"Fulfilling Dreams" Scholarship Awards

Castle High School Senior Alyssa Santos Takes Top Honors

Castle High School graduate Alyssa Santos just got $3,500 richer thanks to Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii.  Her essay about insurance – and how it enabled her to overcome a brush with blindness – took first place in Occidental Underwriters’ “Fulfilling Dreams” essay contest.  She’ll use the scholarship for her freshman year at Biola University where she plans to study nursing.

Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii’s (OUH) gave away $7,500 in scholarship money in celebration of its 75th anniversary in Hawaii.  Over 38 Hawaii students submitted entries.  Based on their essays, three finalists were invited to read their essays to the OUH staff and agents.  Those in attendance voted for the winners. 

Earning second place was Kaiser High School graduate Dawson Vorderbruegge.  He won $2,500 in scholarship money with his essay about life’s unpredictability and the peace of mind insurance brings.  He will attend California State University at Stanislaus this fall and study English and/or education.   Kala Tye of Waialua High School placed third, earning $1,500 for her upcoming studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Her essay highlighted a childhood experience when a fire destroyed her family’s home, but insurance allowed them to rebuild.  She plans to study in creative writing.

“Every one of these students is a winner as far as we’re concerned,” said Gordon Kagawa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii.  “Their insights into the importance of insurance was an inspiration to us,” he said, noting the scholarships were one a way to give back to the same community that has embraced the company for the past 75 years.  “It’s humbling,” Kagawa said.

Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii first opened in 1933 as Security Insurance Agency under the leadership of Lawrence Takeo (“L.T.”) Kagawa.  It has since grown from three employees to more than 30 employees, 28 agents and over 100 brokers with branches on most islands.  Specializing in life, business, and property & casualty insurance, Occidental Underwriters of Hawaii is one of the state’s highest volume producers representing a vast array of insurance products from many insurance carriers. Additionally, OUH offers securities and investments through Transamerica Financial Advisors.  For a free insurance quote or free investment review, call 536-1933 or e-mail info@askoxy.com.

ESSAYS

Alyssa Santos
Dawson Vorderbruegge
Kala Tye