Zonta Club of Hilo Gives $10,000 in Scholarships and Awards

The Zonta Club of Hilo announces $10,000 in scholarships and awards given in memory of former Zontian Patricia O’Toole, whose estate donated $5,000.
“We are proud to applaud the achievements of six outstanding women on Hawai‘i Island this year,” said Nina Buchanan, the club’s scholarship committee chair.

The Young Woman in Public Affairs Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. The 2020 recipients are Hilo High School students Jennifer Kamimura, who received a $2,000 award; Chalsea Castillo, who received a $1,000 award; and Jade Rivera, who received a $500 award.

The Nursing Scholarship is open to women enrolled in a nursing degree program at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo or Hawai‘i Community College. The 2020 recipients are UH-Hilo students Lexie Taylor, who received a $2,500 scholarship, and Angelina Gallegos, who received a $1,000 scholarship.

She said “Thank you for assisting me to reach my greatest professional and personal potential as a nursing student,” said Taylor. “After my graduation in May of 2021, I plan to pursue my nursing career as an ICU registered nurse in order to contribute to the care being provided to the Big Island Community.”

 The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is open to women of any age enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a Master’s program in business. The 2020 recipient is UH-Hilo student Lindsay Emerson, who received a $3,000 scholarship. 
Kamimura and Smith, the top winners in their categories, will be advanced from the club level to compete for additional awards and scholarships at the district and international level of Zonta.

Zonta Club of Hilo’s mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. To support the Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation in providing future scholarships, visit https://www.zontahilo.org/donate/