Scholarship winner at Kona high school bagged a $20,000 grant from the Fukunaga Foundation.
In the heart of Honolulu, the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation marked a significant milestone, celebrating 75 years of supporting Hawaii's education and business communities. Founded in 1950 by Peter H. Fukunaga of Servco Pacific Inc., this esteemed foundation has awarded over $5.5 million to more than 570 deserving students[1][2].
Each year, the foundation selects ten extraordinary students based on their leadership, service, and academic excellence, providing them with $20,000 over four years[3]. This year, one of the recipients is Marlon Utrera Jr., a recent graduate from Kealakehe High School, who will be attending Babson College, a prestigious private business school near Boston.
Marlon's journey is a testament to the foundation's mission. Over the years, many recipients of the Fukunaga Scholarship have gone on to become business leaders, community advocates, and entrepreneurs, not only in Hawaii but across the United States and internationally[4].
The foundation's roots in Servco Pacific Inc., a prominent company in Hawaii, symbolise a connection between local business leadership and educational advancement, strengthening community ties and business networks through the scholarship's legacy[1][2]. Mark Fukunaga, trustee of the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation and grandson of the scholarship founder, expressed his pride in supporting these students, stating, "It's an honour to support the students who will shape the future of our community and our business sector"[5].
The awards ceremony, held on July 18 at Servco's Administrative Office in Honolulu, was a celebration of these students and their achievements. As the Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation looks towards the next 75 years and beyond, it aims to continue its tradition of investing in the future workforce of Hawaii, fostering economic development and business innovation through educated professionals[6].
References:
- Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation
- Hawaii Business Magazine: Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation
- Pacific Business News: Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation awards $20,000 to 10 students
- Pacific Business News: Fukunaga Scholarship recipients become business leaders
- Pacific Business News: Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation awards 2021 scholarships
- Hawaii Public Radio: Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation Celebrates 75 Years
The Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation, with its roots in a local business, bridge education and self-development through their annual awards to deserving students, who later become community leaders and entrepreneurs across various sectors. Moreover, this education-and-self-development initiative fosters business growth and community ties in Hawaii.
