TURTLE BAY, O‘AHU – The Turtle Bay Foundation awarded $202,000 in scholarships to 86 students from O‘ahu’s North Shore and Ko‘olauloa communities through its 13th annual scholarship program, continuing its support for local students pursuing higher education. Established in 2012 as the charitable giving arm of Turtle Bay Resort, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants and scholarships, benefiting 700 students and more than 70 nonprofits across the region
“Over the years, the Foundation’s scholarship program has supported hundreds of local students as they pursue higher education, investing in the next generation so they can return home with the skills and experience to strengthen the communities that raised them,” said Doug Chang, President of Turtle Bay Foundation and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Oʻahu, Turtle Bay. “We are proud to support these students as they step into their potential and shape a more vibrant future for our community.”
This year, 100% of eligible high school seniors received scholarships, totaling 32 students, as well as 54 college student applicants, underscoring the Foundation’s continued focus on expanding educational access across the community; of the total 86 recipients, 24 are Turtle Bay Resort employees.
Scholarships were awarded across five categories, including ʻIlima ($10,000), Maile ($5,000), Lehua ($3,000), Hala ($1,000) and the Barbara Keen Scholarship ($1,000). Four high school students were selected as ʻIlima Scholars, based on their outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to community service:
- Hannah Mikaela Placido — Waialua High School, attending University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Ofa Taumoepeau — Kahuku High School, attending the US Naval Academy
- Mindy Strain — Kahuku High School, attending Washington State University
- Elysse Burgoyne — Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, attending Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi
“The care and support I received from nurses throughout my childhood inspired me to pursue Nursing and one day provide that same comfort and quality care to others in my community. Receiving the Turtle Bay Foundation scholarship allows me to focus fully on my education without placing additional financial stress on my parents, while giving me the opportunity to build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a compassionate healthcare professional.” — Hannah Placido, ʻIlima Scholar
‘Ilima Scholar Ofa Taumoepeau plans to study Business Management, inspired by the positive impact local business leaders have made in the North Shore community and with the hope of one day giving back in the same way.
This year’s Barbara Keen Scholarship, a $1,000 award named after a The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay team member who made a monetary contribution to recognize a student pursuing a degree in STEM, was presented Kahuku High School student Martina-Elizabeth Camit-Simon, pursuing a degree in biochemistry and she hopes to attend the University of Hawai’i at Hilo.
The Foundation selects recipients based on academic performance, financial need, extracurricular activities, leadership accomplishments, and community involvement.
