MEDIA RELEASE

Megan Cabison, a senior at Hilo High School was named the recipient of the 2012 Zonta International Zonta Club of Hilo Young Women in Public Affairs Award.

The goal of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs (YWPA) Program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

Applicants are asked to reflect on their voluntary commitment to their school and their community and the problems limiting the advancement of the status of women in their own country and worldwide. The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs program looks to the young women of today for the leaders of tomorrow.

Cabison was named Zonta International Zonta Club of Hilo Young Women in Public Affairs recipient because outstanding leadership role with the DECCA program and is the current state DECCA president, her more that 400 hours of community service and a National Honor Society member for three years.

Cabison intends to pursue degree in Business Administration, then a Master’s In Business Administration and to eventually be a CEO of a company.

She said “With my hard work and determination I can advance the status of women in my community, business occupation and even nation wide. I have made it my goal that I hold leadership roles in my community and state to help better the future for potential women leaders to come.”

In addition, Princess Monterey completed her first year as student at the Hawaii Community College ADN Program. Monterey was awarded $1,000 as the 2012 Zonta Club of Hilo nursing scholarship recipient.

Applicants are asked to write a personal statement that reflects on the needs of a scholarship, academic interest, vocational plans, extracurricular activities and interest.

Nursing professors at HCC indicated “Princess Monterey give 200% in all her effort on all assignments and is always trying to do better.” Beside being a single parent she finds time to volunteer for the Special Olympics.

Applications for the 2013 Zonta Club of Hilo Nursing, Math/Science and Young Women in Public Affairs Award will be available from the Zonta Club of Hilo in September 2012. Applicants must be of age 16-19 and living or studying in a Zonta district/region at the time of application.

The Zonta Club of Hilo provides three annual scholarships, nursing, math/science and the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business along with the Young Women In Public Affairs Award.

Zontians participates in a variety of projects including support of robotic programs in our schools, Hale Ohana shelter, Weinberg Friends program and advocates on issues affecting women.

This year the Hilo chapter is focusing on a Weinberg project at the Hope Services, Inc., to help women in need. The club is one of 1,200 clubs with 31,000 members worldwide in 67 countries and areas.

Membership is available to executives and professionals committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy.

For further information about Zonta Club of Hilo, call Ellen Aoki, membership chairwoman, at 959-9098.

— Find out more:
www.zonta.org
www.zontadistrict9.org