Lisa Mauricio, a beacon of leadership and cultural exchange, stands tall as the recipient of the esteemed Paul S. Honda Scholarship from the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC). Representing Konawaena High School with pride, Lisa's dedication to fostering understanding and global cooperation is truly inspiring.
As Vice-President of her school's PAAC Club, Lisa is at the forefront of promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation. Her participation in PAAC's Leadership Education And Development program and the Global Leadership Program highlights her commitment to building bridges across borders.
Lisa describes her experiences with PAAC, “My involvement with PAAC has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth. These experiences have not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of global affairs but have also inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to addressing pressing global challenges. I am eager to embark on my journey towards becoming a proactive global leader, committed to fostering positive change and advancing the cause of international cooperation and understanding.”
Lisa's achievements extend beyond the classroom, with notable success at the 2023 Hawaiʻi Regional Academic WorldQuest Competition, where her team clinched first in the County and third in the State. Her thirst for exploration led her to be awarded the Freeman Foundation Scholarship, allowing her to embark on a transformative journey to the Republic of Korea with PAAC in the summer of 2023.
At Konawaena High, Lisa's leadership shines brightly in various initiatives, from the National Art Society to her involvement with community organizations like the Hawaiʻi WildLife Fund, Humane Society, Hospice of Kona, and the Leo Club. Her multilingual abilities, she speaks three languages, exemplify her commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Lisa is inspired by “Yoko Kamikawa's groundbreaking appointment as Japan's first female foreign minister in over two decades has profoundly shaped my aspirations in international affairs, particularly as a woman aspiring to make her mark in this field. Her journey challenges conventional gender roles and serves as a source of inspiration for women worldwide, including myself, as we navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.”
With a remarkable 4.120 GPA and a rank of 6th out of 191 students, Lisa's academic excellence is matched only by her passion for global engagement. Now, armed with the Paul S. Honda Scholarship, Lisa is set to pursue her dreams of studying political sciences at the university level, furthering her mission of fostering diplomacy and understanding.
Here's to a future where Lisa's leadership continues to inspire positive change and cultural exchange on a global scale!