AAU (Amateur Athletic Union)/Milky Way Brand High School All-American Scholarship.  From over 15,000 nominated high school seniors in our nation, 116 are selected for their extraordinary academic, athletic and community service achievements.  These students are our nation’s accomplished young men and women who contribute to the well-being of others while pursuing academic advancement and athletic achievement.

AXA Achievement Scholarship Program. Fifty-two scholarship recipients, known as AXA Achievers, will be selected – one from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.  These recipients will receive one-time scholarship awards of $10,000.  National winners from the pool earn additional scholarship awards.  AXA achievers demonstrate ability to achieve, drive and dedication, commitment to succeed and respect for self, family and community.

Advancement Via Individualized Determination. Students compete for a chance to speak in front of large group of educators at the Summer Institute.  Students qualify by placing in the final round of local competition.  The student receives a scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to attend the Summer Institute.

Aerospace Internship. Students are selected for their outstanding proposals on experiments that could theoretically be performed at one of the NASA facilities in various locations across the nation.  Nationally recognized winners are invited to present their winning proposals in Washington, D.C. and to participate in an internship program at one of the NASA facilities.

AFS-USA, Regional Award of Merit Scholarship & DeWitt Diversity Wallace Diversity Scholars Program. Students who are nominated for the Award for Excellence, a nation wide scholarship program, are able to travel abroad on an exchange program.  Students apply and are interviewed before being awarded with the scholarships.

Air Force Junior ROTC Silver Valor Award. This national award of outstanding performance is one of the highest and most prestigious awards the Air Force Junior ROTC can bestow on a cadet.

Air Force Academy National Invitational Drill Meet. Student teams participate in competitive events that test their military precision, ability, and team work skills.  They are also required to have knowledge about national and international current events.  Students attend the national competition at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship & Conference Program. Annually, the program awards college scholarships (one male and female from each state and the District of Columbia) to students who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism and who demonstrate qualities of “free spirit.”  Winners also attend a conference which is designed to inspire them through sessions with prominent media professionals.

American Hotel & Lodging Association Lodging Management Program (LMP) Competition (National winners). The competition is a three-day event which allows outstanding high school students from across the country to demonstrate their knowledge and various skill sets needed for career advancement in the lodging industry.  Students compete to become national champions as well as recipients of $200,000 worth of scholarships and prizes.

American Mathematics Exam. This national math competition identifies secondary students who demonstrate interest and talent for mathematical problem solving.  High school students qualify to take the AIME, and Junior High students are placed on the Honor Roll or Merit Roll.

Americanism Essay Contest (National winner). Students enter their patriotic essays to this national contest.  Locally, the contest is sponsored by the Fleet Reserve Association, Pearl Harbor.

American Legion Oratory Contest. Students compete in oratory and extemporaneous speaking on the U.S. Constitution and Amendments.  The State winner is sent to the national competition.

AP Scholar. This recognition is given to high school students who demonstrate outstanding college-level achievement through Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

ARTS (Arts Recognition and Talent Search). One hundred twenty five (125) exceptionally talented high school 17-18 year old artists are awarded national recognition.  Those selected have access to scholarships and the opportunity to be named Presidential Scholars in the Arts and be honored by the President at a White House ceremony.  The competition attracts nearly 7,500 young artists from across the nation.

ASNE (American Society of Newspaper Editors) Foundation Minority Scholarship. Sixty minority students across the nation receive scholarships from the ASNE Foundation.  The program is designed to help bring more minorities into newspaper careers.

Barbara Bennett Peterson History Award. The award was established by Barbara Peterson of Portland.  The award is given as part of the National History Day Awards.

Barbara James Service Award. The award is given nationally to individual Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) members whose outstanding commitment to community service is worthy of recognition.

Burger King Scholars Program. The awards assist students who work part-time and excel academically.  Students are selected by the sponsor and awarded.  Since 2000, over 11,000 scholarships worth over $320,000 has been given to high school students.

Center for Talented Youth (CTY). The Johns Hopkins University offers a variety of rigorous courses to intermediate students that have the ability to undertake the challenge.  The student must qualify and participate in the CTY summer experience which is offered at 6 residential sites in the United States and combines intense learning with lasting friendships.

Challenge Award Program.  The Johns Hopkins University selects 20 high school students from a nationwide field of applicants to participate in field research, working directly with scientists.  Participants must be knowledgeable in science and also have a strong interest in the humanities.

Citigroup Academy of Finance Scholars. Citigroup awards Academy of Finance graduating seniors with scholarships, Citigroup mentors and internship opportunities.

CNBC Student Stock Tournament (National winner). The program promotes financial literacy among school investment clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Teams are initially given an account of $100,000 in practice money, which can be invested in stocks from the New York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and/or NASDAQ Stock Market.  From over 6,000 entries, winning teams are selected on the percent gained on its portfolio.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program National Competition (Finalists). From over 120,000 applicants in the nation, approximately 150 are selected as Coca-Cola scholars.  Scholarships are presented to well-rounded students with highly developed ethics and goals.  Scholars are selected primarily for their exceptional values, integrity, motivation and leadership ability.  They represent a cross section of the country’s most outstanding young people.

