Earlier this year, 151 students from across the Federated States of Micronesia received Habele tuition scholarships for the 2026–27 school year.
Six members of that class now carry an additional distinction: each has been named the recipient of a Habele Memorial Scholarship.
These are not six additional awards. They are special designations within the larger scholarship class, connecting promising students with the legacies of Americans and Micronesians whose lives demonstrated courage, integrity and exceptional commitment to the islands.
A memorial scholarship looks in two directions at once. It remembers a life of service—and turns that memory into practical help for a student working toward the future.
Jim Stovall Memorial Scholarship
James “Jim” Stovall III spent more than five decades serving Micronesia as a legal adviser and advocate. He contributed to the development of the FSM, its relationship with the United States and its place in the international community.
This year’s Stovall Scholar is Su-young Augustine of Pohnpei. Su-young enters grade 10 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School after completing her freshman year with a cumulative 3.28 GPA.
Read about the Jim Stovall Memorial Scholarship
Hon. Martin Yinug Memorial Scholarship
Born in Guror Village in Gilman Municipality, the Honorable Martin G. Yinug devoted four decades to public service. As Chief Justice of the FSM Supreme Court, he exemplified integrity, educational achievement and respect for constitutional government and the rule of law.
Mason Moon Foruw, this year’s Yinug Scholar, is from Neff in Kanifay Municipality in southern Yap. A returning Habele scholar, Mason enters grade 9 at Yap Catholic High School as a member of its Class of 2030.
Read about the Martin Yinug Memorial Scholarship
Lee Huddleston Memorial Scholarship
Lee Huddleston served as a Peace Corps Volunteer on Moch and later worked with the Chuuk Department of Education. He lost his life attempting to rescue children in the waters off Moch.
Kisa Janika Chipen is from Losap Atoll in the Mortlock Islands of Chuuk State. She enters grade 12 at Xavier High School in her third year as a Habele scholar.
Read about the Lee Huddleston Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Marshall Wees Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Marshall Paul Wees was a U.S. Navy physician who served the people of Ulithi during the Second World War. With limited supplies and local assistance, he led the successful effort to eliminate yaws from the atoll.
This year’s Wees Scholar, Neichen Xyanne Tewermai, is from Ulithi and attends Saint Mary’s Catholic School on Yap. She enters grade 8 in her fourth year as a Habele scholar.
Read about the Dr. Marshall Wees Memorial Scholarship
Ichiro Robert Memorial Scholarship
Ichiro Robert was a respected Fefan educator, traditional leader and longtime principal of Sapore Elementary School. He supported generations of students and teachers, as well as Peace Corps Volunteers serving in his community.
Jeron Mattson Ruben is from Fefan Island and attends Chuuk Seventh-day Adventist School. He enters grade 5 in his third year as a Habele scholar and has consistently reported his academic progress.
Read about the Ichiro Robert Memorial Scholarship
Leona Peterson Memorial Scholarship
Leona Peterson served Micronesian communities as a nurse, social worker and leader of the Trust Territory’s programs for older islanders. Her career was one of sustained, person-to-person service.
Rejoice Malea Ileragiir, whose family has roots in Lamotrek and Ifalik Atolls, enters grade 11 at Yap Catholic High School. She is beginning her fifth year as a Habele scholar.
Read about the Leona Peterson Memorial Scholarship
Each of these students remains responsible for doing the hard part: attending class, applying themselves and reporting their progress. Their families continue to pay part of the tuition, and Habele pays its share directly to the schools.
The memorial scholarships bring those efforts together with six enduring examples of service. They ensure that good work performed for Micronesia in an earlier generation helps ambitious Micronesian students move forward today.
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