HRYF News
For the 2022 year, each participating Rotary Club will select a student to receive a $5,000 or $2,500 HRYF scholarship (as noted on the List of Rotary Club Contacts). From those students selected by the Rotary Clubs, an HRYF committee then selects one student attending a mainland university to receive a $10,000 Maurice J. Sullivan scholarship and another student attending a university in Hawaii to receive the $10,000 Joanna L. Sullivan scholarship. These two scholarships will be awarded instead of the $5,000 awarded by the individual Club.
 
The HRYF and Weinberg Scholarship programs are administered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, national origin or physical disability. This award is non-transferable, applied to costs for tuition only and for the first year of school. Funds are mailed directly to the school of choice and cannot be deferred for future use. No student can receive more than one scholarship from the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation.
On Saturday, July 16, HRYF held Oahu’s Scholarship breakfast celebration, recognizing all Scholars, their parents and Rotarians that contributed to the Foundation.  The event was held at the Waikiki Yacht Club, with open-air dinning, overlooking the doc where many boats, powered and sail, were moored.  It was a perfect setting to honor our scholars.  Newly elected HRYF President Steve Dyer, Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor, gave a short message on the history of HRYF and congratulated the scholars on their achievement’s.   HRYF Past President, Geoff Horvath had the opportunity of addressing the scholars, parents, Rotarians and guests. He added more history about HRYF.  Maurice L. “Sully” Sullivan’s, the Foundations founder, had a passion for higher education and wanted a vehicle to provide financial assistance to deserving students. This came about because Sully left school in the 8th grade to support his family. Following Past President Geoff’s message, Immediate Past District Sandy Matsui, gave an inspiring message to the Scholars encouraging them to do their best and to come back and give back to their community.  After Sandy Matsui’s message, Scholars had the opportunity to address the audience on where they were going, and what their future plans were after graduating.
 
Celebrations were also held on the Big Island, Maui County and Kauai.
The final selection for the two $10,000 HRYF scholarship awards, was held, via Zoom, on Saturday, March 26th. The following are the two 2022 HRYF Top Scholars: Sully Sullivan Scholarship Winner: Maya Paloi Balsi, Hana High & Elem School, sponsored by RC of Lahaina Sunset, Maui. (Mainland University/College) Joanna L. Sullivan Scholarship Winner: Leanne Osorno, from Maui High School, sponsored by RC of Kahului, and will be attending UH Maui.
 
Here is a short video of our Joanna L. Sullivan Scholarship, Leanne Osorno! 
                      
                    
 
Here's a video from Maya Ploi Blasi
                     
 

The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF), was founded by Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan during his year as the Rotary’s District Governor in Hawaii, 1976-1977. It was Sully’s desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates to realize their potential by attending a college or university of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland. Scholarship awards are $5,000 for graduating Hawaii high school seniors.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

It can make all the difference for your future. In the words of one of our recent recipients, Dorian Raboy-McGowan – winner of the $10,000 Maurice J. Sullivan Scholarship for 2017. Dorian graduated from Kamehameha Schools Maui with a 3.935 GPA. Dorian is attending Stanford University and is studying Aerospace Engineering. Our scholar says that engineers are “the architects of the life of tomorrow.” He wants to reach the stars once observed by his Hawaiian ancestors. With the unconditional love from his Grandmother and a work ethic from his Grandfather, Dorian has overcome an absent father and a mom who has worked hard to raise her 4 children. Dorian wants to repay his family with his success. Dorian excels at math and science. He was a football player and a National Honor Society member. Dorian made a difference as a Big Brother to children who have faced many of the same hardships he has. He has volunteered at a camp for special needs children.

Testimonials

“I am extremely grateful for the generous scholarship awarded to me by Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation. This scholarship will help me immensely as I continue my studies in college.

I am also thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Mr. Dyer, as he graciously mentored me through the interview process.”

Kara Kanetake