Shihan Jeffrey Maistrosky of the Independent Martial Arts School (left) recently presented Michael Mwaniki with this year's Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship. Courtesy photo/Independent Martial Arts School

NASHUA — Michael Mwaniki, a second degree black belt in Kenpo at the Independent Martial Arts School, was recently selected as this year’s recipient of the $10,000 Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship.

A resident of Chelmsford, Mass., Mwaniki will be a sophomore at Boston College in the fall. He is studying biology and finance and plans to become an oral surgeon.

“I was honored to receive the Craig P. Hutchinson Memorial Scholarship from the IMAS. I am extremely grateful for this as I will be able to pursue higher education with their help. This scholarship will assist me in my curiosity and ambition for education just as the late Craig Hutchinson emphasized,” said Mwaniki. “It proves to me that hard work can lead to infinite opportunities. Kenpo as a whole has pushed me to grow, both inside and outside the dojo. I’m thankful for the encouragement I’ve received from instructors and my parents for holding me to a high standard so I am able to accomplish anything I put my mind to.”

During his years at Chelmsford High School, Mwaniki played basketball, football, was a member of the Black Student Union and served as a Lion League basketball coach.

“As a board, we are all very excited to grant this award to Michael,” said Shihan Jeffrey Maistrosky, president of the Craig P. Hutchinson Scholarship Foundation and a sixth degree black belt at the IMAS. “Michael’s accomplishments, character traits and aspirations showcase him as a prime example of the leader that we hope will grow, in part, from the influence of the Independent Martial Arts School. His journey is a challenging, yet noble one, and we sincerely hope the award can play a role in his future success.”

The scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Craig Hutchinson, a student and instructor at the IMAS. Hutchinson died on Dec. 20, 1992 from complications of mononucleosis during his sophomore year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Since it was established, the Foundation has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarship funds.

IMAS students can apply for the Hutchinson Scholarship once they have reached the rank of first degree black belt.