The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award was established by Tadashi and Elizabeth Kunimoto to honor the founders of Chikara Products, Inc., specializing in Hawaiʻi foods such as Aloha Tofu, Maui Natto and Chikara Konnyaku. This award is given on alternate years: on even years to a faculty member, and on odd years to a student, who makes a significant contribution to career and technical education in the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.
Antje Martin is a 2019 graduate of the veterinary technology program at Windward Community College. She understands the rigor and challenges of the veterinary field and how rewarding it is to help animals in need.
Initially, Martin did not make it into the second year of the program, which motivated her to work harder and come back stronger, demonstrating perseverance and determination to be the best student she can be. She asked pertinent questions, provided helpful information to her classmates, engaged in her studies and got along with everyone.
Martin’s professors believe she has a bright future in the veterinary field. They say she is “reliable and dependable, and possesses excellent client communication skills, calming anxious pet owners in the lab, and consistently volunteers at community events to educate and assist the public with their pets and pet care.” Martin is proof the path to completion does not have to be perfect, and is a wonderful example of how hard work and resolve can get you where you need to be, even if it is the second time around.