College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. The program, established in 1983, is a College Board program that provides national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and identifies them for postsecondary institutions.

Columbia Press Association – Mark of Distinction for Photography (National winners).  This highly competitive program gives recognition to high schools across the nation for their yearbooks.  Awards are given for several categories (layout, photography, & theme).

Columbia Scholastic Press Association Awards. The organization sponsors the annual Crown Awards and the Gold Circle Awards.  The Crown Awards signify overall excellence among student print and online media.  The Gold Circle Awards honor the best work completed by student reporters, editors, designers, photographers, artists, poets, fiction writers, and other staff members.  National winners are recognized.

Congressional Art Competition.  The program is a celebration of artistic talents of America’s high school students.  High school students have the opportunity to compete for art awards.  One student from each of Hawaii’s two congressional districts will be given a trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the award, to attend the opening of the national art reception.

Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) – Design Competition Awards Program. The purpose of the program is to provide challenging, real world, design competition projects to students participating in the ACE Mentor Affiliates from across the country.  Only three projects are selected and presented in Washington D.C.  A member of the three “finalists” is flown to the Washington D.C. for the final presentation.  A grant from CIRT will be given to the winning team.

DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Good Citizens Program & Scholarship Contest. High school seniors with outstanding qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism are awarded scholarships.

Data Modeling Student Competition (Winners). Sponsored by the Oracle Corporation, students worldwide compete in designing a data model based on a common scenario.

DECA, An Association of Marketing Students. State winners compete at the national conference in the following categories:  Apparel & Accessories, Finance & Credit, Food Marketing, General Marketing, General Merchandise, Quick Serve Restaurant, and Vehicles & Petroleum.

Dell Scholars Program. This program helps students achieve through higher education.  Students are evaluated on their individual determination, future goals, ability to overcome hardship, and self motivated.

Discover Card Tribute Award (Gold Award). This national program is targeted to high school juniors who exhibit excellence in many areas of their lives, other than just academics.  Students demonstrate accomplishments in the areas of special talents, leadership, obstacles overcome, community service, and unique endeavors.

Discovery Young Scientist Challenge. The science project competition is open to students in grades 5-8.  Students are judged on the scientific merit of their work and, just as importantly, on their ability to communicate the science of their project.

eCYBERMISSION (Regional and national winners). Sponsored by the US Army, eCybermission is a web-based science, math and technology competition for 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th grade teams.  Teams compete for regional and national awards.

EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology). The program provides students real world experiences in applying problem solving skills using relevant technology tools.  Projects submitted to the conference are created and developed by student teams.

Edward R. Murrow High School Journalism Award. (National Winner) Washington State University’s, Edward R Murrow School of Communication High School Journalism Awards competition honors outstanding achievements in journalism by high school students.

EF Scholars Ambassador’s Scholarship. This nationwide competition requires an essay, video, or audio presentation on how to change the world.  One student per state is selected to serve as an ambassador to Europe.

Electrathon Grand Prix. This is a national electric vehicle competition held in Portland, Oregon.  The winner from the event held at the Portland International Raceway will be recognized.

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Competition. Four-year scholarships are awarded to the highest-rated male and female students entering the competition.  Students are judged on financial need, leadership, and scholarship.

FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America). Members enter national competitive events which recognize proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and occupational preparation.

FFA.  Hawaii’s winners are selected to attend the National FFA Convention to compete in Extemporaneous Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking, and Building our American Communities.  The FFA also sponsors the National Chapter Award program to those chapters who actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Recognition is available at the national level.

FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition in Science & Technology) Robotics Competition. This is a national contest, which immerses high school students in the exciting world of engineering.  Teaming up with engineers from businesses and universities, students get a hands-on, inside look at the engineering profession.  Students and engineers work together to brainstorm, design, construct and test their “champion robot.”  Each year, the competition is different, so returning teams always have a new challenge.

Federal Reserve District Economics Challenge.  The state’s winning team competes with other winning teams for the national championship.  This high school competition is based on students’ knowledge and understanding of economics.

Ford AAA (American Automobile Association) Trouble Shooting Contest Team Award (State and national winners). This state and national competition recognizes students that demonstrate outstanding ability and performance in the field of automotive mechanics.

Freedom Bowl. The National Freedom Board sponsors this national field show competition among the outstanding bands across the country.

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Two representatives are selected from among sophomores and juniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.  Winners attend the national youth leadership conference in Valley Forge, Philadelphia and receive scholarships.

Gates Millennium Scholars. This program, established in 1999, was initially funded by a 1 billion dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  The goal is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential.

Gatorade National Player of the Year. The award is presented to one outstanding scholar-athlete per state.  The student represents the state at the national recognition program.

General Mills, Box Tops for Education – National Kids Caucus Essay Contest. Students in grades 5-8 share their ideas for improving parental involvement in education.  One student from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and one from a U.S. territory or a U.S. military-based school outside of the U.S. receives a $1000 Parental Involvement in Education (PIE) grant to implement their ideas.  From these finalists, ten grand prize winners are chosen to participate in the “Kids Caucus” on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

General Motors Minority Dealers Association Scholarship Program. The organization provides minority youth with financial resources to make their educational dreams come true.  The nonprofit membership organization represents the interest of over 200 minority-owned GM dealerships across the country.

Geography Bee. This competition on geographic knowledge and interpretation of maps, globes and charts sends state winners on to compete in the national Geography Bee.  National finalists are awarded scholarships.

Geography Map Contest. State winners represent Hawaii at the national map contest to promote geography skills.  J.C. Penney’s awards a scholarship for the top prize.

George H. Gallop Award.  This is the nation’s highest award that a high school newspaper can achieve.  School newspapers are evaluated by the Quill & Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists.

Global Information Infra-Structure Junior Summit. This international thesis competition selects 40 winners from around the world.  Winners are each awarded a trip to Japan and a computer.

Hawaii Speech League. Winners of each speech category in the local competition represent Hawaii at the national speech competition.

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education.  Their mission is to promote career opportunities in the health case industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people.  The organization provides unique programs of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for students.

History Day. Students are encouraged to learn more about history through rigorous research on an annual theme selected by the National History Day organization.  Students are challenged to make history come alive as their research leads to imaginative projects, original performances, media presentations, or papers.  The state winner is featured at the National History Day (NHD) Fair.

The Honolulu Advertiser’s Annual State Spelling Bee – State Winner. The winner of this local event will go on to compete at the Scipps National Spelling Bee Competition in Washington D.C.  Only the state winner will be recognized.

Horatio Alger Association-Louis Feinstein Humanitarian Award. The award was established to recognize outstanding high school juniors who have made a difference in the lives of others; have demonstrated a commitment to community service; are involved in activities that benefit the needy; and will maintain a lifelong devotion to helping others.

Horatio Alger/Mary Kay Scholarship Program. Recognizing the ever-increasing importance of higher education, this program was created to award scholarships to outstanding female high school students who have overcome significant adversities while still achieving academic excellence and showing community and/or extra-curricular involvement.

Horatio Alger National Scholar. Annually, one senior in every state is selected as a Horatio Alger Scholar.  The award is based on demonstrated promise, determination, initiative and leadership.

Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation Leadership Seminar. A high school male and female sophomore is selected to attend an international leadership seminar.

INTEL International Science & Engineering Fair. The Hawaii State Science Fair Senior Research Division winner represents Hawaii at the International Science Fair.  Winners of the Senior Research Division in district fairs that are registered with the ISSF also represent Hawaii.

INTEL Science Talent Search. Each year, this nationwide competition – America’s oldest and most highly regarded pre-college science contest – encourages talented high school seniors to pursue careers in science, math, engineering and medicine.  Scholarships are awarded to winners.

International Bridge Building Contest. First and second place winners from Hawaii qualify to compete at the international competition.  Participants build a structure following prescribed guidelines with judging based on design, construction and efficiency.

International Chemistry Olympiad. Based on the national exam, only the 8 top scoring students from Hawaii may advance to the national competition.  20 finalists nationwide will be invited to participate in the National Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp; of these, 4 will be selected as members of the national team, representing the U.S. in the international competition.

International Youth Fuel Cell Competition. International high school students from around the world are selected for their exemplary science skills and environmental stewardship. Participants design and build hydrogen fuel cell cars to enter into timed speed races. Student cars are judged on performance, engineering design and artistic design.  Medals are given to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners.

International Physics Olympiad.  Based on the national exam, the 150 top scoring students qualify as semi-finalists; of these, 24 finalists nationwide are selected; 5 of the finalists are selected to represent the United States at the International Physics Olympiad.

International Schools CyberFair (Winners). The competition is sponsored by Global School Net Foundation, MCI Corporation, and Cisco Systems.  This is a school-based collaborative project involving 360 schools in 30 countries where students conduct research involving community resources and publish their project on the Internet’s World Wide Web in one of seven categories.  International winners are selected by schools around the world and by a panel of experts.

International Student Media Festival. Selected media productions are entered in one of the most prestigious national student media festivals.   National award winners are entered in the international competition.

Japan – America Friendship Scholars (JAFS) (National winners). Students must be eligible based on criteria established by the organization and invited to apply.  Students fulfill the requirements and are evaluated.  National winners receive a scholarship.

Japan America Society of Hawaii – Japan Wizards Competition (Formerly known as Japan Bowl) (Winners). This is a nonprofit organization that promotes understanding and friendship between Japan and Hawaii.  The competition consists of high school teams working together to answer tough questions on economics and government, arts and culture, daily life, history, geography, transportation, sports, language, and values and beliefs. Only four teams (Two public and two private schools) are selected to go on an all-expense paid trip to Japan to experience what they have been learning in the classroom.

