Brayden Ka’iana Taum, 2016 Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund Recipient

Sep 6, 2016 | PC INK

MyPearlCity.com is proud to recognize Brayden Ka'iana Taum as our next PC I.N.K. – Incredible Neighborhood Kids selection for the month of September, 2016. Brayden plays on the Pearl City Chargers Junior Pee Wee Division football team and was selected as the 2016 2nd Annual Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund that awarded Brayden a $350.00 scholarship that will go towards paying for his 2016 Pearl City Football Association season registration fees.

The Pearl City Chargers Executive Board Scholarship selection committee made their selection on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 after reviewing twelve essays written by the players on the following topic: Favorite Player. A ceremony announcing and celebrating Brayden as the winner was held on Friday, September 2 in front of teammates, coaches, family and friends before practice at Pacheco Park in Pearl City. Also in attendance during the scholarship ceremony was Carol Yamamoto, who is the wife of the late Pearl City Chargers beloved Coach Wayne Yamamoto. The winner of the 1st Annual Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund, Maximus Lofa Fonoti-Maikui also attended to extend his congratulations to Brayden.

Brayden, who is in the 5th grade at Ma'ema'e Elementary School in Nuuanu on Oahu, wrote his essay on his admiration and respect for Seattle Seahawks starting QB Russell Wilson. His choice of words and writing skills impressed everyone who had the opportunity to read his award winning essay.

Coach Maka Keone

“The boy that won is a first time player. He submitted his essay and his favorite player is Russell Wilson. He loved it, he played it out, and plays like Russell Wilson. This is a good thing for the Pearl City Chargers, a good thing for our community, and a good thing for Coach Yamamoto."

Shiena Taum (Mother)

“Today is very important for the family because it shows and validates us as parents to show that we really do have a scholar athlete that we’re raising and doing the right things. He’s very creative and very witty, and he enjoys writing and expressing himself. He just loved Russell Wilson and loves that he’s a family man and a Christian and an awesome Quarterback. So, he had a lot to write, more than they expected to be. I would like to express my thanks to everybody. They’re not lying when they say it takes a village to raise a child. His grandparents, my parents, Francis and Lucy, Olivia, all of his Uncles, Aunties, everybody that helps us with raising him.”

Kimo Taum (Father)

“I’m just blessed that I have a son that likes sports. He can articulate his words pretty well on paper and that’s pretty much it. I’m just blessed to have him and everything he does for us. All of our work that we put in, this is the payback. I would like to thank everybody, the whole Pearl City organization, and all the sponsors who had a hand in this, and all the donations that contributed to him and his sports. It’s great for the youth of Pearl City and Hawaii. Thank you!

Carol Yamamoto

“I feel real good because I read most of these letters and it was very touching to see how much football means to them. Coach helped a lot of children, paid for shoes and whatever they needed. He was there. I hope they continue this because I think it’s good for these boys. As young as he is, Ka’iana wrote a wonderful essay. I’m shocked that he’s only eight years old. Only eight and it was fantastic."

The Pearl City Chargers Executive Board Scholarship selection committee also awarded the following Chargers $25.00 for their excellent essay entries:

2nd Place – Kila Maka'ala Keone

3rd Place – Rayjin Vickers

Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]

Brayden (far right) is pictured with 2nd place winner, Kila Maka'ala Keone (left)

and 3rd place winner, Rayjin Vickers (second from right)

Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]

2015 1st Annual Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund recipient, Maximus Lofa Fonoti-Maikui (left)

is pictured with 2016 2nd Annual Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund recipient, Brayden Ka'iana Taum

while holding the $350.00 scholarship check at Pacheco Park in Pearl City on Friday, September 2, 2016.

Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]

Brayden is pictured behind his big scholarship check with his ohana.

Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]

Brayden and his fellow scholarship winners are pictured with (top row, left to right),

Shiena Taum (mom), Carol Yamamoto, Kimo Taum (dad), and Coach Maka Keone.

Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]

The Pearl City Chargers are pictured with 2016 2nd Annual Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship

Fund Sponsors representing the Pearl City Community Association Board of Directors,

Jits Fujimura (top row, far left) and Jaci Agustin (top row, far right).

Brayden's Winning Essay

About Coach Wayne Yamamoto

(provided by Pearl City Football Association)

Wayne Yamamoto was a dedicated member of the Pearl City community. He was involved with many groups, including the Pearl City Football Association, which he volunteered thousands of hours of his personal time. Known as COACH YAMA, countless athletes have played under him for numerous years. Coach Yama was a strong, passionate and old school coach. Many know of him in that manner. Everyone could hear the “passion” in his voice across the football field. What some didn’t realize about Coach Yama was that he was a very compassionate and giving man. He was there for the kids. If there was a player who needed a ride, he would gladly assist. If there was a boy who needed shoes, he would generously pay for them. If there was a player who couldn’t afford to pay the football registration fee, he would sponsor that player. Pearl City lost a good man when he passed away in January 2013. Pearl City Football Association will honor Coach Yama’s memory by creating the Wayne Yamamoto Scholarship Fund. One player this season will be selected by the selecting Scholarship Committee to be the inaugural recipient of this award. This Scholarship Fund will be in the amount of this season’s $350 registration fee.