Nisei Veterans Memorial Center Chrysanthemum Leadership Program

* Students must be Maui County residents and enrolled in a Maui County school to apply. Application is open to all high school Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Building upon more than seventy years of tradition, the Nisei
Veterans Memorial Center’s (NVMC) Chrysanthemum Leadership
Program is dedicated to continuing the Chrysanthemum Ball;
Festival legacy created by the AJA Veterans and the Maui’s Sons and
Daughters of the Nisei Veterans’.

The transition of the program to one which focuses on leadership and
community engagement reflects a desire to have Maui’s young men
and women thoughtfully consider the changing nature of the world
around us. A world where peace and harmony can be achieved in the
midst of conflicts encountered in daily living. The program provides
opportunities for raising funds, fostering cultural awareness,
internationalism, educational, and career growth.

Over a three-month application and selection process period: 

Candidates will participate in various exercises including essay writing, fundraising and community engagement. At the culmination, the candidate with the highest points will be named the Chrysanthemum Ambassador, earning a fully paid trip to Japan and the opportunity to represent NVMC at both Hiroshima Peace Parkand the Fukuyama Rose Parade—a profound moment of cultural exchange and historical honor. The Chrysanthemum Leadership Program Ambassdor must be committed to year long events to actively represent the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center NVMC over the Leadership term which runs from May through November 2027. 

Every participant’s contribution is celebrated:

All candidates will be awarded a percentage of the funds they raise,
recognizing their commitment and outreach

Candidates who do not claim the Ambassador title will be named Chrysanthemum Representatives, with numbered designations acknowledging their efforts: Representative 1, Representative 2, and so on.

Chrysanthemum Representatives will receive a fully paid trip to Oahu
where they will engage with government and local peace leaders.

The NVMC will be able to assist students in possible career interest 
 

* Application Deadline: Friday November 7th, 2026

More than a title, this initiative bridges generations—carrying forward
stories of valor while inspiring advocacy, leadership, and reflection.

We invite our Maui ‘ohana and broader community to champion these
candidates as they become stewards of legacy.

APPLICATION SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS

The word “conflict” is defined as a disagreement or argument, often involving opposing needs, ideas or goals. We see conflicts in various forms and complexities. For purposes of this application, we have categorized “conflict” into three (3) general types.

Complex/High Level Conflicts

Conflicts having deep rooted differences based on governance or community structures that are firmly in place, such as global conflicts (e.g., wars between countries), national conflicts (e.g.,debates on national policy matters), and local community level conflicts (e.g., arguments for or against a particular kind of urban development). These conflicts oftentimes have longer durations and broader implications.

Simpler Conflicts

We may encounter simpler conflicts on a daily basis. While simpler, they can nonetheless be a source of frustration or personal anger. It may be a disagreement with your parents. It may be an unfavorable opinion you may have about a school test and its outcome. With thoughtfulness and understanding, the effects of these simpler conflicts generally are resolvable and dissipate over the short term.

Simplest Conflicts

At its most fundamental level, we experience conflicts that may not draw attention, but
nonetheless presents frictional forces in daily life:

Having to stop at a red light when you are in a rush to get somewhere

Having a favorite item of clothing unintentionally soiled and rendered unwearable for
the day

After arriving at school, discovering that you’ve forgotten your mobile device at home

The simplest conflicts may result in momentary angst, but can usually be self-resolved through reflection and consideration work-around solutions.