Raymond M. Higa Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Apply Now
Application Deadline
Apr 17, 2026
Winners Announced
May 17, 2026
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
School Name:
Leilehua High School
State:
Hawaii

Raymond Masami Higa was not the typical Leilehua High School success story. In school, he was known as a "rascal" who spent more time drag racing and hanging out in pool halls than in the classroom. Despite excelling in extracurriculars such as JROTC, band, and air riflery, Raymond was no teacher’s pet.

After graduating in 1960, Raymond pursued higher education at Colorado State University, where he earned his degree in psychology in 1966. Realizing the doors that education could open, Raymond studied for many months before enlisting with the U.S. Army. With one of the highest exam scores in his class, Raymond served as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist, a role that required top-secret security clearance. His work brought him to multiple Asian countries and was highly classified, underscoring its importance and complexity. In 1969, Raymond was honorably discharged, returning home to Hawaii as a Vietnam veteran.

Though his career in the military was impressive, it was Raymond's dedication to education that truly defined his legacy. Upon returning to Hawaii, he began working at Aiea High School as a social studies teacher, a special motivation teacher, and an outreach counselor. His passion lay in helping students who, like him, struggled in their younger years. Raymond believed deeply in the power of education to turn lives around and worked tirelessly to guide students who others had written off. His ability to connect with "rascal” kids came from a place of deep understanding, having once walked in their shoes himself.

From 1976 to 1981, Raymond served as Aiea High School’s Head Football Coach, using sports as another avenue to mentor and motivate students. He later became Vice Principal at his alma mater, Leilehua High School, where he continued to impact the lives of countless Wahiawa youth from 1996 to 1998. Raymond's career in education spanned over 30 years, but even after retiring, he remained committed to serving the community. He returned to assist at various schools in Wahiawa, including Iliahi Elementary, Wahiawa Middle, and Leilehua High School, never losing his drive to help the next generation.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Raymond M. Higa by supporting students who may not have had an easy start but, like Raymond, are determined to change the course of their lives through education. 

Any high school senior at Leilehua High School in Hawaii may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have a picture and completed bio in their profile.

To apply, respond to the essay prompt below and upload a clear and bright photo of yourself (solo photo, not a group photo).

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published October 11, 2025
Essay Topic

Raymond Higa believed quality education required mentorship. He dedicated his life to guiding students who underestimated their own abilities.


Describe a time when you doubted yourself but a mentor/teacher encouraged you to push beyond your limits (Optional: Please include teacher or mentors name). Explain how that mentor/teacher helped change your perspective and provide an example where you applied that change/lesson to another area of your life. Lastly, elaborate how your mentor/teacher's encouragement has made you better prepared and/or passionate about your post high school plans. Please provide all of these answers in one coherent essay.


In your biography please include the following:

  • A brief description of your post high school plans

- Colleges applied to/accepted to

- Intended major

  • Why you chose that major
750–1000 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Taj Porec
Leilehua High SchoolWahiawa, HI

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 17, 2026. Winners will be announced on May 17, 2026.