In March 2001, SI-Kona presented two acclamatory and monetary awards to recognize and encourage the efforts of youth who have made outstanding contributions to the community, and an acclamatory and monetary award to a woman who is working hard to improve her position in the workforce. We were proud to have Virginia Isbell, community activist, former State Representative, and SI-Kona member as our Mistress of Ceremonies. The Violet Richardson Award was established in 2000 to recognize young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. The VRA begins at the club level.
Winners go on to regional and federation level recognition.
The March 2001 VRA is being presented to a young lady who has carried the Kealakehe Interact Club, sponsored by Rotary Club, to new heights. Tina was also selected Good Student Citizen for the 1999-2000 academic year. Tina gives of herself to others by looking for projects, both big and small, that will help others or add positively to the Kealakehe school's environment. These projects include planting trees, weeding courtyards, building picnic benches, providing refreshments for parents at Open House and recycling on campus. In addition, Tina has lead the Interact Club in outreach to help support an orphanage in South India by holding numerous fundraisers by car washes, wrapping paper sales, penny drives, and other innovative ideas.