 |
|
|||||||
|
||||||||
|
Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph
|
||||||||
|
|
|||
|
||||
|
|
BIRR SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
Thirty-four years. That’s how long it’s been in existence, promoting the value of regular aerobic exercise through running and walking events. I’m talking about the Big Island Road Runners, which was founded back in 1972 by a hand full of running enthusiast. The group belongs to the national governing body of Road Runners Clubs of America and follows its charter and by-laws, setting up a board of directors and officers which are elected on an annual basis. But it has only been during the past two years that the non-profit group has flourished financially and as a result has given some of its proceeds away to such organizations as the Waiakea Students Against Drunk Drivers. Recently the BIRR has decided to start up an annual scholarship program and to give away a $500 grant to a male and female senior who has been accepted to college to help defray part of their cost. Of course, the BIRR being a running organization, added that the applicants write a 200 to 300-word essay on how running has influenced their life and that they would have been an active participant in running while in high school. “When we made the announcement, this past January, that we would give an annual college scholarship grant,” explains BIRR treasure Dano Banks, “one of our members came forward and said that he would like to make a donation to our fund.” That person turned out to be Richard Alderson of Hakalau. Alderson, an avid runner and a member of the BIRR, announced that he would be transferring 1000 shares of personal stock to the clubs scholarship fund. “When we got the shares of Ameritrade stock we were flabbergasted,” says Banks, “as the value of each share is worth $27.19.” “With the influx of money going into our scholarship fund we are now looking at giving next years male and female selection $1000 apiece and perhaps increasing the number to 2 males and 2 females by 2008.” Alderson was asked to become a member of the scholarship committee and, along with Banks, sits in with Lorilyn Mendoza, John Moran and the Big Dog as the group of 5 has set up the criteria and selection process. “We had several high profile prep harriers applying for our first year scholarship,” says Banks, “and the selection was difficult to make.” Barbis, who is an outstanding prep runner, has been accepted to the University of Washington where his major will either be biology or engineering. Barbis credits his middle school teacher, Mr. Onishi, with introducing him to track & field. “Mr. Onishi helped me get focused on what I wanted out of life,” explains Barbis, “and through running I’ve learned that limits are self-imposed, that I can achieve anything I set my mind to doing.” Barbis went onto having a highly successful cross-county and track career with the Vikings program, under Coach Bill McMahon. In his final Big Island Interscholastic Federation race, two weeks ago at Kamehameha-Keaau track, Barbis won the island crown in the 3000 meter run and has been selected a first team BIIF all-star. Malia Williams, also known for her long distance running skills during her 4-years at Hilo High, will continue her running through college as she has been selected to run cross-country for the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “Becoming a runner has made me much more aware of my physical and mental health and well-being,” explains Williams, “which helps me be more focused in all aspects of my life.” Williams has been active in many of the community races, participating in such runs at the EMS Run, Volcano Wilderness Run, the Hilo to Volcano Relays and some of the BIRR fun runs held in Hilo. Williams also echoed Barbis by stating that running helps keep her focused and determined to be successful in life. “I know that running is a sport that I can continue doing throughout my entire life,” says Williams. “Running has become a major part of my life and has helped me to reach my goals.” “We are pleased to have selected Malia Williams and Stefano Barbis,” says Richard Alderson. “It was a very difficult choice as there were several outstanding young people who run within our community that applied and I wish them all the very best in their college life and beyond.” Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Big Island Road Runners members who have funded the first year of scholarship awards and to Richard Alderson who has left with the BIRR a substantial contribution which will lead to the continued promotion of our running for our youth in the future. “I’m just happy that I can contribute to something as worthwhile as this scholarship program,” says Alderson. “I am proud of the direction the BIRR has taken in the promotion of running in our community and I hope that the money I have donated will be available to the running youth for years to come.”
|
Just a few days ago the committee announced their selection for the modest scholarship grant as being Stefano Barbis and Malia Williams, both from Hilo High School.|
[Home] [Calendar of Events] [Scholarship Info] [Member Listing.] [Documentation] [Photo Galleries] |