Parker School offers financial aid and scholarships to nearly 50% of its students each year (the national average is about 20%). The majority of these financial awards are funded each year by generous donors who attend our annual auction gala, provide direct individual scholarships, or contribute to our financial aid endowment.
With a donation to our financial aid program, you are giving the gift of education to a curious and ambitious child who otherwise could not afford to experience our school and its nurturing program. Thank you for exploring these giving options.
Kahiau
Each year in March, Parker School hosts Kahiau, our annual auction gala benefiting financial aid. This elegant evening at the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a plated dinner and live auction, and finally a dance-fueled after party. All profits from this event support our financial aid program, providing 33% of the funds awarded each year.
Whether you attend the gala, sponsor a table for you and your guests, or donate to bolster the success of the event, Kahiau is a great way to support our financial aid program.
Donor Scholarships
Direct scholarships are another way to give the gift of a Parker School education. Parker offers several scholarships each year, and these scholarships create opportunities by helping bridge the need-gap for talented students from diverse economic backgrounds. Below are examples of scholarships currently or recently offered at Parker School. Click a scholarship to view information about the award and its criteria:
is awarded to incoming students from economically challenged or disadvantaged families that otherwise could not afford to send the student to Parker School. Ideal candidates have demonstrated a high likelihood of success at Parker School based on his or her prior academic record and have demonstrated unusual leadership qualities and/or strength of character.
is awarded to two rising seniors who are active members of the Parker School debate team and have excellent competition records. They must also have strong academic records and show some evidence of financial need. The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of the debate team and celebrates the students whose hard work and dedication contribute to its success.
is awarded to a Parker School rising senior who has shown outstanding citizenship toward the school, his/her peers and teachers during his/her time at Parker School. While not ignoring the importance of academics, this individual has placed emphasis on displaying caring and kindness towards others and has gone above and beyond in creating a mutually respectful and inclusive environment here at Parker School.
is awarded to a Parker School rising senior who has demonstrated consistent academic effort and shows promise for future achievement.
was established in honor of Dr. Kim’s colleague, longtime Waimea optometrist Kenneth J. Fischer, O.D. Dr. Fischer has been involved with Parker School since its inception in 1976, serving as a board member and supporter for many years. The scholarship was awarded to a new freshman at Parker School who demonstrated financial need, academic promise, good citizenship and an interest or involvement in science, technology, engineering, or math.
is awarded to a rising senior who was an exceptional visual artist at Parker School. The awardee exemplifies Ibby’s thirst for artistic discovery and her passion for creative growth. The award is in recognition of the valuable place artists hold in society. Ibby Jenkins lived a life brimming with art. She was always stretching into new artistic territory, mastering one medium and then moving on to master something else. Ibby was an art explorer who brought art into everyday life. In honor of Ibby Jenkins, the scholarship selection committee looks for a student who, like Ibby, embodies a passion for creative expression and artistic discovery.
FiNANCIAL Aid Endowment
Parker School’s financial aid endowment was first established in 1994 and accounts for 5% of the financial aid funds awarded each year. Donations to the endowment are permanently restricted, meaning the original contribution is to be held in perpetuity and only the income from the fund may be distributed as scholarships annually (according the fund’s investment policy statement).
Please contact the Advancement Office if you would like to learn more about Kahiau, establishing a scholarship at Parker School, or contributing to the school’s financial aid endowment.
