2002 Hui Makaala Scholarship Recipients
  Ms. Jarisse Gushiken Corcoran is the daughter of James and Carrie (Gushiken) Corcoran and a graduate of Pearl City High School. Jarisse’s higher education plan is to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa and then to transfer to an art institute in California, majoring in Interior Design. Jarisse also plans to obtain a Master’s Degree in Set Design, which she hopes to have a career in motion picture.

Jarisse was very active student. Her many activities included the high school student government, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, Kumon Learning Center (as a part-time teacher’s assistant) and being actively involved within the Okinawan culture. She has been a member of the Hawaii United Okinawan Association and Club Motobu since 1989. Jarisse has performed with the Shinsato Shosei Kai (playing the Samisen) and Miyashiro Soho Kai (playing the Koto).
  Ms. Silvia Aki Frederick is a graduate of Kalaheo High School and is the second daughter of Mr. Kenneth and Tomoko (Nakanishi) Wadzinski.

Silvia has a love for dance, whether it is hip-hop or hula. She remembers a time of her childhood when she performed Eisa in front of many people in Okinawa where she was born. In her words, she admires Okinawa’s historical values of courage, wisdom, and compassion and Okinawa’s cultural values of warmth and bright optimism.

Silvia will be attending Soka University of America at Aliso Viejo, located in Orange County, California.
  Ms. Darcy Tara Gibo is a graduate of Kalani High School and is the daughter of George and Yvette (Au) Gibo. Darcy excelled academically in high school earning a 3.98 GPA and plans to further her education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she plans to major in Asian Studies.

For the past four years, Darcy and her family have hosted four students from Okinawa as part of the Hawaii Okinawa Student Exchange program. Darcy, herself, has gone to Okinawa twice on the exchange program. According to Darcy, the exchange program has really opened her eyes to Okinawa. She also indicated that when she goes back to Okinawa, she doesn’t want to just visit, she wants to live there for a while and immerse herself in the Okinawan culture.
  Ms. Traci Gushiken will be attending the University of Southern California and plans to major in computer engineering. Traci graduated from Mililani High School where for four years, she has contributed her talents as a trumpet player in the Mililani High School Band programs. Traci is the daughter of Elson and Aileen (Tanoue) Gushiken. Traci is the sister of Kristi Gushiken, a 1999 Hui Makaala Scholarship recipient.

In her essay, Traci expressed her many experiences in learning the Okinawan culture through clubs and more intimately through her grandparents. Being members of the Okinawan Genealogy Association of Hawaii, she has learned that the pride and preservation of the Okinawan culture lives within, by tracing our roots.
  Ms. Kristen Kimoto graduated in the top 5% of her graduating class at Moanalua High School and plans to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in architecture. Kristen immersed herself in many activities during her high school days especially being a band student leader, a piano student and a singer. She has won many service awards for music and a love of performing her music. Kristen is the daughter of Alan and Dianne (Minei) Kimoto.

Through her family’s involvement in the Nakasone Dance Company and many years of participation at the Okinawa Festival, Kristen expressed her good fortune to dress up and experience holding flags during Taiko performances at the festivals. According to Kristen, this experience was one of many that have exposed her to immense richness of the Okinawan culture.
  Mr. Scott Nakatsu is the son of Wayne and Colleen (Yamaki) Nakatsu. Scott graduated from Pearl City High School and plans to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Scott has experienced a broad range of Okinawan culture. Scott has been involved with the Miyashiro Soho Kai (taking Koto lessons for the past seven years) and has performed at many Okinawan festivals. Scott is currently preparing to perform with members of the Hawaii Chapter of the Teishin Kai in Okinawa at the 45th anniversary concert of Sadao China, a noted artist and producer in the repertory of Okinawan classical and folk songs.
  Ms. Stefanie Okuda is a graduate from Iolani School where she was on the Honor Roll and Headmasters list all four years of high school. She is the daughter of Harris and Sharon (Masaki) Okuda. Stefanie intends to attend Santa Clara University in California and plans to major in english and music.

Stefanie’s community involvement include the Kin Chojin Kai and the Japanese American Citizens League. She is also involved with the Nakasone Dance Studio and plays the Sanshin with the Shinsato Shosei Kai. Stefanie was a recipient of the "Tradi Award" for perpetuating Japanese performing arts presented by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.
  Ms. Karley Peterson is the daughter of Charles and the late Pamela (Omine) Peterson. Karley is a graduate of Leilehua High School graduating with a 3.9 GPA and in the top 3% of her graduating class.

Karley was active with student government and school athletics while working at Baskin Robbins in Wahiawa and also around the Leilehua School campus. According to one of her letters of recommendation, Karley was one of the most involved students on campus.

Through her grandparents and her mother, she has learned the Okinawan culture. Karley plans to attend Pacific University and plans to return to Hawaii to pursue a career in Kinesiology.
  Ms. Brandie Saito is a graduate from Waiakea High School where she graduated near the top of her class earning a 3.9 GPA and is the daughter of Michael Saito and the late Cynthia Yogi Oshiro. Brandie plans to attend the University of Oregon to obtain a degree in Bio-chemistry where she hopes to pursue a career in radiology.

Brandie has been actively involved with Hui Okinawa and has traveled to Japan as one of two selected to represent Hawaii to a World Peace Environmental Awareness Conference. Brandie and her family also hosted students for the Okinawan Exchange Program. Hui Okinawa had recognized her with its "Warabincha Award" for her active participation in the club’s activities.
  Ms. Kaylee Shimomura is a graduate of Baldwin High School where she graduated valedictorian and earned a GPA of 4.0+. Kaylee is the eldest of three children of Ricky and Jere (Taira) Shimomura of Kula, Maui. Through the influence of her friends and family, and interest in oncology, Kaylee has a passion for biological research and is expected to pursue studies in Biology. She will be attending Loyola Marymount University this fall.

Kaylee is a member of the Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai and the Maui Okinawa Taiko Club. Kaylee says "Taiko is a gateway to her ancestry and its just a small taste of the real thing". Someday, she says, she wishes to travel to Okinawa to experience the genuine Okinawan culture.