‘ELE‘ELE — Lack of sleep shrouded the mind of Anthony Udarbe Sunday morning as he mindlessly picked at breakfast at the end of a row of tables outside the Gather Federal Credit Union ‘Ele‘ele branch.
“If you’re going to get your picture taken, fix your hair,” said Basilio “Coach Bunga” Fuertes as he sat back to wait on the crowd wanting vegetable starters. “This is for Operation Washington, D.C. You have to look presentable.”
Anthony’s sister, Carmila Udarbe, a student at ‘Ele‘ele School, was off doing errands for mom, returning with a bagful of soft drinks for Fuertes and Roy Miyashiro, who helped with the distribution.
Fuertes said the seedlings distribution is Carmila’s project, started more than two years ago after he asked her if she wanted to plant something. Her agreeing to plant things between school and basketball practice became a boon, as customers picked up starters for their home gardens, with net proceeds going towards Carmila’s college fund.
Traditionally, the distributions take place early Saturday morning, but for this occasion the distribution was re-scheduled to Sunday because Carmila had a basketball game with the county’s youth basketball program that inaurated its 2022 season Saturday at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
“She was real good,” Fuertes said. “She scored nine points, but coach had to take her out because she too gasa-gasa and had four fouls. One more foul and she was out of the game.”
Because of Anthony’s need to fundraise for a trip[ to the nation’s capitol, Fuertes said the operation was shared with Anthony as Operation Washington DC.
“We need to raise $4,000 each,” Anthony said. “That covers tuition for the six-day Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. We also have to come up with money for the airfare.”
Anthony is one of eight Waimea Canyon Middle School students selected by the school’s English, financial literacy and business technology teacher Megan Miller. Joining Anthony on the trip to the conference will be Kamalei El Saieh-Rowe, Bryden Perez-Aguilar, Swede Sandblom, Elisha Agustinez, Jaycia Ferreira-Hauma, Camille Miguel and Erika Souza.
“Ms. Miller went above and beyond, and nominated students who she felt have the potential for great community leadership, and who exemplify academic success and service to their school and island,” said Marissa Sandblom, Swede’s mother.
“Amazingly, thanks to Ms. Miller’s nominations, these eight Waimea Canyon Middle School students were invited to travel to Washington, D.C. this June to enjoy the educational experience of a lifetime as they collaborate with students from across the nation and develop action plans to put into use for their home communities.”
Sandblom said students need to underwirte the entire cost of attending the progam, so the students and Ms. Miller are planning on doing fundraisers to help defray expenses. The details are still being worked out, and if anyone is interested in making a contribution, checks can be made out to Waimea Canyon Middle School PTSA, or contact Miller for more information.
Anthony said there is a digital fundraising link where people can log on and contributed to the students: verticalraise.com/fundraiser/wcms-leaders-in-washington-dc/c/416162/.
“The kids are so excited for the experience,” Sandblom said. “This is a lot to fundraise for, so every little bit helps.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
