The Three Outstanding Young Persons Award recognizes exceptional achievements or contributions in a nominee’s chosen field, organization, community, state, or nation. The nominees exemplify the line of the Jaycee Creed that states, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.” Last year, RPJ members Eve Epitome and Roger Gumerman nominated Shane Victorino, the center-fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, and Lucas Boyce, the Orlando Magic’s Director of Multicultural Insights and Cause Marketing, and the two would later earn spots among the United States Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Americans.

Volunteers Deliver Thanksgiving Meals To Homebound Seniors

Thank You to all the volunteers.

The 2012 RPJ Board of Directors is a mix of new and familiar faces. Elvin Berzabal steps into the top spot next year as chapter president. Rounding out the board are: Jason King – Vice President; Nathan Martin – Membership Development VP; Roger Gumerman & Winston Chow - Directors-at-Large; and Anthony Higa – Chairman of the Board. We’ll post their bios in the near future. Let’s wish good luck to the new board and a successful new year.

Winston Chow, Rising Phoenix Jaycees

RPJ President Anthony Higa (right) RPJ member Roly Navarro (middle)

Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against America on 9-11 2011.  Honolulu mayor Peter Carlisle hosted a memorial walk in honor of those who perished on that dreadful day.

Focus on your strengths and you will lead a successful life.  Society teaches us to focus on the weakness of ourselves and others which is counterproductive.  Guest speaker Ray Shiraishi, business coach, helps people focus on their strengths to improve business thus leading a successful life.  This GMM was  a small gathering of current and potential members which made it more personable.  Those in attendance expressed qualities that people perceived as a weakness but what turned out to be a strength.  One lady said people thought she was too outspoken but she turned to be a great advocate for Asian Americans in her state.  So when you have time to reflect, think about your strengths and it will carry you far.

'Banzai Party' run by the Hawaii Delegation

ONTO Chicago will definitely be a trip to remember.  Everywhere we went people recognized our beautiful Aloha shirts because the Hawaii Jaycees have ‘style’.  Above is a picture before the Banzai Party run by the Hawaii Delegation that was a fundraiser to help pay for our trip.

TOYA - Hawaii Delegation

Two winners of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) have Hawaii ties.  Shane Victorino was nominated by RPJ member Eve Epitome, and Lucas Daniel Boyce was recommended by RPJ member Roger Gumerman to the Florida Jaycees.

Wisdom teaches us that frustration is a life lesson and how we deal with it defines character.  There were several life lessons in Chicago, coping, acceptance, friendship.  And no trophy is big enough to represent how the Hawaii Jaycees have developed their leadership skills this month.

ONTO Chairperson - Eve Epitome

This trip was headed by ONTO Chairperson Eve Epitome (left).  She helped organize practices, raised money, made hotel reservations, constructed an itinerary, and made travel arrangements for the Hawaii delegation.

Athletes and escorts hamming it up before the event.

Several new and veteran RPJ members volunteered for this year’s Special Olympics Summer Games held May 28-29th at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. This year RPJ provided the bulk of the manpower for Saturday’s Softball Throw event. Members escorted athletes from the staging tent to the field for three rounds of competition. This is the second consecutive year that RPJ manned the area. The next Special Olympics volunteer opportunity for the chapter is the Aukake Classic in Pearl City. More pics after the break.

Members Chad Kawashima and Elvin Berzabal taking a break between heats.

Joy and Chad breaking down the chairs after the final heat of the day.