LIHU‘E — The East Kaua‘i Lions Club had a full agenda for its meeting Saturday at the Puakea Grill.
The agenda included the presentation of scholarships to three high school graduates, a donation to the Kaua‘i Veterans Museum and the installation of new officers for 2022-23.
Aida Cruz of the Kaua‘i Veterans Center was pleasantly surprised to receive a $2,000 contribution from the East Kaua‘i Lions Foundation for the ongoing work at the Kaua‘i Veterans Museum.
The Scholarship Committee led by Janice Bond presented scholarships to Angeline Chan, Caisen Lee Ramelb Medina and Caleb Plowman toward their post-high-school educations.
Chan, daughter of Perry Chan and Fonda Chung, is planning to attend a four-year university on the mainland for her undergraduate degree in psychology. He ultimate plan is to obtain a doctorate degree.
She obtained a state Department of Education Seal of Biliteracy Award for fluency in both Mandarin and Cantonese, and was a school band percussionist and drum major for the 2021 homecoming show. She also played on the school tennis team during her freshman, sophomore and seniors years.
During her junior year she competed in the 64th Hawai‘i State Science Fair and received honors for her project that was based on her interest in psychology. That motivated her to design a behavioral and social science project.
Her volunteer activities include being a mentor at the Verizon Innovative Learning program, where she guided middle-school participants with science, technology, engineering and math activities and distributed free food boxes with the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Ramelb Medina, son of Lito and Charlene Medina, plans to become an athletic trainer following schooling at Grand Canyon University, where he will major in exercise science. After attaining his bachelor’s degree, he intends to complete his master’s in exercise science in athletic training with the goal of becoming certified.
Plowman is the son of Chard and Divina Plowman, and is a member of the Kaua‘i High School Leo Club that is umbrella-ed under the EK Lions Club.
He plans to attend the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with a major in kinesiology, physical therapy, personal training, exercise science and athletic training with a minor in business entrepreneurship. Eventually, he plans to open his own business and offer community service in the form of education for school sports teams in need.
During the installation of new EK Lions Club members, Lion Robin Dame accepted the president’s gavel from Lion Harvey Kinoshita, who guided the organization during the 2021-22 year.
Helena Cooney is the EK Lions’ secretary, Stephen Fujii is the club’s treasurer. Kinoshita becomes the club’s immediate past president, and Crystal Caday Bagayo is the first vice president.
DeAnna Starinieri is the second vice president, Rebecca Carnate is third vice president and Lion Past District Governor Kelvin Moniz is a tail twister.
Joan Baganz is a Lion Tamer, and Janice Bond is the membership director. Directors include Donald Nagamine, Paul Endo and John Ochoco holding one-year terms. Two-year term directors include Past District Governor Roy Nishida and Angel Acorda.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
