The West Point Society of Hawai‘i recently recognized public high school juniors with the Gen. Eric K. Shinseki Award for Outstanding Leadership and Character.
The organization, which is made up of U.S. Military Academy graduates and friends of West Point living in Hawai‘i, sponsors the award annually to recognize demonstrated excellence, performance and potential in the areas of academics, athletics, community service, citizenship and leadership. The award acknowledges current achievements while challenging awardees to continue to perform and to encouraging development of strong leadership skills and character traits.
The following HIDOE juniors were recognized in presentation ceremonies throughout April and May:
O‘ahu
- Jordan Banner, Leilehua High
- Moana Budomo, Nānākuli High
- Kalen Cabiara, Mililani High
- Leihualani Goodman, Wai‘anae High
- Kemarley Kaio, Kahuku High
- Patience Kamahoahoa, McKinley High
- Dylan Miyamoto, Kaiser High
Maui
- Melanie Fontanilla, Baldwin High
Hawai‘i Island
The award is named in honor of retired U.S. Army Gen. Shinseki, a former Army chief of staff and Veterans Affairs secretary. Shinseki grew up in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i, in a plantation community and graduated from Kaua‘i High and Intermediate in 1960. In 1965, he graduated from West Point and embarked on a distinguished and exemplary career of service to the nation, serving in a variety of command and staff assignments in the continental U.S. and overseas, including two combat tours in Vietnam and more than 10 years serving in Europe.
