Moloka‘i Student Earns “Go Green” Scholarship From Rotary

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset awarded its second annual Go Green academic scholarship to Lily Jenkins on May 30 during its weekly club meeting.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset presents Lily Jenkins with the club’s second Go Green Scholarship award. From left: Katie Zimmerman, Lily Jenkins, Heidi Dollinger, Joanne Laird

Jenkins, a graduate of Molokaʻi High, received a $2,500 college scholarship that she will use at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Jenkins begins a five-year dual degree curriculum in Environmental Science and Information Systems with a minor in Business starting this fall.

Selected from a competitive field of applicants, Lily’s academic achievements at Molokaʻi High School as well as her extensive volunteer work and exceptional leadership skills earned her the award. Among her many volunteer activities, Lily has assisted with wetland restoration for Nēnē O Molokaʻi since 2006.

“From an early age, Lily recognized an environmental need in her community and decided to do something about it,” said Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset interim president, Joanne Laird. “She is a positive role model for all of us,” said Laird.

The scholarship is funded through the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset’s annual “Go for the Green” St. Patrick’s Day event. It demonstrates the club’s commitment to environmental initiatives and to the long-term educational goals of local students.

“Thanks to the community’s generous support of our St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, we are able to assist Lily with her environmental studies,” said Laird. “We are excited to follow her future academic achievements and look forward to another successful fundraiser in March 2018 that will enable us to help more local students and the environment,” she said.

To qualify for the $2,500 scholarship, applicants had to be a graduating senior who lives in West Maui, Lānaʻi or Molokaʻi and attends a Maui, Lānaʻi or Molokaʻi high school. The student also had to demonstrate superior academic abilities, involvement in school activities and a winning character profile with pursuit of a field of study that will benefit the environment.

Rotary is a leadership organization made up of local business, professional and civic leaders. Clubs hold regular meetings where members can form friendships and participate in activities that serve their communities.