FALEA proudly present the 2010 FALEA Scholars. The scholarship committee chairman Mr. Eugene Calara, who is a B.S. Mechanical Engineering graduate and presently working with Carrier Service Hawaii, headed the selection process.  The successful candidates received a lump sum amount of $ 1,000 that was given out in the annual FALEA Christmas party event  that was held at the Pacific Beach Hotel last December 12, 2009. We congratulate all of the successful candidates, and we hope for your success in your future endeavors.

COURSE: B.S. Architecture

UNIVERSITY: Woodbury University

HIGH SCHOOL: Moanalua High School

        Michael graduated Cum Laude from the Moanalua High School in 2009.  He was granted a scholarship merit award from Woodbury University in Burbank, California where he is currently enrolled as a freshman in Architecture. An active leader in high school, Michael was involved in JROTC community service activities, and volunteered with the  St. Philomena School Youth.  During graduation, he was a recipient of the Moanalua High School and Career Development scholarship,  Burger King scholarship, Hawaii Wall and Ceiling Industry Association scholarship, and the Masons’ Union Local 1 scholarship.

        Michael is confident that he possesses the qualities to be an Architect one day, the drive to face the challenges, and the passion to make things work better.  Michael loves to dance and do some acting.  His proud parents are Frank and Marilyn Sibayan.

2) Elvine Philip Pineda II

COURSE: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

UNIVERSITY: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

HIGH SCHOOL: Damien High School

        Elvine is a 3rd year B.S. Mechanical Engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.  This will be his 3^nd year as a FALEA scholar.  Graduated valedictorian from Damien Memorial High School, Elvine has consistently proven himself to be a first-rate student, genuine leader, and excels in tasks requiring creativity and teamwork. At MIT, he has a passion for developing highly original machines and robots, was awarded 3^rd place in the 2009 MIT Spring Robotic Design Competition. He recently represented MIT in the 2009 Robocon International Design Competition in Japan and won 1^st Place. He is also active in the MIT Filipino Students Association, the MIT Hawaii Club, the MIT House Committee, and the REX Chair. Besides fulfilling his academic requirements, Elvine is a Research Assistant with the MIT Robotic Mobility Group.  He is 20 years old and the son of Philip and Elvi Pineda.

3) Marc Jon Miguel Ragasa

COURSE: B.S. Civil Engineering

UNIVERSITY: Colorado State University (Fort Collins)

HIGH SCHOOL: Baldwin High School

        Marc is a 4rth year Civil Engineering student with minor in Construction Management at the Colorado State University, with minor in Construction Management.  This will be his 3^rd year as a FALEA scholar.     Marc is self-motivated, independent, cordial and a people person. While attending college, Marc is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers,  the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS),  and the Engineers Without Border, besides being in the volleyball team.  He has an active leadership involvement in the Grace Christian Church at the Colorado State University.  Marc’s commitment and dedication to community service  is a testament of his personal commitment  to make things better for others and he does it with character and integrity.  Marc is 21  years old and the son of Crisanto and Ramona Ragasa from Wailuku, Maui.

4) Jovenard Angelo Mapanao

COURSE: General Engineering

UNIVERSITY:  University of the Pacific (Stockton)

HIGH SCHOOL: Univesity of Hawaii Lab School

        Graduated from the UH Laboratory School in May 2009, Jovenard is currently enrolled as a freshman in Exploratory Engineering at the University of the Pacific – Stockton, California.  During high school, Jovenard demonstrated his aptitude for the arts as well as sciences as a member of the:  Physics Olympics Team, Marine Science Bowl Team, Visual Arts Program, and participated in the school’s arts design contest, besides being involved in the ILH League Canoe Paddling. He has also been active as a choir member of the ULS Select Choir.  He gained honors in the National Arts Program Hawaii – First Place Teen Category, and was a gold recipient in the Scholastics Art Competition. His experience in volunteering  at various  community activities has gained him valuable communication and social skills.  He is currently a  member of the University of the Pacific’s  Hawaii Club,  Kilusang Pilipino, and the Filipino Club of UOP.    His proud parents are Joey and Angie.

5) John Paolo Soriano

COURSE: B.S. Architecture

UNIVERSITY:  University of Hawaii (Manoa)

HIGH SCHOOL: Manila, Philippines

        This is John’s second term as a FALEA scholar.  He is currently enrolled as a 2^nd year Architecture student at the University of Hawaii in Manoa. He has a commitment “to share his educational journey by way of teaching in the university someday”.  John is hardworking, very creative and does extremely well in design.  Currently, he is a member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (UH),  and continues to do volunteer work for the UH School of Architecture, the American Institute of Architecture, among others.  John Paolo is very focused and dedicated to his chosen career.  He is the son of Jimmy and Sonia Soriano.