The awards program, sponsored by the Hawaii Medical Service Association, recognizes school excellence based on four criteria: academics, athletics, community service, and sportsmanship. Each school earns points based on its athletics participation (percentage of student body involved in interscholastic sports), championships won, athletes' grade point averages, and community service hours accrued by the total student body. Schools have points deducted in the sportsmanship category if their athletes or coaches are cited for various negative behaviors.
Representing the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (Oahu's private schools), HBA won the division II first place award (out of 17 total schools). HBA also finished first in 2006 and 2008 and second in 2007. HBA is the only ILH division I or II school to be recognized all four years of the program.
Athletic director Deren Oshiro represented HBA and received the award at the Kaimana Awards luncheon banquet June 20, 2009, at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel. All told, HMSA presented over $60,000 in awards and scholarships to the winning schools and to the 18 student-athletes representing all five interscholastic leagues from across the state. HBA received a $1,500 check and a rock and crystal trophy for its school award.
Also recognized as one of the Kaimana Scholarship winners was senior Stefanie Sueda. Stefanie played basketball and softball, excelled in the classroom and was active in the community. As one of 18 students selected from 404 total applicants, she received a $2,000 scholarship, a standing plaque and other gifts. Stefanie will attend Sienna College in the fall, joining her sister Stacie (HBA '06).
"Today's ceremony was an exciting celebration of the achievements of Hawaii's high school students and their schools," said Steve Van Ribbink, HMSA executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Congratulations to those who earned scholarships and awards. We're proud to sponsor the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program, which is the only program in the state to combine academics, sportsmanship and community service with athletics. We view this program as a long-term investment in our young people and our community, Van Ribbink said. With increasing global pressures, it's imperative to support these talented student athletes and help to strengthen and build Hawaii's future leaders."
The keynote speaker was University of Hawaii Assistant Football Coach Rich Miano and the emcees were broadcasters Jim and Kanoa Leahey.
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