Carden’s Martin Receives Rotary’s Lyons Service Award

Dr. Martin (right) receives Palaka Award for his exceptional leadership service at the Carden Academy. Photo courtesy of Carden.

By Sonia Isotov

The Rotary Club of Kahului presented Dr. George Martin of Carden Academy with the 2012 Mike Lyons II Palaka Award at the King Kamehameha Golf Club during a special luncheon on Friday, August 24.

The award recognized Dr. Martin for his outstanding long-term volunteer service leadership to a nonprofit organization. Dr. Martin won the award because of his service and dedication to Carden Academy.

Carden Academy is an independent, non-denominational private school located in Pukalani, in Upcountry Maui. Founded in 1998, the school serves children in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, with one class per grade and a maximum enrollment of 144 students.

The Rotary Club of Kahului revived the Michael H. Lyons II Palaka Award which was originally created in honor of Lyon’s tireless community support. The award is named for the signature palaka shirts he wore.

The following twelve finalists were also recognized:

Sharon Balidoy, Lae’ula O Kai Canoe Club

Zadoc Brown, Jr., Seabury Hall

Susan Graham, Montessori School of Maui

Kazuichi Hamasaki, Hale Mahaolu

John Hoxie, Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center

Lawrence Ing, Maui Economic Opportunity

Mitch Mitchell, Hale Makua Health Services

Teena Rasmussen, Maui Youth & Family Services

Joel Richman, Jewish Congregation of Maui

Sarajean Tokunag, Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation

Brian Yoshikawa, Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation