Senior Whitney Kim is the recipient of the Youth Citizenship and Violet Richardson Awards, the two coveted Soroptimist International of Hawaii scholarships for high schoolers.

According to the Soroptimist International Founder Region web site, “Soroptimist International of the Americas is dedicated, locally and globally, to improving the lives and advancing the status of women and girls through fellowship, our identifying project of doctoral grants, programs of education, health, leadership and the promotion of equality.”

Soroptimist International is the largest volunteer service organization in the world, advocating for women in business, management and other professions.

“I learned about the application from Mr. Fong. He told me that I should try and apply which I did. A few weeks later I received a letter in the mail from the Youth Citizenship Award which said that I won the award and also $500.00,” said Kim. “About a week later, I received another letter from the Violet Richardson Award which said that I won and received $500.00.”

Kim is a long-time supporter and volunteer at the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“I hold a special place in my heart for the Make-A-Wish Foundation where I engaged in many children’s events. In 2012, I challenged the students of Hawaii to bring $1.00 to school to help grant a 14-year-old terminally ill boy who was unexpectedly given a mere  four months to live,” said Kim. “With my determination and willpower, we raised an astounding $10,000.  During the Christmas season of the same year, I encouraged Sacred Hearts Academy to participate in the Macy’s campaign by writing to Santa, which raised more than $2,000 that supported Make-A-Wish Hawaii.”

Kim will formally receive the two awards at the Waialae Country Club on Mar. 8 with her family and Soroptimist International of Honolulu board members in attendance.

“If it wasn’t for God and my family supporting me, I wouldn’t have been able to come this far and be successful in the things I have done. I am so blessed,” said Kim.