Japan-U.S. Senate Scholarship. Two high school juniors from each state are selected to serve as ambassadors to Japan.  The program, a gift to the U.S. from the Japanese government, is administered by the Youth for Understanding International Exchange, one of the world’s oldest and largest exchange organizations for high school students.

JEA (Journalism Education Association) Write-Off Contest. High school journalists have the opportunity to compete against their peers in on-the-spot competitions at the national convention.  Events include writing and design categories in yearbook, newspaper and literary magazine.  The contest also allows students to test their video talents.

Joseph C. Gilliam Academic Achievement Award. Each year, ten graduating cadets in the Naval Junior ROTC are selected nationally from among 500 NJROTC high schools for the award.  The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement.

Jostens Yearbook & Photo Contest (State and national winners). Outstanding state representatives are selected based on criteria determined by Jostens.  Judging is done at the national level and winners receive prizes from Jostens and Adobe both sponsors of the program.

Junior Miss Scholarship Program (State and/or national winner). This nationwide scholarship program was established to recognize, reward, and encourage excellence in American youth.  The program seeks to instill in all young citizens a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for the future.  Only girls with proven scholastic ability and leadership qualities are selected to compete.

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Five finalists are selected from the regional competition to attend the national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Army, Navy and Air Force and coordinated by the Academy of Applied Science.  The symposium provides a forum for high school students to present the results of their original research in the sciences, engineering and mathematics.

KC3 Kids Creating Community Contest (National winners). This is a national telecommunications competition sponsored by Tandberg Inc. and the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.  Schools prepare formal live video conference presentations to be viewed by judges from across the nation.  National winners are selected.

Kid Witness News New Visions Awards (National winner). Each year, the “best of the best” videos are honored at the annual ceremony.  The program, sponsored by Panasonic, is a hands-on video education program created to encourage students to develop valuable cognitive, communication and organizational skills through the use of video.

Leading Chapter Award – National Forensic League. This coveted award is based on the number of “wins” by the students, is the highest honor the National Forensic League can bestow on a chapter.

Letters about Literature (State and national winners). The Center for the Book in the Library of the Congress, in partnership with Target Stores and in cooperation with the affiliate state centers for the book, invites readers to enter the Letters About Literature, a national reading-writing contest.  Readers write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre explaining how that author’s work changed student’s way of thinking about the world or themselves.  Winners are selected at the state and national level. 

Lexus Environmental Challenge (National winner). This is a national education program and contest about the environment.  The challenge empowers teens to take action and create a better world.   Winning teams, “Dream Teams” have a chance to compete for $75,000 and $50,000 student scholarships and school grants.

LifeSmarts (State and national winner). The National Consumer League’s LifeSmarts Competition is held in Minneapolis, MN and tests knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights.  State winners go on to compete at this national event.

Lucerne Art of Dairy Art Contest. The contest promotes art and history to encourage creativity.  Students create designs and compete at the local level.  State finalists will then apply their design to compete for the national grand prize of $20,000 for their school, plus $5,000 for themselves and their teacher.

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Essay/Poster Competition (National winner). Students enter essays or posters that promote safe driving and awareness of drinking and driving problems.

Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Macy’s and their partner Music Festivals selects one student from each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia to be a part of The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Selected students lead the parade followed by gigantic helium balloons and decorated floats.  An audition tape along with a written application must be submitted to judges for consideration.

Mars Scientific Experiment Proposal. Students plan and design an expedition to Mars.  National winners are judged on the description of the problem, essential materials for the experiment, procedures and analysis of the data collected in the experiment.

Mathcounts. The National Society of Professional Engineers and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics through its local and state chapters implement this math competition for students in grades seven and eight.  The top four individual scorers in the state competition form the state team to represent Hawaii in the national competition.

Macy Minorities in Medicine Program. Minority high school sophomores and juniors are given this recognition award acknowledging their exceptional academic performance and intent to pursue a career in medicine or another health profession.  The award also serves to motivate recipients and to provide some of them with a gateway to early experiences in premedical education.

McDonald’s All American Band. State musical competitions are held to select Hawaii’s representatives on the national band that plays at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Through a competitive process, six high school bands in the nation are selected to perform at this prestigious event.

MITES – Minority Introduction to Engineering & Science. Sixty high school juniors belonging to under-represented minority groups are selected from a nationwide search to participate in a summer program on the MIT campus.  The program is designed to introduce under-represented minority students to careers in engineering and science.

NASA Student Involvement Program (NSIP). NSIP is a national program that stimulates math, science, technology and geography excellence through six competition categories designed for students in grades K-12.

NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Principal’s Leadership Award (Winners). High school principals throughout the country can nominate one of their student leaders.  Winners are selected on the basis of participation in service organizations, clubs and athletics; achievements in the arts and sciences; employment experience; and academic record.

National 4-H Congress. The event recognizes the outstanding achievements of 4-hers throughout the U.S. The congress provides an educational opportunity for students to learn new skills in leadership, community service and cultural diversity.  Students are selected and attend the event held in Atlanta, GA.

National Achievement Scholarship Program. The program is a national competitive scholarship program for exemplary students.  Students are selected through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

National American Chemical Society Poster Contest.  (National winner) The American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society, celebrates National Chemistry Week each year in October with a poster contest for students in Kindergarten – 12th grade. Students create a poster that will serve as a public service announcement emphasizing the role of science/chemistry.

National Army JROTC Essay Contest. Sponsored by the U.S. Army, cadets enrolled in the Junior ROTC may apply.  Essays focus on a different theme each year.  Judging begins at the local brigade level and recommends one winning essay to be submitted to the national headquarters.  Savings bonds are given to the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place national winners. Winners will be recognized.

National Association of Secondary School Principals Leadership Award. High school principals from across the United States are invited to nominate one of their student leaders for this scholarship.  Students write an essay and are selected for their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience, and academic record.  Only 100 students will be awarded scholarships.

National Botball Research & Design Website Challenge (Regional winners). The competition is sponsored by the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics (KIPR), a non-profit community-based organization that provides improved learning and skills development through the application of technology, particularly robotics. Students are given about seven weeks to design, build, program a team of mobile, autonomous robots and a website documenting their process.

National Council of Teacher of English (NCTE) – Achievement Awards in Writing(National winner). This school-based program was established in 1957 to encourage high school students in writing and to recognize some of the best student writers in the nation.  The NCTE gives awards to students nominated and cited as excellent writers.  There are state and national recipients.

National Federation of Press Women (NPFW) Journalism Contest (Winners). The program honors the work of high school journalism students through its annual high school communications contest.

National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award. Athletes are selected for their athletic and academic ability and for civic leadership.  They organization is committed to education and youth development.  Students are awarded scholarship money to further their education.

The National Forensic League (NFL). The NFL promotes secondary school speech and debate activities and interscholastic competition as a means to develop a student’s lifelong skills and values, as well as public awareness of the value of speech, debate and communication education.  Competition begins at the district level and the winners move on to compete at the national tournament.

National Foundation for Women Legislators (National winner). Essays submitted by female seniors and college students are judged on their understanding of our nations founding principles and the Bill of Rights.  Each of the 6 national winners participates in a conference in Charleston, S.C. which includes focus groups and legislative roundtables.  Participants also have the opportunity to interact with national and state legislative leaders.

National French Exam (Grand Concourse). Sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, a national listening, writing, and reading exam measures proficiency in French. Students achieving superior scores are recognized as national finalists in the competition.

National High School Drill Team Challenge. Cadets compete at the national level in a variety of exercises that include platoon inspection, regulation drill, color guard, and exhibition drill.

National History Day (NHD). National History Day’s core program is a national contest for students in grades 6-12.  The students conduct extensive research related to an annual theme and present their findings.  State winners proceed to the national competition.

National Honor Society Scholarship Program (National winner). The program, sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, selects 250 national winners from 12,000+ applicants. Winners are awarded scholarships.

National Institute of Health (NIH) – National High School Student Summer Research Apprentice Program. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of ethnic minorities who are involved in bio-medical research.  The program provides students with the opportunity to work at a biomedical facility near their home.  Each student is paired with a seasoned researcher and assigned to a research team to work on a project.  Students are invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the project competition.

National JROTC Drill, Academic and Physical Fitness Competition (Local and national winners). School teams compete at the local level and are selected by the Area Manager to represent the area in the national competition.  From the school team, only three students are selected to go on to the national competition held in Pensacola, FL.

National Latin Exam (Gold, Summa Cum Laude). Students enrolled in Latin are eligible to participate in the exam.  Award winners are selected from over 112,000 students from all 50 states and eight foreign countries.

National Merit Scholarship Program (Scholar, finalist, semifinalist). The program recognizes academically talented students throughout the United States.  A finalist represents the top two percent of all students nationwide who take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test.

National Mock Trial Competition. High school teams compete in the district and state by presenting and arguing criminal or civil cases before legal professionals.  State winners are eligible to participate in the National Mock Trial Competition.

National Music Festival Award. A national winner is selected for each category in this national music competition for secondary schools.  Categories are: concert band, marching band, jazz band, mixed choir, and show choir.  One overall national winner is declared.

National Ocean Sciences Bowl (Regional and national winner). The Consortium for Oceanographic Research and Education (CORE), manages a national academic competition for high schools on topics related to the study of the oceans — the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). Students must first win at the regional competition in order to move on to the national competition.  Past prizes have included trips to Southampton Oceanography Centre in England; Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies on Catalina Island, California; the Florida Keys; the Great Lakes Field Station; cruises on research vessels; visits to oceanographic institutions and aquaria; scholarships; scientific equipment and books.

National Physical Fitness Award (State and national winner). Students are recognized for physical fitness through state and national competitions.

