Students get scholarship for promoting Japanese culture

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui awarded the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship worth $1,500 to Lannie Hisashima, King Kekaulike graduate and current University of Portland student, for her efforts in perpetuating the Japanese culture and language.

Hisashima has traveled and performed for Maui’s Zenshin Daiko taiko group for the past 12 years. She has earned a Seal of Biliteracy for Japanese and English and has used her skills to teach the language in various notable service projects. She has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the community and with her sharpened skills, aspires to continue to give back.

The cultural society also awarded $1,000 scholarships to Sarah Fusato of King Kekaulike High School who is currently attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Kara Nakahashi of Baldwin High School, who is attending Portland State University; and Nadia Apo Takayama of Kamehameha High School, who is also attending UH Manoa. The scholars were selected primarily for their record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating the Japanese culture.

“We were so impressed with the pool of candidates this year and we want to congratulate the top scorers,” said Eugene Shikuma, chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. “We want to support our scholars to further their education and in their desire to keep the Japanese culture and language alive for future generations.”

To make a donation to this program to support future scholars, contact jcsmhawaii @gmail.com.