Maui High School physics teacher Michael Siopes receives the Czechowicz Award during MEDB's Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction on Aug. 23 for his decades of dedication to science education. Photo courtesy Maui Economic Development Board

On a night that raised money for STEM education, the Maui Economic Development Board honored a handful of students and a teacher.

At the MEDB’s Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner and Auction on Aug. 23 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, the Czechowicz Award was presented to Maui High School physics teacher Michael Siopes for his decades of dedication to science education and for embodying the values of lifelong learning and ʻohana with his students and colleagues.

Also presented at the fundraising dinner, the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award recognizing students for community service-focused STEM projects went to Baldwin High School seniors Aileen Kim and Jeremiah Jacinto.

The pair’s project, “Kūlia Scholarships Connect,” featured an AI chatbot designed to simplify and personalize scholarship searches for Hawaii students.

“Our team is driven by a shared passion for equity in education and aims to remove barriers to financial aid through technology that empowers every student to reach their full potential,” they said.

In recognition of his service, Siopes received $5,000, and the duo from Baldwin also received a $5,000 cash award with $2,500 for each student.

Baldwin High School seniors Aileen Kim and Jeremiah Jacinto celebrate winning the 2025 Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award at MEDB’s Ke Alahele Education Fund event. The duo received $5,000 for their AI chatbot project “Kūlia Scholarships Connect,” designed to simplify scholarship searches for Hawaii students. Photo courtesy Maui Economic Development Board

Maui High School students took both honorable mention prizes and won $1,000 each. Maui High student Dominick Philippe Guiwa won for his research project, “From Tragedy to Innovation: Lahaina Fire Recovery through Fire Retardant Solutions,” which demonstrated that the pH levels in native plants are often more fire resistant than invasive species.

The team from Maui High of Toby Naumov, Sarah Fehnestock, Ciana Cooper, Sophie Kato and Joshua Mori were recognized for their low-cost 3D printed innovation “Stop the Bleed Tourniquet Simulator,” in which they used computer science and mechanical engineering skills to create an artificial arm to teach first-aid skills.

“We were honored to come together and celebrate the incredible talent and innovation of our students,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB president and CEO. “Their achievements remind us that investing in STEM is an investment in leadership, opportunity, and the long-term prosperity of our community.”

The evening featured Hawaii News Now anchor Stephanie Lum and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen hosting MEDB’s interactive signature game with students from across Maui County sharing how STEMworks programs have shaped their education and career goals.

Guests also joined in a live auction and Raise the Paddle segment, which helped generate additional funding to expand STEM opportunities.

Proceeds from the dinner will go to support MEDB’s STEM programs. For information about donating, email pathways@medb.org.

Hawaii News Now anchor Stephanie Lum co-hosts MEDB’s interactive signature game during the Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction. Photo courtesy Maui Economic Development Board