National Public Policy Forum Debate Contest. Jointly administered by the Bickel & Brewer Foundation and the New York University, the contest gives high school students the opportunity to participate in written and oral debates in issues of policy.  High schools compete and advance to the “final four” in the national tournament and win all-expense-paid trips to New York City.  At the tournament, school teams compete for a chance to receive over $25,000 in awards and scholarships and the “Bickel & Brewer Cup.”  Only final four teams will be recognized.

National Scholar Recognition Program. The College Board has instituted this program to recognize the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and to serve as an important information resource for colleges in the nation interested in recruiting academically talented students of Hispanic background.  Students are selected through the National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Shakespeare Competition (Winners). The competition is a curriculum-based program designed to encourage students in high school to develop their communication skills and appreciation of language and literature.

National Speech Contest in Japanese (National winner). Contestants in this national Japanese language speech contest for high school students are required to give a 5 minute speech in Japanese and to write the speech in Katakana and Hiragana, forms of Japanese calligraphy.

National Student ROV Competition. (Regional and National winners)  The National ROV Competition for high school and college students is organized by the Marine Advanced Technology Education Center (MATE) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS).  The competitions connect students and educators with employers and working professionals from marine industries, highlight marine-related career opportunities, and promote the development of technical, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.

National Student Safety Program Award (NSSP) (Winners). This is a youth organization of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA).  Students are invited to attend a national annual conference.

National TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) Competition. High school state winners enter the national competition covering Biology, Chemistry, Computer Fundamentals, English, Mathematics and Physics.

National Young Leaders Conference. The conference seeks high school juniors and seniors with academic promise and leadership potential.  NYLC is designed to instruct and enrich promising students – preparing them for a lifetime of leadership.

National Youth Leadership Forum on Law. The forum on Law introduces high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from across the nation to careers in the legal field. This six-day program offers students the opportunity to meet professionals from some of the nation’s top law firms, observe the legal process in action and interact with faculty from renowned law schools. Students test the fundamentals of law through simulations and engage in debate over several legal issues facing our country today.

The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. The forum, held in nine cities throughout the United States on Medicine utilizes a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes clinical and research visits.  This nonprofit educational organization helps prepare extraordinary young people for their professional careers.

National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security (Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy). The forum, conducted in Washington, D.C. is an intense and stimulating 6-day exploration of the fields of national security, diplomacy and other related career opportunities.  It reaches out to exceptional high school students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership skills and an interest in the fields of national security and foreign affairs.

National Youth Leadership Forum on Technology. The National Youth Leadership Forum on Technology is an annual 10-day program that brings together the most gifted high school students with top-level educators and industry professionals from institutions like Apple, Cisco, Dell, IBM, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Motorola, Oracle, Silicon Graphics and Sun Microsystems.

National Youth Science Camp. The statewide competition selects two delegates annually to attend Camp Pocahontas in Bartow, West Virginia.  One hundred of the brightest science or mathematics students from fifty states are provided opportunities to interact with noted scientists and professionals from academic and corporate worlds.

New York Public Library. The New York Public Library selects student work to be published on the NY Public Library’s Wordsmith’s website.  Several of the best pieces are then selected to be published in an anthology at the end of the year.  Student work can be viewed at http://teenlink.nypl.org/wordsmiths-current.cfm.

Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. This is a national competition that recognizes 50 outstanding high school football players.  Students complete an application form, write essays and submit three recommendations from teachers and coaches.  They are selected for their leadership, courage, determination, endurance and tenacity.

Outstanding Vocational Secondary Student. The Hawaii State Council on Vocational Education selects the outstanding vocational secondary student who competes for the national title.

Peggy White Head Scholarship (Winner). Sponsored by the Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP), a regional network of members interested in furthering the educational opportunities for students, this award is given to one deserving student each year at the annual WESTOP conference.

Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest.  (State winners) Created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation and administered in partnership with State Art Agencies, the contest encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization and performance. Winners of the state competition go on to compete at the national finals and receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. State winners will be recognized.

President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes young Americans with awards and scholarships for outstanding community service.  There is a Bronze, Silver, and Gold level that students can obtain based on the number of hours they have served.

Presidential Scholar (Scholar, Nominee). This is the nation’s most prestigious award which recognizes and honors our Nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The Scholars represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. Students are selected for academic and/or artistic success, leadership and community involvement.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Sponsored by NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals)  and the Prudential Insurance Company of America, the awards are designed to recognize students in middle and high school grade levels who have demonstrated exemplary, self-initiated community service.  Two students, one high school and one middle school, are selected as the state honorees, each receiving $1,000, a silver medallion, and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C.  Both honorees have the opportunity to compete for 10 national awards of $5,000 and a trophy for their school.

PTA Reflections Program (State 1^st place winner).  “Reflections” is a national cultural arts competition with four categories: visual arts, literature, music and photography.  Each year, an outstanding theme-interpretation national winner is selected for each of the four categories.  Winners are recognized at the national PTA conference.

