Hawaii Army National Guard Donates to Schools

The
Hawaii Army National Guard have their hands full with Homeland
Security.  But somehow amongst all their mandated priorities the
Guard has managed to offer a program that recognizes and rewards high
school athletic programs in the best possible way – with a check. 

 

	The Guard’s Hometown Marketing Program awarded Mckinley and Farrington High School’s Athletic Programs a check for $950.00 each.  The presentation was done at the Mckinley vs Farrington football game on October 6, 2007, at Roosevelt Stadium. “This is a simple way to recognize the schools and their athletic programs and help promote spirit in the school,” said Sgt First Class Russ Kazama.
L-R: Sgt 1st Class Russ Kazama, Kingsley Ah You from Digital Sports Hawaii, Sgt Henry Pilanka, & Sgt Louis Donato

Other
schools will be recognized throughout the year and each will receive
the same amount of $950.00.  Financially speaking, high school
athletic departments in the private and public sector face enourmous
burdens to maintain their programs. 
 

	The State Department of Education has reduced the athletic budgets over the years.  The old saying “do more with less” has much relevance for athletic directors.  As an example, for public high schools, the budget for transportation allocated for the entire year is used up by the first semester.  Athletic directors then have to fund raise for the remainder of the year for bus transportatin for the spring sports such as track and field, baseball and judo.
National Guard with Athletic Directors for Mckinley, Neal Takamori (far left), and Farrington, Harold Tanaka (middle).

 
The
gift from the Hawaii Army National Guard is appreciated and sorely
needed.  The Guard is also a proud sponsor of Digital Sports
Hawaii, making them a true supporter of Hawaii high school sports!