Honoring the next generation of global leaders

Each year, PAAC recognizes outstanding students who exemplify our mission of global engagement, leadership, and service through two signature honors: the Paul S. Honda Scholarship for graduating seniors and the Eddie Tangen Award for leaders in grades 9-11.

These students aren't just learning about the world—they’re changing it. From building clubs and launching service projects to representing Hawaiʻi on global stages, their stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young leaders are connected, supported, inspired, and heard.

🎓 2025 Paul S. Honda Scholarship Recipients

Outstanding graduating seniors awarded $1,000 scholarships to pursue global studies in higher education.

Bold leader. Youth advocate. Global thinker.

Vivienne doesn’t just study international affairs—she’s shaping them. As the founder and president of both the Honolulu Waldorf and Virtual PAAC Chapters, Vivienne has led service-learning projects, represented PAAC at four Global Vision Summits, and spoken at the 15th ASEAN Conference on Nuclear Non-Proliferation.

She’s also a leader in the Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council, a Youth Policy Leader in the Climate Future Forum, and an advocate for reproductive justice through Planned Parenthood Teen Council. Rooted in scholarship, she has excelled as a NSLI-Y Arabic Scholar, Yale Young Global Scholar, and UH Intelligence Studies Program alum.

“PAAC didn’t just expand my understanding of world affairs—it became the doorway to a future I didn’t realize was possible.”

— Vivienne

Vivienne will study Political Science and International Relations at UH Mānoa, turning advocacy into impact.

Rooted in justice. Bold in voice. Committed to change.

Melanise connects the dots between local and global injustice—from luxury developments in Hawaiʻi to the international consequences of fast fashion. Her reflections on capitalism, land use, and labor exploitation are sharp, urgent, and deeply informed by her experiences with PAAC.

As President of her school’s Gender & Sexuality Alliance, she advocates for inclusive spaces. She also serves as a Youth Advisory Board Member for the Hawaiʻi Center for Youth Philanthropy, volunteers at Hawaiʻi Opera Theater, and supports middle schoolers as a teaching assistant.

“I know that the time I use actually working in and with my school will make effective change.”

— Melanise

Melanise plans to major in International Affairs, deepen her language skills, and study abroad to fight for global equity.

Curious mind. Expanding horizons. Ready for the world.

Before joining PAAC, Emily felt that global issues were far away. After attending events like the LEAD Summit, Global Vision Summit, Academic WorldQuest, and a PAAC Study Tour, she’s developed a passion for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and understanding diverse global perspectives.

Inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Emily sees international relations as a path to equality and honoring our shared humanity. Outside of PAAC, she’s been a dedicated Track and Field athlete and Key Club member, bringing the same drive to her school community.

“PAAC opened my horizon lines… These experiences helped me grow as a person.”

— Emily

Emily plans to study abroad in college to continue exploring how global issues shape our everyday lives.

🏅 2025 Eddie Tangen Award Recipients

Honoring underclassmen nominated for their leadership, service, and dedication to international understanding.

Bridge-builder. Cultural steward. Agent of change.

Naomi revived her PAAC Club at Maui High School with purpose and heart. As president, she helped reframe PAAC as more than travel—it became a space for cultural awareness, service, and student leadership.

From fundraising at Family Fun Night to volunteering at the Maui Sugar Museum’s Family Saturday, Naomi led by example. She also co-created an award-winning History Day documentary on Kahoʻolawe. She is currently coordinating a club visit to the island through the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission—a rare and powerful opportunity for her PAAC Club.

“Naomi’s passion about policy decisions, environmental issues, and becoming an agent of change are highly commendable.”

— Naomi's Nominator

Creative collaborator. Steady leader. Global changemaker.

A part of her PAAC Club since freshman year, Emma now serves as Club Secretary at Hawaiʻi Technology Academy, helping the club stay organized, consistent, and inspired.

She’s led meaningful projects like folding hundreds of paper cranes for HTA’s “Paper Cranes for Peace” and coordinating upcycled bracelet-making for GVS on fast fashion. Her dedication even earned her a spot at the Blackened Canteen Ceremony at the Arizona Memorial—an international moment of peace and reconciliation. 🕊️

“Emma uses empathy and creativity as action steps so that members feel empowered to make a difference.”

— Emma's Nominators

💬 Final Words

We’re proud to honor these students for what they’ve done and who they are: curious, compassionate, and committed to creating a more just and connected world.

Mahalo to all the advisors, peers, and community members who nurture this growth.

To the 2025 PAAC Scholarship & Award Winners—congratulations. The world is better with you in it. 💙🌏

🎓 Celebrating Our 2025 PAAC Scholarship & Award Winners