Meet 2011 Recipients

Chan Kyo Kim

Moving from Korea to Hawaii at the age of six was the most significant event of Chan Kyo Kim’s young life. Through his experience of growing up in a foreign place, he was able to realize the significance of a good education, as well as the importance of selfless sacrifice, hard work and giving back to others.

The 2011 graduate of Kaimuki High School and National Honor Society member faced many daunting challenges growing up in Hawaii. However, through his parents’ sacrifices and his commitment to study and never give up, Chan not only learned English, he received outstanding achievement awards from the English and Science departments in his senior year.  That same type of discipline carried over into the sports arena as well, earning him the tennis team’s MVP (Most Valuable Player) award at his school.

Chan will attend the University of Southern California (USC) where he will study Biology. Taught from an early age to always help those in need, he hopes to become an optometrist to help his family members and others with vision impairments. “In the ‘Land of Opportunity,’ my parents were the key to opening the door to my future,” says Chan. “Now it is my job to open doors for other people.”

Anna Karvina Pidong

Living a life of purpose is important to Anna Karvina Pidong. Although balancing academic studies with her love for family and serving others have been challenging at times, it is ultimately her faith that inspires and sustains her.

Anna, a 2011 graduate of Moanalua High School, has been active in student government, and belonged to the school’s DECA Business Club, Robotics Team, and Mock Trial Team.  She has been involved in several service projects through the years, from participating in stream clean ups in Kalihi, to sorting clothes at River of Life, to getting involved with her youth group at church.

Anna particularly enjoys volunteering as a teacher at Champions for Jesus, a summer camp for children who come from broken families. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to let the children who attend camp know that they are special and that there are people who care about them.

This fall, Anna will major in Pre-Business Administration at the University of Oregon.  Upon graduating from college with a master’s degree in Business Administration, Anna plans to use her skills to help her church with mission work, including planning trips, fundraising, and training missionaries.

She is excited to continue her journey in discovering who she is and what her real purpose in life will be. “Someday I will make a difference in this world,” says Anna. “And although I don’t know how yet, I take each day in stride.”

Jonathan S. Chow

Growing up in the rural Puna district on the island of Hawaii has taught Jonathan Chow many important things about life.  Not only has this 2011 graduate of Keeau High School learned the value of discipline, hard work, respect and cooperation, his experiences have fueled a strong passion for his community and desire to give back to it.

For instance, Jonathan has logged more than 300 hours of community service for the Salvation Army’s Feed the Hungry program. Jonathan has also participated in a variety of service projects at school through the National Honor Society and Civics Club. He has also been involved in service through his church as an altar boy and by helping elderly parishioners with home and yard chores.

While the list of Jonathan’s community service involvement is quite impressive, it has never been about the quantity of activities or even the recognition. What matters most for Jonathan is the realization that through his actions over the years, he has actually received more than he has given.

In addition, Jonathan has been active in Future Farmers of America, where he is able to learn more about food security and sustainability areas that are very close to his heart. He will attend Whitman College this fall as an Environmental Studies major. Jonathan hopes to use his degree to develop plans to increase sustainable resources, especially in geographically isolated places like his hometown.

“I believe that there is a vital need for everyone to become more award of just how fragile our environment and food supply is,” says Jonathan. “We need to emphasize how we will utilize our precious natural resources to provide bountiful supplies of easily attainable, locally produced, healthy and affordable food for all.”