* Personal: Age 17; son of Butch Gima of Lanai City and Laurie Gima of Pukalani; enjoys learning foreign languages, spending time with family, traveling and photography.
* At School: Distributive Education Clubs of America, Ka Hoku yearbook editor in chief, kindergarten class teacher's assistant, Sultan's School Charity Club, girls volleyball scorekeeper, freshman and junior class president, sophomore class vice president, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council president and founder, Health Occupations Students of America treasurer and president, Career and Techical Student Organization state finalist, Retail and Marketing State Competition fourth place.
* Off Campus: Scuba diving, Maui County Junior Lifeguard Program, U.S. Department of State Youth Exchange and Study scholarship to Oman, Pacific and Asian Affairs Council Summer Study Tour scholarship to China and Taiwan, Quentin Burdick Rural Health Program intern, intern for dentist Nora K. Harmsen, Straub Clinic intern, Lanai Community Hospital intern.
Article Photos
Richard Masao Gima
* Beyond High School: Will attend college in either England, France, the United Arab Emirates or Qatar. Will double major in international and comparative politics and international business administration. Plans to serve in the Peace Corps, followed by work with the U.S. Foreign Service, serving in U.S. embassies overseas, preferably in West Africa or the Middle East.
* What do you think is the biggest problem facing youth today?
"The lack of motivation. Many of the people I know are not looking outside of Hawaii, rather staying inside of their comfort zone. The lack of motivation causes many youths to settle for less and not strive for more. In my opinion, this is caused by having the comfort of home and knowing that there are people around supporting you 24/7. Youths need to know that support can come from both family and strangers; so the fear of something new should not hold them back from trynig something new."
Fact Box
The students in this weekly feature are selected by officials at their respective high schools. "Student Spotlight" recognizes students of good character who are involved in school or community activities such as athletics, clubs, student government and volunteer work.
