In Kauaʻi High School senior Via Javinar’s video entry for the 2024 #TakeMeToMānoa scholarship contest, she expressed her love for the Hawaiʻi community and her determination to show that there are no limitations to the place that you live. While her dreams can be achieved anywhere, she believes the perfect place to further her education is at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Javinar’s #TakeMeToMānoa scholarship contest win was unveiled live on television during her graduation rehearsal. UH Mānoa Associate Director of Admissions Shauna Pimentel-Motooka and Hawaiʻi News Now (HNN) Anchor Dillon Ancheta surprised her with the news that she would be receiving a free year of tuition for UH Mānoa, funded by UH Federal Credit Union (UHFCU).
“This is very surreal. I’m just really, really excited and happy,” said Javinar. “Hawaiʻi is my home. Leaving this place, I knew it would be hard for me, and that’s why I decided on (attending) Mānoa.”
Javinar received a large check, lei and gifts as her mother, Hilda, brothers Vincent and Vernon, and grandmother surrounded her during the announcement. Her classmates, teachers and administrators filled the Kauaʻi High School gym with cheers as they celebrated her scholarship win.
At UH Mānoa, Javinar plans to pursue computer science.
Meet previous #TakeMeToMānoa winners
“It is so exciting for us to provide a scholarship that will support Via at the start of her college journey,” said UHFCU President and CEO Travis Bow. “We proudly invest in students and their education as they become the future leaders and innovators of our community. We wish Via nothing but the best on her academic journey!”
“We were very impressed with Via’s ability to convey such a powerful message in a 60-second video,” said Pimentel-Motooka. “I was honored to present Via with her scholarship yesterday. The surprise, happiness and gratitude that Via and her family expressed were very touching. She exhibits both academic and creative strengths and we are very excited for the bright future that she has ahead of her at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.”
UHFCU has sponsored the #TakeMeToMānoa contest for six years, surprising recipients with HNN since 2018. Read more about previous winners.
