HONOLULU, HI (July 20, 2026) |
Honolulu Federal Credit Union (HOCU) has awarded $24,000 in scholarships to eight students through its 2026-2027 Lydia K.C. Kauha Memorial Scholarship Program. Selected from a record number of applicants, this year's recipients were recognized for their academic achievement, community involvement, and dedication to their educational goals.
This year's scholarship recipients are:
Alyssa Pong, a graduate of Mililani High School, is studying at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, pursuing degrees in Management Information Systems, International Business, and Psychology, with a minor in Economics. She plans to go on to a master's degree in Social Psychology.
Brandon Chang, a graduate of University Laboratory School, is studying Finance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Cassidy Pong, a graduate of Mililani High School, is studying Business and Data Analytics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Ezra Lee, a graduate of Hawaii Baptist Academy, is studying Business Analytics at California State University, Fullerton.
Hannah Cremmins, a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Mandarin Chinese. She is now pursuing a master's degree in Mental Therapy and Wellness at New York University.
Jaylinn Pereira, a graduate of Roosevelt High School, is studying Nursing at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, working toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Lynea Kelsey, a graduate of James Campbell High School, is studying Pre-Medicine at Northwest Nazarene University.
Samantha Morinaga, a graduate of Kalani High School, is studying Kinesiology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
“Every year, these applications remind us how much talent and drive exist right here in our own membership and community,” said Mark Munemitsu, HOCU President and CEO. “Supporting these eight students in their education is one of the most meaningful things we get to do as a credit union. We can’t wait to see the incredible achievements they will accomplish in the near future.”
HOCU's scholarship program is named in honor of Lydia Kauha, a former Board Member who spearheaded its creation in 2003. With this year's awards, the program has now awarded 126 scholarships totaling $220,000 to qualified member-applicants who have been accepted to, or are currently enrolled in, a trade school, community college, or university program. The scholarships are available to primary members of HOCU in good standing and are selected annually by a committee.
HOCU, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, remains committed to investing in the education and future of the local students it serves. For more information about the Lydia K.C. Kauha Memorial Scholarship Program, visit myhocu.com.
