Pearl City High School senior Matthew Taira gives a hand to peers as well as students outside of class.

"He helps people because he loves to help, not because he has to help," said Mark Oda, college and career counselor at Pearl City High. "He loves helping people solve problems, whatever they need."

Taira was among 42 public high school seniors throughout the state honored yesterday at the Seventh Annual Citizenship Awards 2011 ceremony at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The recognition goes to graduating students with leadership skills who excelled in service at school and in the community. Each received a $1,000 scholarship. The Department of Education, the Hono­lulu Star-Advertiser and the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association sponsored the event.

Mufi Hannemann, president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, said, "What this is all about is to recognize that it’s a great achievement, but we don’t want them to give up. … We want them to build upon their early success so that when they take their rightful places as leaders in our community, they’ll also look over their shoulder, give back and encourage the youth of tomorrow."

Taira, 17, spent countless hours tutoring fellow students. He’s a member of the National Honor Society and is involved in the George B. Carter Serteens Club of Hawaii, an organization made up of gifted and talented students who volunteer for community service proj­ects. Taira was accepted at both Creighton University and Brown University and plans to pursue neuroscience or radiology.

Castle High School senior Shea Tatsumi’s leadership skills and positive attitude have made her an exceptional recipient of the award, said student activities coordinator Regina Yoshi­mori. "She does a lot for the school and never complains," Yoshimori said.

Tatsumi, who plans to major in business at Hawaii Pacific University, said helping others gives her a sense of fulfillment. "It makes me happy to do these things. I try to do my best. That’s all I’ve been doing."

Tatsumi, 17, is student body president at Castle and a member of the National Honor Society. She’s also a member of Community Works in 96744 (Kane­ohe), a coalition that promotes healthy living and the prevention of underage drinking and drug use.