Celebrating The Aloha Project's 2024 Scholarship Recipients!
Entering our second year, The Aloha Project continues to be inspired by the incredible young people who share their stories with us. And 2024 was no exception! We received hundreds of amazing applications, each shining with the Aloha spirit.
While we wish we could recognize everyone, we are thrilled to announce our three outstanding 2024 scholarship recipients who rose to the top with their incredible dedication to academics and community service. Each recipient has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help them continue to make a difference.
The Aloha Project will be back in 2025 with more scholarship opportunities. Stay tuned!
2024 Recipients
John Lewis Maneja
My name is John Lewis Maneja, a first-generation college student and immigrant who is deeply committed to the power of education and helping the community. In May 2024, I graduated from Keaau High School as valedictorian, having utilized free early college classes to explore my academic passions. I also demonstrated my commitment to community involvement by leading initiatives in the STEM and Samahang Bayanihan clubs. Now, I am pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where I'm honored to have been selected as one of the Bonner Leaders for the 2028 cohort. Through this prestigious program, I am actively involved in community service and volunteering with various organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in Hawaii.
Stephany Kanno
Aloha! My name is Stephany Kanno, from Kaneohe, HI. I am working toward a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. Being a pilot is my passion and dream career. Other than thinking about, learning about, or actually flying, I love being with animals. My dog Pili and I enjoy going to the beach, biking, and walking together. I am grateful and honored to be awarded the Aloha Project Scholarship, which supports me reaching my professional goal of being a pilot and advocating for the aviation industry in Hawaii.
Rich Wu
Rich is a first-generation college generation student born and raised in San Francisco. As a Chinese-American growing up in Chinatown, Rich has sourced pride from both his Asian-American and ethnically Chinese background and has used that to find his intersectional identity as an 'American Born Chinese'. He regularly gives back to the community he grew up in through volunteering and campaign advocacy. In the past he served as the Commissioner of Leadership and Engagement as the Student Advisory Council, serving over 55,000+ SFUSD students as a high school representative. Rich has extensive experience in youth leadership, accumulating 100+ hours of volunteer experience preserving Asian-American history like the Chinese Railroad Workers society. Outside of academics, Rich is an avid NBA enthusiast and spends much of his time trying new food cuisines.
2023 Recipients
Niko Banto
The scholarship amount of $1,000 will be used to cover Niko’s tuition and fees at Babson College
Victoria Ayodele
The scholarship amount of $1,000 will be used to cover Victoria’s tuition and fees at Duke University
Tracy Wang
The scholarship amount of $1,000 will be used to cover Tracy’s tuition and fees at the University of Southern California
Thank you for sharing your passions and dreams with us. We are deeply impressed by your commitment to excellence. Keep shining bright!