Lahaina After School Tutor Project Founders Richard and Pat Endsley (third and fourth from left) honored Jamie Fujii (right) and Ann and Alan Arakawa at the event. PHOTO BY RYAN PIROS.

LAHAINA – The Lahaina After School Tutor Project recently held its “Sweet 16th” Recognition Awards/Dinner Event. Approximately 350 proud students and parents, dedicated tutors and sponsors, and other outstanding volunteers enjoyed music by Al Nip and delicious Hawaiian food prepared by Lahaina Intermediate School’s Food Service crew.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife, Ann, received the Mahalo Award for 16 years of active support to the tutor project. The mayor congratulated the students and their parents, and expressed gratitude for the many years of volunteerism by the tutors and other volunteers. He commended their dedication toward increasing literacy for Lahaina youth.

Jamie Fujii, a Lahainaluna High School senior, received the Outstanding Tutor of the Year Award for her four consecutive years tutoring fourth-graders from Princess Nahi’ena’ena and King Kamehameha III Schools. Jamie enrolled in the tutor project’s math program when she was a fourth-grader at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School and continued in the language arts and math programs at Lahaina Intermediate School. She is a perfect example of one who gives back to the community. Jamie will receive a $1,000 scholarship from one of the tutor project volunteers for her outstanding achievements.

Math Tutor Barbara Potts, chairperson for the Aina Nalu Wine & Silent Auction Fundraiser for the tutor project, invited those present to attend the May 27 event. Local favorite Kaniela Q will provide musical entertainment, and a wide array of delicious pupus will be served.

Funds from this event will go toward scholarships for outstanding Lahainaluna tutor project math volunteers, as well as for tutor project operational costs.

Tickets ($60) can be purchased online; click on the blue “Shop Now” button at www.pfee.org or call Potts at (808) 344-5008.

Finally, the new 2017-18 Transition Year’s Leadership Team will continue the project with the assistance of Project Founders Pat and Richard Endsley. They include Executive Director for Finance and Operations Althea Viernes; Executive Director for Instructional Programs Terry Warwick; and Project Assistants Linda Quinn and Phyllis Nakamura.

Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School Site Coordinator Terry Warwick will be assisted by Carol Inaba, Christine Nishimoto, Diane DeLos Reyes and Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator Roxanne Sinenci.

Lahaina Intermediate Site Coordinator Nancy Eckman will be assisted by Flo Wiger, Jane Huff and PCNC Facilitator Jayme Donez.

Lahainaluna High School Site Coordinators Jeanne Smythe and Harriet Ota will coordinate tutors for grades four and five math, and Linda Quinn, assisted by Sharon Beach, will coordinate grade nine algebra.

The leadership team looks forward to an exciting year providing language arts and math programs to students who wish to benefit from tutoring support services in grades three through nine.

Invitations to sign up for grades three through seven programs at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School and at LIS will be mailed to parents in August. Acceptance into the programs will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents may contact the PCNC facilitators at the two sites for more information.