Hawaii Self Storage (HSS), which operates six facilities in the state, has awarded $40,000 in college scholarships to 10 high school seniors on the island of Oahu. The students were recently recognized during a special ceremony at the operator’s Pearl City facility. This year’s winners are:
- Kiara Alonzo (Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High School)
- Gum Aung (Kaimuki High School)
- Kacie Kajihara (Kalani High School)
- Samantha Lumbao (Leilehua High School)
- Andrea Lyn Mateo (Waipahu High School)
- Brandon Ragasa (James Campbell High School)
- Noah Tramuto (Pearl City High School)
- Mailani Wendt (Kapolei High School)
- Leo Wu (President William McKinley High School)
- Tori Yamauchi (Mililani High School)
"We are proud to commit ourselves to supporting local youth through our ‘Reach Hawaii’ programs," said Mike Wood, managing partner. "Our customers can feel good knowing that it is because of them that we can give back, and together build a strong foundation for Hawaii's future leaders."
HSS received 259 applications this year from 13 high schools. Each student submitted a comprehensive essay about himself and his goals as well as how he can positively impact his community after graduating from college. A select panel judged the essays on the quality of writing, presentation, content and overall effort.
Each winner will receive a $4,000 scholarship toward attaining a college degree. To qualify, applicants had to be enrolled as full-time students taking a minimum of 12 credits. They also had to submit a letter of acceptance into a recognized academic degree program and maintain a 3.0 grade point average for each year enrolled. To date, HSS has given away more than $500,000 in academic scholarships to 134 students.
Founded in 2001, HSS is locally owned and operates properties in Honolulu, Kapolei, Mililani and Pearl City. The company gives back to its communities through six “Reach Hawaii” platforms that support local schools, education programs, sports teams, nonprofits, charities and family programs.