Questbridge. This is a nonprofit program that links bright, motivated students with educational and scholarship opportunities at the nation’s best colleges.  National winners will be recognized.

RespecTeen Speak for Yourself. The contest encourages 7^th and 8^th grade students to examine issues and their participation in the democratic process.  Students must write to a U.S. representative discussing an issue affecting young people on a national level and including a suggested solution.  Each state’s winner along with a parent or guardian will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Youth Forum.

SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) Knight Essay Contest.  High school juniors or seniors declared as state winners are presented monetary awards in this essay competition dealing with an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution.  The first place Hawaii entry is submitted to the national competition.

The Scholastic Art Awards. Winners from The Hawaii Regional Scholastic Art Awards who represent Hawaii at the national art competition are eligible.  Regional American Visions and Portfolio entrants will be recognized.  Hawaii Gold Key winners who are award winners at the national competition will also be recognized.

The Scholastic Writing Awards. The awards honor young people who have dedicated themselves to the craft of written expression.  The competition invites students to broaden their horizons while winning national recognition.  Scholarships are given to national winners.

Science Bowl. High school teams compete locally.  The winning team of 4 represents Hawaii at the national competition in Washington, D.C. Conducted in a game format, questions are generated by the U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory scientists.  Questions come from various science disciplines, mathematics, environmental education, computers and technology.

Science Olympiad National Tournament (Winners). The George Washington University, in partnership with DuPont hosts the tournament held on campus grounds.  State champions from across the U.S. who have demonstrated superior performance at their local competition are invited to attend the national tournament.  Teams compete on hands-on science, engineering, and technology events including science lab experiments, wooden tower building, working robots, and flying hand-built model airplanes.

Siemens Awards. This award is for Advanced Placement for excellence in math and science.  Each year, up to 100 students are recognized for achieving the highest scores on the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) math and science exams.

Skills USA. The Skills USA Championships is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. The state level winner goes on to compete at the national contest.

Sony Student Project Abroad. One student from Hawaii is nominated by our senator in Congress to participate in a dynamic trip to Japan beginning in California.  The program offers a wide range of cultural, technological and social exchanges and provides a unique learning opportunity.  Fifty student participants are selected nationwide.

Spelling Bee. The winner of the state spelling competition for intermediate school students represents Hawaii at the National Spelling Bee.

STAR – Student Taking Action with Recognition.  Competitive events are open to members of FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America).  National winners are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and occupational preparation.

St. Louis Student Film Festival (National winners). High school and college students enter the film festival in St. Louis.  The winning entries are featured at an awards ceremony.

STN (Student Television Network) Nationals Video Competition (Winners). The national organization promotes, supports, and recognizes scholastic broadcasting on a national scale by sponsoring video competitions in 13 categories open to high school students across the country.

Student Challenge Awards Program.  Selected students are awarded an opportunity to join a research team.  Working at laboratories and field stations across North America, these students are immersed in scientific investigation.  The program strives to excite the imaginations of creative young people, stimulate their curiosity about science and technology, and broaden their vision of their own human and professional potential.

Sudler Cup. This is the nation’s most prestigious award which recognizes and honors junior high and middle school concert band programs throughout the U.S.  The award, administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, is presented to band programs that have demonstrated particularly significant high standards of excellence in concert activities over a period of several years.

Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP) PLUS. This is a research-based mentorship program which provides selected students an 8-week SHARP PLUS research experience.  During the apprenticeship, students work with industry or university-based mathematics, science, and engineering professionals and engage in “hands-on” research.  Students live on a college campus, participate in a variety of enrichment activities, and establish relationships.

Summer Research Internship Program for Minority Students. Selected students are matched with faculty mentors at Iowa State University to conduct research in their area of interest.  The internship is intended to cultivate an environment where students will gain a good research experience.  Interns live in university housing, work on their research projects, and complete a written research paper which results are presented orally.

Tandy Technology Scholars (Winners). The program provides encouragement and recognition to students for their outstanding academic performance and achievements in mathematics, science and computer science.

Tech Challenge (Winners). This program invites students in middle and high school to work with others to solve problems.  Teams compete in a variety of timed tasks that involve computer repair and networking.

ThinkQuest (National winners). Students in grades 7 through 12 across the nation submit proposals to this Web site design contest which encourages the creation of the best educational tools on the World Wide Web.  ThinkQuest is dedicated to advancing education by accelerating the use of computer network applications and technologies.

TIP-Duke University Talent Identification Program. Students in grades 7-12 testing in the top 3% of the nation are selected and invited to participate in a special academic summer program on the Duke University campus.  The program features course offerings in every discipline and provides a stimulating and enriching experience for young people.

Tools for Tomorrow All American Vocational Student Awards Program. This program is a national initiative to support and promote vocational education in America.  It is a belief in the viability and importance of vocational education in building America’s work force, and ensuring that our country will prosper.

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards. Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) invite student teams of up to 4 members to select a current technology to study and create a vision of how it could be used 20 years from now.

