Former Lahainaluna High School Foundation Executive Director Jeff Rogers presents a scholarship to Michelle Abad.

LAHAINA — The Lahainaluna High School Foundation enters its 20th year in its continuous course of guidance and support for the West Side’s iconic campus.

And with the emergence from the pandemic chaos, the organization shifts leadership and maintains the positive energy that is manifested in the community.

After a decade of service as the LHSF executive director, Jeff Rogers retired, and longtime Lahainaluna teacher and program director Art Fillazar moved into the position.

Rogers has been a mainstay in the leadership of the organization, particularly in the guidance required to bring the state-of-the-art, all-purpose campus stadium to fruition.

Rogers, along with Roy and Betty Sakamoto, was the development coordinator of the $9,000,000 Sue D. Cooley Stadium project and will continue as the lead maintenance and landscape worker there.

He was recently honored for his leadership of the Lahainaluna High School Foundation at the 2022 “Legends of Lahainaluna” ceremony on campus.

Fillazar, affectionally known as “Uncle Fil,” has been a mainstay at Lahainaluna for over 30 years.

He was honored as the Maui District Department of Education “Teacher of the Year” in 2000 and held leadership positions with the English Department.

Best known as Lahainaluna’s Student Activities Coordinator, Fillazar was involved with the Boarders’ Chorus, David Malo Day, Hawaiiana Club, Hawaii Student Activities Board, Hawaii State Student Council and several other programs. Fittingly, Fillazar coined the phrase, “Pride and spirit number one since 1831.”

Foundation Board President Mark Tillman honored Rogers’ departure at the Legends ceremony in saying, “Don’t ever pass up an opportunity to say thank you. Let them know the appreciation of being light years ahead of the field. Thank you, Jeff Rogers.

“Art Fillazar’s reputation proceeds him, and he maintains a firm understanding of how the Legends will live on and how to facilitate resources of the school to raising the kids’ awareness of life skills.”

Tillman added that the Lahainaluna High School Foundation’s participation at the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua is the top fundraiser for the organization.

Last year, $75,000 was raised for the Luna teams that participated, and the rest went to the foundation.

With that contribution, the total grants to the teams, clubs and organizations on campus came to $1.4 million. Add to that $2 million in scholarships; a drive to bring a new scoreboard to Sue D. Cooley Stadium and continuous book donations to the school library.

A heartfelt mahalo to contributors to the Lahainaluna High School Foundation.