LIHUE — Monday afternoon, following the Nursing class that ended at 12:30 p.m., was special for the 23 students in the Kauai Community College Nursing program.
The students met with The Mokihana Club President, Beverly Tobias, and scholarship committee members Becky Fries and Aileen Christman. The trio presented $1,000 scholarships to each of the 23 students.
“This means a lot to me (to support the students) because I’m a retired Registered Nurse after 45 years,” Tobias said. “I’m seeing the next generation come through and be able to care for people and take it to heart, and really understand what it means to be of service.”
Following the retirement of Kauai Community College Nursing Instructor Maureen “Mo” Tabura, Nursing Program Coordinator Maria Fabro set up the meeting between The Mokihana Club, the Nursing students, and program instructors.
“The success of the Nursing program is the result of the countless supports our students receive from the community,” Fabro said. “Being a Nursing student is a full-time job, and the financial assistance from generous donors will help them reach their goal of becoming Registered Nurses. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for supporting our program and students.”
Nursing second-year student Pauline Ragus said the scholarships help her to afford school. Her plans for the scholarship presented on Monday include using it for gas money to get to school and clinicals, three times a week from the Westside.
“I live with, and help support my three younger brothers,” said second-year student Tyson Tranilla. “I plan on entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This scholarship will allow me to support my family while paying for college.”
In addition to Ragus and Tranilla, other Nursing students receiving scholarships include Sara Allen, Stephanie Cram, Angel Domingo, Ashley-Mari Domingo, Fhebby Dumayas, Raindell Fernandez, Titus Frakes, Shaira Shayne Garcia, Ethyn Hoopii-Joslin, Shandell Kapuniai, Madison Keane, Megumi Kobayashi, John Daryll Nostares, Gillian Angelica Perdido, Alvin Rafael, Tiara Ruiz, Scott Salinas, Heather Seely, Roxanne Udaundo, Ashlie Williams, and Kailey Zemel.
The Mokihana Club, an all-women organization started by Mabel Wilcox, has for more than 100 years dedicated itself to serving the Garden Island community, from nursing and music scholarships, keiki and kupuna outreach programs, to island-wide beautification projects.
The Mokihana Club strives to improve the quality of life for all on the island of Kauai.
Source: The Garden Island