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Santamaria, Wong selected for 2005 Monsanto Hawaii Life Sciences Scholarships
(July 21, 2005) - Aimee Santamaria of Makawao, Maui, and Dayton Wong of Kaunakakai, Molokai, were selected to receive Monsanto Hawaii's 2005 Life Sciences Scholarships. Established earlier this year, the scholarship awards were created to encourage Maui County students to pursue post-secondary educations in such disciplines as agriculture, agronomy, biology, botany, genetics, horticulture, plant physiology, chemistry, crop science and soil science.
A graduate of King Kekaulike High School, Santamaria will be attending the University of Hawaii-Hilo, where she plans to study biology. She was an Honor Roll student throughout high school, and enrolled in such rigorous courses as Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry and Biotechnology. Santamaria also participated in technology career programs offered through the Maui Economic Development Board, tutored other students and was active in various extra-curricular school organizations.
Wong's scholarship was administered by the Friends for Molokai High and Intermediate Schools Foundation and presented by Hawaiian Research, Monsanto Hawaii's farm station on Molokai. During his years at Molokai High School, Wong received various accolades for his exceptional academic achievements, and served as captain of the school's Math Team as well as president of the National Honor Society. He has been accepted by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he plans to study biology and pre-medicine.
"We were very impressed by the caliber of the students who submitted applications," said Paul Koehler, site manager at Monsanto Hawaii's station in Kihei. "As the world continues to make tremendous technological advancements, there is an ongoing need for talented people with solid scientific backgrounds. We're thrilled to honor and support outstanding students like Aimee and Dayton who have a strong interest in future science-based careers."
"Hawaii's growing technology sector means great opportunities for local youngsters with an interest in the sciences," said Ray Foster, manager of Hawaiian Research. "Hawaii's seed industry, of which Monsanto is a part, has been growing at roughly 20% per year, and creates approximately a thousand jobs statewide, many of which are highly skilled and well paying positions."
The Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Service recently reported that Hawaii's seed industry was valued at $60.2 million during the 2004/2005 season, a record-high. This estimate represents a 22% increase over the previous year. Enterprise Honolulu projects that by 2010, the state's biotechnology industry, which includes ag biotech, will employ 6,700 people and generate $3.1 billion in revenue.
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