Mayor Mufi Hannemann has saluted top high school students for scholastic and athletic achievements during the past school year.

Hannemann gave $500 scholarships to graduating scholar-athletes Hayato Honjo and Amanda Tanhchaleun of 'Aiea High; Austen Hagio and Jolana Gollero of Pearl City High; and Arbie Campusos and Chelsea Tejada of Waipahu High. The schools are in Hannemann's former City Council district. Hannemann has funded the scholarships for the past 12 years.

"Athletics were a big part of my life as a student," Hannemann said in a statement this week. "I learned the value of hard work not only in the classroom, but also on the basketball court and football field. I believe that a strong and well-rounded educational foundation is essential to enabling our young people to fulfill their potential in their personal and professional endeavors."

A four-year letter winner on 'Aiea's varsity soccer team, Honjo was named the school's outstanding math and science student for 2007 and served as vice president of the school's graphics club.

A member of 'Aiea's cross-country team for the past three years and an OIA Western Division all-star selection in 2006, Tanhchaleun was a member and officer for the National Honor Society and Leo Club.

Captain of both the cross-country and track teams his senior year, Hagio also served on the student council and took part in the National Honor Society and the school's varsity math team.

A three-sport athlete, Gollero was a team captain for Charger air riflery, wrestling and judo during her senior year. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, a participant in Japanese Quiz Bowl and a member of the Leo Club.

A member of the varsity tennis and soft tennis team for four years and co-captain the last three, Campusos was a three-time state medalist in the National History Day competition, a member of the student council and a winner in the Hawai'i State Science Fair.

A co-captain of the Marauder girls varsity tennis team, Tejada also was active in the National Honor Society, Leo Club and student council.

HARVARD BOOK PRIZES

Hannemann also awarded Harvard Book prizes to outstanding juniors selected by their schools for the 2006-2007 academic year.

Recipients are: Marcie Kagawa, 'Aiea High; Michael Ann, Castle High; Jenny Luu, Farrington High; Carolyn Hubner, Kahuku High; Kensuke Taylor, Kailua High; John Pyun, Kaiser High; Joan Quiba, Kapolei High; Alexa Rae Langit, Leilehua High; Reyn Halford, Mid-Pacific Institute; Philip Mocz, Mililani High; Kevin Choi, Moanalua High; Cheuk Kong Ho, Pearl City High; and Aubrey Gallego, Waipahu High.

Hannemann, who graduated from Harvard in 1976, has awarded the annual prize for more than 20 years. Sponsored by Harvard alumni and presented at about 2,000 schools, the prize recognizes academic record, leadership and character.

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The mayor recently presented two $500 leadership awards to seniors of Samoan ancestry. Hannemann has offered the scholarships statewide since 1996, in memory of his parents.

Selection is based on grades, honors, participation in student government and other campus or community activities.

Receiving the Gustav Hannemann Leadership Award was Melanie Manutai, a Moanalua High letter-winner in volleyball, softball and basketball. She also served as an officer in the Hawaiian Dance Club.

Moloka'i High senior class president Deisha Lei M. Pico was given the Faiaso Soliai Hannemann Leadership Award. Pico was homecoming queen, a 4-H officer, and a member of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams.