Waiākea grad awarded $10K Arne and Ruth Werchick Scholarship for groundbreaking research, community service

This story was updated at 2:39 p.m. June 26.

Kaia Fujinaka, a recent graduate of Waiākea High School in Hilo, was awarded a prestigious $10,000 Arne and Ruth Werchick Scholarship to support her planned studies at California Polytechnic State University.

Fujinaka was selected for her exceptional academic work and heartfelt commitment to the Big Island community.

She is passionate about how mental engagement affects motor skill development.

Her essay about her senior research project, a study using the skill of golf putting to measure athletic performance development, and her description of her volunteer work with kūpuna in Hilo during their physical recovery stood out among a pool of dozens of applicants.

Arne and Ruth Werchick are excited to support Fujinaka’s dedication to service and passion for promoting health and independence for others.

They hope the award helps on her journey to becoming an occupational therapist.

“Both Kaia’s essay and her description of her community service were outstanding,” said Hawai‘i Keiki Museum Executive Director and founder Dana McLaughlin in an announcement about the scholarship award. “Her research was not only innovative, but also deeply empathetic — traits that will serve her well in her future as an occupational therapist.”

Hawai‘i Keiki Museum is the organization through which the scholarship was awarded to Fujinaka.

The Arne and Ruth Werchick Scholarship was established in 2024 at the Waikōloa children’s museum to support Hawai‘i students who are passionate about pursuing college research that will come back to improve the lives of Big Island residents.

It is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, community involvement and a clear vision for impact.

Fujinaka plans to major in kinesiology at California Polytechnic State University, where she will continue her research in biomechanics, motor control and rehabilitation science while gaining hands-on experience in labs and clinics.