HMSA Lauds Student Athletes For Excelling At Sports, Studies

Sean Fukunaga (left), Kylie Nishino and Reece Teramoto at the HMSA Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon. Photo from HMSA.

Three West Oahu youths are among the 21 student athletes throughout the state to be honored in this year’s HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.

The winners are Sean Fukunaga of Pearl City High School, who participates in air riflery, cross country, track and field and wrestling; Kylie Nishino of Waipahu High, who plays baseball and softball; and Reece Teramoto of Pearl City High who does cross country and track and field.

They were recognized at a luncheon earlier this month at Hawaii Convention Center.

The keynote address was delivered by another accomplished area athlete, Olympic wrestler Clarissa Chun of Kapolei. School principals, athletic directors and family members also attended the event.

The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is designed to recognize students who excel at both school and sports. Fukunaga, Nishino and Teramoto all received $3,000 in scholarship funds.

“Being a teenager and getting through that tremendously challenging period of your life is an accomplishment on its own,” said Elisa Yadao, HMSA’s senior vice president of consumer experience. “These students excelled, earning outstand-

ing grades, practicing exceptional sportsmanship, and giving countless hours of their time to help others. We’re so committed to the Kaimana Program because it highlights the aloha these students share with their classmates, their teammates, and their communities.”

Top sports programs also were were recognized for excellence, as well as dedication to academics, sportsmanship and community service. Waipahu and Campbell high schools placed second and third, respectively, in their division.

For more about these and other winners, visit HMSA’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/myhmsa.