Toyota Community Scholars Programs. Regional and national winners are awarded scholarships and are invited to a recognition ceremony in Lexington, Kentucky.  Toyota Community Scholars are recognized for their academic achievements, leadership and community service.

Tri-M Honor Ensemble. Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) recognizes students for their musical accomplishments.  Students from across the nation are selected to perform in the Tri-M Honor Ensemble.

U.S. Academic Decathlon. Hawaii state winners form a 9 member team and compete in nine academic areas in the national competition.

U.S. Achievement Academy National Scholarship Grant. The nonprofit organization awards National Scholarship cash grants to students with an excellent scholastic record and an extensive list of outstanding achievements.

U.S. Senate Youth Program. Two high school students are selected on competitive basis to represent Hawaii and participate in a one week congressional internship in Washington, D.C.  Winners receive $2,000 scholarships.

VEX Robotics World Championships (Local/regional and world champions). This is a gathering of top robotics teams from around the world to share their accomplishments and to determine the best.  There are local/regional competitions that qualify teams to compete at the world championship tournament.

VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) State Skills Olympics (1^st place state winners). This state and national competition showcases the technical, communication and leadership skills students acquire in industrial-technical classes such as Building and Construction, Power-Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Metal Working, Electronics and Graphic Arts.

Voice of Democracy. The program gives high school students the opportunity to voice their opinions on their responsibility to our country.  Each state winner is provided an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and the opportunity to compete for national scholarships.

“Voice of the Future” – Elder & Leemaur Publishers. This is a nation wide competition where only 5% of student essays are selected to be published.  These students are also eligible to receive scholarships.

Walt Disney World National Dreamers and Doers (National winner). One high school junior is selected for participation in interscholastic activity programs and demonstration of four special character traits admired by Walt Disney:  curiosity, confidence, courage and constancy.

Washington Crossing Scholarship Foundation (National winner). This national scholarship competition in memory of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware, targets students interested in government service.

We the People Program. State winners of simulated congressional hearings for high school classes compete in the National We the People Competition held in Washington, D.C.

Wendy’s High School Heisman Award (State winners). The program recognizes one male and one female from each state who are outstanding scholars, athletes, and citizens.  Monetary awards are presented to the schools of national semi-finalists, finalists and winners.

Western Access Video Excellence (Wave) Awards (National winners). This award recognizes excellence in community media production and operations within the Western States Region of the Alliance for Community Media, a non-profit organization.  Student winners will be recognized.

Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Academically talented students participate in this highly competitive national science talent search.

World Scholar-Athlete Games. The Games bring together young scholars who are talented in art, creative writing, poetry, singing or athletics.  Scholars come from as many as 125 countries.

World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC). Up to 5 students under the age of 18 represent the U.S.A. in a truly global competition for school debaters.  The event occurs each year in a different country hosted by a national debating body.  The debate competition centers on social, moral and political issues.

World Solar Challenge (Winners). High school students design an alternate energy transportation vehicle and enter it in this international competition.

World Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO). The Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan is a national center for the arts.  Of the 15,000 applicants, only the top performers who demonstrate a high level of proficiency on an instrument are selected to participate in the orchestra.  Selected students participate in an 8 week camp.

Young Engineering and Science Scholars (YESS). The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), dedicated to training creative scientists and engineers, provides a 4-week residential program for a select number of students of high ability and talent.  YESS provides a unique and intense educational experience designed to expose students to the joys of intensive scientific investigation, emphasizing the analytical and experimental skills that are necessary for success.

The Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition (Regional and national winners). The Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) Competition is designed to inspire talented students to investigate the many behavioral, biological, environmental and social factors that affect health.  College scholarships are awarded to regional and national winners.

Young Naturalist Awards. The program promotes excellence in science and communication through the recognition of outstanding, expedition-based student writing and art.  Winning entries are published on the website of the American Museum of Natural History.

Young Playwrights Festival National Playwriting Competition. Students 18 years old or younger may enter original plays which are evaluated by theater professionals.  National winners are awarded a trip to New York to attend a Writers Conference and work with some of the country’s most exciting theater artists.

Youth European Environmental Research (YEER). Three outstanding environmental engineering research projects from the United States are selected to be displayed at an international exposition of science and the betterment of the environment for the 21^st century.

Youth Exchange Student Program. The program is sponsored by the Lions Clubs International to promote cultural understanding.  Thirty young people from around the world are selected to participate in the 4-week International Youth Camp held during the summer in Japan (Osaka and Wakayama) or China (Hong Kong).  Selection is limited to one male and one female for each of the participating countries

Youth Leaders for Literacy Readers. Youth Leaders for Literacy is an initiative of the National Educational Association (NEA) and Youth Service America (YSA) to direct youth toward reading-related service projects.  National winners are selected by the organization and receive a monetary award and certificate.

Youth of the Year. (State winner)  Sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Association and administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national program recognizes superior leadership skills, academic achievement, obstacles overcome, and outstanding service to the Boys & Girls Clubs and the community.  State winners receive scholarships and compete for the national honor.