Jon Brito of Kualapuu, Molokai, was selected as one of the White House’s Championsof Change.
Brito was one of two youth leaders recognized March 18 in an awards ceremony at the White House.
Champions of Change recognition is given to people and organizations that foster "the next generation of conservation stewards and outdoor enthusiasts by inspiring young adults to play, learn, serve and work outdoors," according to a press release.
Brito served three AmeriCorps terms, from 2008 to 2013, with nonprofit Kupu’s Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps — serving as a team member, team leader and a yearlong intern — engaging youth and community members on Molokai in environmental community service andindigenous cultural practices.
"We are extremely proud of Jon and what this accomplishment represents for Hawaii as a whole," said John Leong, executive director of Kupu, which provides environmental and sustainability-related internships and opportunities to young adults and communities statewide. "Jon is an example of what is possible for our youth when provided with programs like Kupu’s to unlock their potential and benefit the community and environment throughout our state."
Currently, Brito is a fellow in Kupu’s RISE Program, where he develops methods to make agribusinesses more energy efficient. He is also completing the Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology Program at the University of Hawaii’s Maui campus.
» The 2014 Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year are Alex Fergus and Vina Diep.
Both mentors are recognized for making a positive impact on the lives of their Little Brother and Little Sister.
Fergus, of Fergus & Co., has helped his "mentee" get better grades and overcome personal challenges, and paid for a tutor.
Diep, a University of Hawaii student, has been a mentor for more than two years through weekly sessions at Aliiolani Elementary School. Her support has led to remarkable improvement in her mentee’s academic abilities, social skills and confidence.
» Mason Aquino of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Central Clubhouse, and Alexis Brodie, of the Army Garrison, Schofield Barracks Bennett Youth Center, were named Hawaii’s Youth of the Year and Military Youth of the Year winners, respectively. The Hawaii Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs gave the awards at the 2014 State Youth of the Year event March 27 at the state Capitol.
» Brittany Amano, a junior at ