaluna High School graduate, attending University of Hawaii Manoa

Ava Takahama, 2024 Kamehameha Schools graduate, attending Creighton University

Bennett Takahama, Creighton University, 2024 Kamehameha Schools graduate, attending Creighton University

Andrew Teruya, 2022 Maui High School graduate, attending University of Puget Sound

Kahanu Vista, 2022 Kamehameha Schools graduate, attending Grand Canyon University

Layce Yamauchi, 2017 Baldwin High School graduate, attending University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law

Gary Fukuroku, Maui County FCU President/CEO, expressed pride in the recipients and emphasized the importance of investing in the education of local students. “At Maui County FCU, we believe that education is a powerful tool for personal and community growth. By supporting these deserving students, we are investing in the future of Maui County. These scholarships represent our commitment to helping young people achieve their dreams and contribute positively to our society. We are incredibly proud of each recipient and look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish.” said Gary Fukuroku, Maui County FCU President/CEO.

When asked what they hope to achieve with their education, Bennett Takahama, shared, ” I hope to be able to return to Hawai’i to empower and grow our community. I want to use my gained knowledge in biology to research native plants and find ways to perpetuate their growth and usage across Hawai’i.” Hanale Kauhaahaa adds, “I want to use my computer science degree to enter a career that allows me to contribute to new developments in the field. I am specifically interested in AI and the new opportunities it will bring.”

Over the past 23 years, Maui County FCU has awarded scholarships totaling $284,000 to Maui County students pursuing higher education.