Proud family and friends recently converged on the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall to recognize 79 graduates from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s “About Face” Program, an endeavor to help participants prepare for life’s challenges. Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state
Proud family and friends recently converged on the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall to recognize 79 graduates from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s “About Face” Program, an endeavor to help participants prepare for life’s challenges.
Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state adjutant general and the man in charge of the Hawaii Army National Guard, was a scheduled speaker. Lee urged graduates to reach their highest goals in life.
Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste was the other keynote speaker.
All of the graduates were awarded certificates of completion by Gordon Doo and Vera Blalock.
In all, about three dozen program participants went through the graduation exercise. Even though the other participants weren’t able to attend the ceremony, apparently due to other obligations, program leaders applauded their efforts.
The federally funded Hawaii Army National Guard program is the first of its kind in the state, and in the Western United States.
The program is geared for economically disadvantaged youths ranging from 14 to 18. Among other goals, the program helps boost basic math and reading skills, and offers career training.
The graduates were: Taylor Banach, Alicia “AJ” Nakamura, Rochelle Banasihan, Patrick Powell, Rockal Banasihan, Shauday Ragudo, Trineen Boro, Cullen Salud, Jonathan Glovasa, Lansfield Tamashiro, Erica Gohn, Brandon Tittle, Micah Henderson, Maile Valvieja, Franklin Hiraoka, Latasha Vegas, Raenell Jerves, Brian Vidal, Kimberly Lopes, Eric Wakumoto, Lashiya Mamaril, Isaiah Wong, Joslin Mano‘i, Jessie Zappey;
Shaydon Moises, Nichole Morris, Erica Abergas, Lisa Osamu, Kandra Akau, John Penn, Shaun Banasihan, Paulina Perez, Krystal Borja, Micah Pimental, Andrea Gunnar, Stephanie Rojas, Kiana Hustace, Joey Sanchez, Donia Kaohi, Ashley Serraon, Lauren Keller, Meaghan Sims, Maelynn Kinney, Justin Smith, Nicole LangiKaaumoana, Crystal Tolentino, Cody Mikami, Gienell Tolentino, Ward Mikami, Shannon McIntyreKing, Lincoln Niau;
Keo Pacheco, Gregory Ariano, Justin Pullen, Jessica Calves, Adam Rapozo, Alexander Chase, Tiffany Taniguchi, Patrick Delos Reyes Jr., Karalyn Wharton, Sharon Dosono, Sheena Yasay, Marco Evans, Cheydon Jacobs, Dana Kam, Darius Keawemahi, Clayton Lagoc, Earl Lanning, Maile LewisDeguchi, Shellimar Moreno and Sachi Munoz.
Business perspectives awards were given by Vera Blalock. Serving as the masters of ceremonies were Col. (Ret.) Theodore “Teddy” Daligdig and Shellimar Moreno.
Praised for the support of the program were:
Mike and Lianne Soong, Mark Hubbard, Eli Gorman, David Kagawa, Jessica Higa, Larry Radcliff, Col. (Ret.) Ted Daligdig, Queenie Pezario, Billy Lopez, Sheila Miyake, Tina Rapoza, JJ’s Broiler, Paradise Seafood & Grill, Macy’s, Radisson Kauai Beach Resort, Waimea Brewpub, One Guy’s Company, Kauai Fruit & Flower Co., Smith’s Motor Boat Service, Inc., Kmart, Sears, Deli & Bread Connection, Pizza Hut, Kauai Marine & Mower, Boys & Girls Club, Marilyn Mohler, and Eddie Sarita and his staff at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
Sponsoring groups were state of Hawai‘i, TANF, Workforce Investment Act and the Hawaii Army National Guard.
Jonathan Zeigler concluded the ceremony.
The program was launched on Kaua‘i in January 2004 with much fanfare, with Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona and Baptiste among the attending dignitaries.
As part of an “inschool program,” afterschool workshops and a summer program for up to 18 participants were offered. Seven youths had been placed in paying jobs early on in the program, project leaders reported.
An “inschool” training program encourages participants not to smoke, to learn life skills, to increase computer efficiency, and to learn how to make career choices.
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 2453681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
