HMSA would like to congratulate all Kaimana award recipients. The two Big Island Interscholastic Federation scholarship recipients are:
Alexander Bell, Kealakehe High School
Alexander Bell, known as Alex to his friends and family, has many accomplishments in academics, sports, and his community. One of his most memorable achievements in his academic career was presenting at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology EurekaFest in 2018. Alex’s team, the first high school team ever selected from Hawaii, developed an ignition-interlock blood alcohol content detection system to prevent those who’ve been drinking from driving.
As for sports, Alex played varsity soccer and was a Division I All-Big Island Interscholastic Federation first-time selection in his junior year. He was also a varsity bowler and had the highest scratch game at the 2019 Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Tournament with an impressive score of 276/300.
Even with all of his school and sports commitments, Alex was able to dedicate time to give back to the community. He was most fulfilled when working with keiki, whether it was as a counselor at a STEM summer camp, a robotics qualifier, or a rocketry night. “What I enjoy most,” Alex says, “is enabling the kids’ limitless curiosity.”
In the fall, Alex is heading to Harvard College where he’ll pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Alex knows that “pioneering innovative solutions to social, environmental, and economic problems are at the core of what I want to do as an engineer.”
Alianna West-Rodrigues, Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Alianna West-Rodrigues is an all-around student who excels in academics and sports. She started on her varsity soccer team since her freshman year and served as captain during the 2020–2021 season. Alianna led her team to win the Division II state title three times. When she wasn’t running on the soccer field, Alianna ran cross country and track and was a state qualifier.
As far as academic achievements go, Alianna was the two-time recipient of the Bieni Koehler-Johnson Award, which is given to students who excel in academics and community service. She also received the Kulia Scholarship for her academic excellence and made the Dean’s List consistently throughout high school.
Feeling a strong desire to give back, Alianna spent much of her time involved in volunteer work. Her proudest moments occurred while spending time with preteen girls through an organization she founded, Mentoring Minis. “I was there to help them through issues they faced daily and strike a balance between school and sports. It was rewarding to see them become confident young women who believed in themselves.” The Mentoring Minis are lucky to have found such a strong, positive role model in Alianna.
Alianna is looking forward to attending Emerson College in Boston where she was accepted into the journalism program. She’ll keep busy studying broadcast journalism and playing collegiate soccer.
For a full list of all HMSA statewide award recipients, click here.