Hilo Orchid Society Yasuji Takasaki Memorial Scholarship
Keleni Faanunu
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Sean Michael Monte
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Each year, the Hilo Orchid Society gives scholarships to students at the University of Hawaii. We raise the money for these scholarships at the silent auction at our annual orchid shows. Our deepest thanks go to silent auction donors and bidders and to the volunteers who run the event. As of 2022, we have awarded over $40,000 in scholarships.
Our scholarships are named in honor of Yasuji Takasaki, one of the pioneers of orchid culture and commercial orchid growing on the island of Hawaii, work that is carried on today by his sons Sheldon and Gerrit. Unable to go to school beyond 8th grade, Yasuji made a promise that each of his children would go to college to have the opportunities that he never had. By working multiple jobs, he kept that promise. Eventually he founded Carmela Orchids and grew it into an internationally recognized orchid business. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 95.
Yasuji Takasaki believed in the power of education to help young people achieve their dreams. We are pleased to perpetuate that vision through the Yasuji Takasaki Memorial Scholarship.
For more information on how to apply for a scholarship, click here.
Our scholarships are named in honor of Yasuji Takasaki, one of the pioneers of orchid culture and commercial orchid growing on the island of Hawaii, work that is carried on today by his sons Sheldon and Gerrit. Unable to go to school beyond 8th grade, Yasuji made a promise that each of his children would go to college to have the opportunities that he never had. By working multiple jobs, he kept that promise. Eventually he founded Carmela Orchids and grew it into an internationally recognized orchid business. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 95.
Yasuji Takasaki believed in the power of education to help young people achieve their dreams. We are pleased to perpetuate that vision through the Yasuji Takasaki Memorial Scholarship.
For more information on how to apply for a scholarship, click here.
Thank You, Silent Auction Donors
We thank all those who supported the silent auction for the Hilo Orchid Show. The money raised from the silent auction goes into our Scholarship Fund, which funds the Yasuji Takasaki Memorial Scholarship. Silent auction proceeds are also used to support orchid conservation and orchid education. Donors to the Silent Auction include:
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