The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui awarded the Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship worth $1750 to Leilah V. Eusebio of King Kekaulike High School for her efforts in perpetuating the Japanese culture and language. JCSM also awarded $1000 scholarships to Elise Aquinde and Teige-Anna Barcoma Suyat of Maui High School, and Cassidy Hanano of Kamehameha Schools Maui.

The scholars were selected primarily for their record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating the Japanese culture and language.

Eusebio fell in love with the Japanese culture and has made it her goal to take up Japanese Studies in college in order to become a Japanese language teacher. Early last year, her team won first place at the Japan Wizards Competition organized by the Japan America Society of Hawaii, which included a trip to Japan as a prize.

The JCSM Scholarship Committee also noted Eusebio’s dedication to the culture even though she is not of Japanese descent. Her scholarship was made possible by generous donations from Asa Ellison’s friends and family, who keeps his spirit alive by supporting our young leaders.

The scholars will be recognized in August at JCSM’s annual event Maui Matsuri, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. To make a donation to this program to support future scholars, contact jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

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