Hawai'i public and independent high school seniors are eligible to submit applications for the Hawaii Medical Service Association's Kaimana Scholarships. The deadline is Feb. 27.

This year, 21 scholarships worth $2,000 apiece will be awarded to high school seniors. Three distinguished recipients will receive an additional $1,000. Winners will be selected based on athletic and academic achievement, community involvement, sportsmanship, and letters of recommendation.

Applicants must be a Hawai'i high school senior graduating in 2009 with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 in their senior year. They must also have played on at least one of their school's athletic teams in a league-sanctioned sport during their high school career.

Student-athletes must submit a short essay on why they believe they deserve a scholarship. The applications must also include recommendations from two faculty members and the student's GPA must be verified in writing by a member of the school faculty.

Applications are available on the HMSA Web site — www.hmsa.com — and the Hawai'i High School Athletic Association Web site — www.sportshigh.com.

Scholarship recipients will be notified in writing in May, and will be recognized at the HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program luncheon on June 20 at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel.