Scholarship recipients for the Big Dog program announced
Four deserving recipients of this year's Wayne "Big Dog" Scholarship were declared at the BIIF Track and Field Championships, with senior high school girls awarded $2,000 for excelling in academics, community service, and participating in track or cross-country activities.
This prestigious award is designed to help these talented athletes pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the local community. The scholarship has granted over $88,000 to Big Island runners since its inception, established by the late Wayne Joseph, a cross-country coach and educator.
Here's a closer look at the 2025 scholarship winners:
Kerilyn Wise
Running proved to be a life-changing decision for Wise, resulting in meaningful friendships, discipline, and a mindset that anything is achievable. Wise qualified for states in both track and cross-country, even setting a personal record in cross-country during her senior season. In addition to her athletic achievements, Wise clocked over 500 hours of volunteer service, with involvement at Sure Foundation Puna and the local Children's Ministry. By attending the University of Southern California this fall to pursue psychology, Wise aims to become an attorney or government representative and help those struggling with substance addiction on the Big Island.
Peyton Botelho
For Botelho, running serves as a steadfast crutch that helps her conquer various life obstacles. A multiple BIIF medalist and state qualifier in track and cross-country, Botelho credits running for instilling self-discipline and teamwork to motivate herself and her teammates. Outside of athletics, Botelho educated elementary students about health and wellness. With education, speech pathology, or environmental engineering as possible college majors, Botelho seeks a career that emphasizes community service and making a difference.
Titahni Ruano-Parada-Kaawaloa
Ruano-Parada-Kaawaloa initially disliked running, but her passion for the sport ignited during her sophomore soccer season. Soon, she was turning heads on the track, qualifying her 4x400-meter relay team for the state meet as an alternate for the open 400. Last season, she gave cross-country a try, finishing seventh at BIIFs, and during the 2024 track season, she came in second overall in the 4x800 at the state championship. Aiming to become a dermatologist physician assistant, Ruano-Parada-Kaawaloa will be the first in her family to attend college this fall.
Kekaihulali Halpern
Halpern, Hilo High's valedictorian and long-distance running star, excels on and off the racecourse. Winning the regional and state championship in cross-country, as well as 47 wins in various track and field events, Halpern has demonstrated incredible athletic prowess. However, she credits running with enabling her to experience personal growth, building leadership, discipline, and perseverance. By volunteering as a running coach for young athletes, Halpern plans to study pre-physical therapy and eventually bring accessible and affordable physical therapy services to her home state.
In addition to the scholarship winners, Sanoe Quintana received the $500 "Most Inspirational" award from Sunrise Athletics for her courage, hope, and strength in character.
- The 2025 scholarship winners, including Kerilyn Wise, Peyton Botelho, Titahni Ruano-Parada-Kaawaloa, and Kekaihulali Halpern, were awarded the Wayne "Big Dog" Scholarship at the BIIF Track and Field Championships.
- By attending the University of Southern California this fall, Wise aims to become an attorney or government representative, focusing on helping those struggling with substance addiction on the Big Island.
- For Botelho, running instills self-discipline and teamwork, and she seeks a college major that emphasizes community service and making a difference.
- Ruano-Parada-Kaawaloa will be the first in her family to attend college, aiming to become a dermatologist physician assistant.
- Halpern plans to study pre-physical therapy and bring accessible and affordable physical therapy services to her home state by volunteering as a running coach for young athletes.
- The late Wayne Joseph, a cross-country coach and educator, established the scholarship to help talented athletes pursue higher education and make a positive impact on the local community.
- Sanoe Quintana, recipient of the $500 "Most Inspirational" award from Sunrise Athletics, was honored for her courage, hope, and strength in character, going beyond the mainland's scholarship winners.
