Distinguished Scholarship recipients Miracle Helekahi and Zachary Pezzillo with HMSA President Robert Hiam and keynote speaker Kealoha. Brien Ing | SL

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ILH scholarship recipients Ryan Lau, Kendal Kagawa, Jordan Thibodeau, Katherine Lum and Brittney Like pose with HMSA's Steve Van Ribbink. Brien Ing | SL

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KIF scholarship recipients Stephanie Steuri and Chas Okamoto pose with HMSA Executive Vice President Gwen Miyasato. Brien Ing | SL

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MIL scholarship recipients Zachary Pezzillo, Miracle Helekahi and Chris Nunokawa pose with HMSA Executive Vice President Gwen Miyasato. Brien Ing | SL

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BIIF scholarship recipients Melissa Plato, Jordan Heres, Jonathan Chow pose with HMSA's Steve Van Ribbink. Courtesy of HMSA

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OIA scholarship recipients Stephanie Kalili, Adam Kostylo, Uy-Di Nancy Le, Brendan Nakatani, Fadi Youkhana pose with HMSA Senior VP Linda Katagiri. Brien Ing | SL

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2011 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program scholarship winner pose with HMSA President Robert Hiam. Brien Ing | SL

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More than 200 high school students and their family members, school principals, and athletic directors from across the state gathered today at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki to honor Hawaii's finest scholar athletes and top high schools at the 2011 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program ceremony.

"We're very proud to sponsor the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, the only program in the state to reward academics, sportsmanship, community service, and athletics," said Robert P. Hiam, HMSA president and chief executive officer. "Today's ceremony was inspiring and uplifting. It was a tribute to the outstanding achievements of Hawaii's high school students and schools."

At the awards ceremony, three student athletes received distinguished scholarships valued at $3,000 each, and 19 students received scholarships worth $2,000. In addition, 30 high schools were recognized for achieving the highest program scores in their league and division in athletics, academics, sportsmanship, and community service. The 10 schools with the highest points also received a check for $1,500. (See a complete list of winning schools and student honorees below.)

"For HMSA, this program is a long-term investment in our young people and the community," said Hiam. "We consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to support Hawaii's future leaders."

Today's ceremony was emceed by longtime University of Hawaii sports broadcaster Jim Leahey. The keynote address was presented by Kealoha, an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller. Guest presenters included Hawaii News Now's Steve Uyehara, OC16's Dave Vinton, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser columnist Dave Reardon, ESPN1420's Josh Pacheco, and ScoringLive reporter Wes Nakama.

The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program began in August 2005, and recognizes all-around accomplishments by high schools, rewards individual student athletes with scholarships, and supports coaches' education. The program is administered by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.

For more information on the 2011 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program visit hmsa.com.


HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program - 2011 Winning High Schools

Big Island Interscholastic Federation

Division I

First Place: Hilo High School
Second Place: Konawaena High School
Third Place: Keaau High School

Division II

First Place: Hualalai Academy
Second Place: Kamehameha Schools Hawaii
Third Place: Hawaii Preparatory Academy


Interscholastic League of Honolulu

Division I

First Place: Maryknoll School
Second Place: Mid-Pacific Institute
Third Place: Kamehameha Schools Kapalama

Division II

First Place: Hawaii Baptist Academy
Second Place: La Pietra School
Third Place: University High School


Kauai Interscholastic Federation

First Place: Island School
Second Place: Kapaa High School
Third Place: Kauai High School


Maui Interscholastic League

Division I

First Place: Kamehameha Schools Maui
Second Place: Lahainaluna High School
Third Place: Baldwin High School

Division II

First Place: Seabury Hall
Second Place: Maui Preparatory Academy
Third Place: St. Anthony High School


Oahu Interscholastic Association

Red Division

First Place: Mililani High School
Second Place: Kapolei High School
Third Place: Waipahu High School

Blue Division

First Place: Anuenue School
Second Place: Waialua High School
Third Place: Kailua High School

White Division

First Place: Kalani High School
Second Place: Aiea High School
Third Place: Pearl City High School


HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program - 2011 Student Scholarship Winners

Distinguished Scholarship Recipients

Miracle Helekahi - Hana High and Elementary School
Kyle Nakatsuka - Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Zachary Pezzillo - Seabury Hall


Big Island Interscholastic Federation Scholarship Recipients

Jonathan Chow - Keaau High School
Melissa Plato - Kealakehe High School
Jordan Heres - Mauka Lani Christian School


Interscholastic League of Honolulu Scholarship Recipients

Kendal Kagawa - Maryknoll School
Brittney Like - Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Rachel Roley - Mid-Pacific Institute
Katherine Lum - University Laboratory School
Kyle Nakatsuka - Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Ryan Lau - Punahou School
Jordan Thibodeau - Kamehameha Schools Kapalama


Kauai Interscholastic Federation Scholarship Recipients

Chas Okamoto - Kapaa High School
Kyle McDonald - Island School
Stephanie Steuri - Island School


Maui Interscholastic League Scholarship Recipients

Miracle Helekahi - Hana High and Elementary School
Chris Nunokawa - Kamehameha Schools Maui
Zachary Pezzillo - Seabury Hall


Oahu Interscholastic Association Scholarship Recipients

Uy-Di Nancy Le - Kalani High School
Fadi Youkhana - Roosevelt High School
Brendan Nakatani - Roosevelt High School
Stephanie Kalili - Nanakuli High and Intermediate School
Adam Kostylo - Kaiser High School
Daniella Reyes - Leilehua High School