Maui Health Auxiliary Awards second ‘EDucation’ Volunteer Scholarship to MJee Abara of Lahaina
The Maui News
WAILUKU–Maui Health’s Auxiliary Volunteer Program announced MJee Abara as the recipient of their second annual “EDucation Volunteer Scholarship” for his tireless commitment to caring for the people of Maui.
“MJee’s academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to healthcare make him a deserving recipient of this year’s scholarship,” said Barbara Potopowitz, Maui Health Auxiliary President. “Not only has he contributed countless volunteer hours, but he has also been a huge ambassador for the junior volunteer program, helping to recruit many new students this year. We celebrate his outstanding accomplishments and wish him success as he continues his journey in healthcare.”
Through the hospital volunteer program, MJee has dedicated over 81 hours to Maui Memorial Medical Center’s patients, staff, and visitors. He began his volunteer journey in high school and now continues to give his time as part of the college student program.
Beyond his volunteer work, MJee has achieved extraordinary academic success. Graduating from Lahainaluna in 2024, he also earned an associate degree from the University of Hawai’i while still in high school. As the Chief Valedictorian of both his high school and university classes, he graduated with a GPA exceeding 4.5. Additionally, he served as president of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program, where he was instrumental in certifying over 100 students in CPR, First Aid, and Basic Life Support.
MJee is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration & Public Health at the University of Hawai i, West Oahu, balancing a full schedule of online courses with work and volunteering. He plans to enroll in the EMT program at the University of Hawai’i Maui College to become a paramedic.
The Maui Health Auxiliary Volunteer Program’s EDucation Scholarship was established in 2023 in honor of long-time volunteer Ed Quiring, who has worked with many junior volunteers, providing valuable insight and mentorship. It is funded by donations and proceeds from the volunteer gift shop on the first floor of Maui Memorial Medical Center. The scholarship aims to support future healthcare leaders by assisting with essential college expenses, such as tuition and books. Donations are tax-deductible and help fund scholarships for junior volunteers who meet the scholarship criteria.
“We encourage the Maui County community to contribute to the EDucation Scholarship to support future volunteers and aspiring healthcare leaders like MJee,” said Potopowitz. “We are also always looking for adult and student volunteers and have both in-person and remote work available.”
The Maui Health Auxiliary Volunteer Program is Maui’s only hospital-based junior volunteer program, offering students between the ages of 14- 18 the opportunity to explore various healthcare careers while enriching patients’ lives and
making a meaningful impact on our community. Both the junior and college volunteer programs work to accommodate students’ class schedules and semester breaks so they can continue to get hands-on experience and earn volunteer hours.
For more information on the Maui Health Auxiliary Volunteer Program and EDucation Volunteer Scholarship, please visit www.mauihealth.org/volunteer or call Barbara Potopowitz at 808-280-4707.