Big Island Press Club Announces 2026 Scholarship Winners
Big Island Press Club publicly announced its 2026 scholarship recipients during the annual Scholarship Dinner Reception, May 28, at the Hilo Yacht Club.
Scholarship winners Rianne Angelique Kealohaokalani Kalama Empaynado and Mari Iwata received $1,500 and $1,000, respectively, as the first and second place winners.
Empaynado is a Hilo High School alumna and freshman at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, majoring in Communications. Throughout her school career, Empaynado’s passion for digital media manifested in contributions to KVIKS Spotlight, the Hilo High Yearbook, Ke Kalahea, and several award-winning PSA animations, including Ōlelo Youth XChange 2024, Nā Leo Youth Challenge, and SHOOTS Hawaiʻi 2024–2025.
Alongside her graphic design work, Empaynado led KVIKS Media, Hilo High School’s communications and creative media program, for two consecutive years, developing both technical and leadership skills.
“The Big Island Press Club scholarship has been a tremendous help in supporting my college education. As a Communications major focused on graphic design and creative media, this scholarship helps me pursue my goal of funding my education through scholarships and my own work while continuing to use storytelling and communication to serve my community.”
Mari Iwata is a Waiākea High School alumna pursuing screenwriting at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California.“I took a big leap to pursue my passion, but I knew my real purpose was storytelling,” Iwata noted in a previously submitted biography.
“Being awarded the Big Island Press Club scholarship has helped fund my journey through college as a screenwriter. It ensures that the insider voice is heard and something worth writing for.”
Special thank you to Daniel Ikaika Ito, Hilo-born kānaka maoli surf journalist and communications and marketing professional, who delivered the keynote address during the dinner reception.
Founded in 1967, the Big Island Press Club distributes annual scholarships to support students with Hawaiʻi Island residential ties pursuing careers in journalism or related communications fields.
