Lahainaluna High School Vice Principal JoAnne Dennis (second from left) receives the school supplies from (left to right) Rotary Club of Lahaina President Carmen Karady, Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise President Ann Neizman and Rotarians Jackie Favors, Karen Kondo and David Ristau.

LAHAINA — School bells are ringing again, which means West Maui Rotary Clubs are “kakou” (coming together) to support students with their success.

Thanks to the generosity of residents and visitors alike, Rotary Club of Lahaina and Lahaina Sunrise collected 13 boxes of school supplies and $463 in cash on July 24 during their annual school supply drive. 

Four public schools in West Maui benefited from the drive, and school supplies were delivered during the second week in August.

Lahainaluna High School Vice Principal JoAnne Dennis stated that “every little bit helps us to meet the needs of those who cannot come to school with the basics.”

Lahaina Intermediate School Student Activities Coordinator Lori Koyama said, “This is going to help us a lot! We are so appreciative to both Rotary Clubs for putting the drive together to help our students. Lahaina Intermediate will be using their portion of the cash to assist students with the expense of uniforms.

From left, Karen Kondo, Ann Neizman, Lahaina Intermediate School Student Activities Coordinator Lori Koyama and Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator Becky Altier, and Carmen Karady bring the donated supplies to Lahaina Intermediate School.

Claire Tillman of King Kamehameha III Elementary School said, “In these hard economic times we’re in, there are parents who cannot afford school supplies for their children. Due to the generosity of both Lahaina Rotary Clubs, I can supply those particular children with supplies for the entire year.”

Rotarians want every child to be prepared for their classroom activities. Many parents struggle financially just to make ends meet in today’s economic climate, so providing their kids with everything they need to start a new and exciting school year takes a lot of pressure off families and provides the student

with a fresh beginning, noted Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise President Ann Neizman.

“A special mahalo nui to Longs Drugs at Lahaina Cannery Mall and Office Max in the Lahaina Gateway Center for your kokua and generosity in supporting our bright students on Maui’s West Side,” she added.

To participate in this annual drive, send donations to: School Supplies, P.O. Box 913, Lahaina, HI 96767.

In related news, Jim and Becky Lennon were recognized by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise for their

love, generosity and care since the club’s inception in August 2001. 

Bonnie West, Roz Baker, Chuck Dicker, Charles Keoho and Karen Kondo were on hand as former club presidents who offered verbal tributes to the couple. 

Current President Ann Neizman presented the couple with a beautiful bronze palm sculpture purchased at Village Gallery in Lahaina. 

Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise members agree that one of its unique aspects is meeting at the historic Pioneer Inn, and Jim and Becky Lennon have always welcomed and sheltered them with aloha.