News Release

June 16, 2012
Thirty high schools and 22 student athletes receive honors at 2012 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program ceremony

Robyn Kuraoka
(808) 948-6826
Robyn_Kuraoka@hmsa.com

More than 200 school principals, athletic directors, and student athletes and their family members from across the state gathered today at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki to honor Hawaii’s top high schools and finest scholar athletes at the 2012 HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program ceremony.

“The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is the only program in the state that rewards academics and athletics as well as sportsmanship and community service,” said Robert P. Hiam, HMSA’s chief executive officer. The program started in August 2005, recognizes all-around accomplishments by high schools, rewards individual student athletes with scholarships, and supports coaches education. The program is sponsored by HMSA and administered by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.

At today’s ceremony, 22 students received scholarships worth $3,000. Five of those students were named distinguished scholars and received an additional $2,000 each. “The drive and dedication demonstrated by these young athletes is inspirational, as is the support they get from their schools. HMSA is honored to have this chance to recognize them for their accomplishments,” Hiam said.

Thirty high schools were recognized for achieving the highest program scores in their league and division in athletics, academics, sportsmanship, and community service. The 10 highest scoring schools received a check for $1,500.

The keynote address was presented by Norm Chow, head football coach for the University of Hawaii Warriors. Longtime University of Hawaii sports broadcaster Jim Leahey and KHON2 sports director Kanoa Leahey emceed the awards luncheon. Guest presenters included Fred Guzman of Pacific Radio Group’s ESPN-AM Radio; Josh Pacheco of ESPN Radio; Dave Reardon of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser; Steve Uyehara, news anchor with Hawaii News Now; and Dave Vinton, director of Sports Programming for OC-16.

HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community. HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million members.

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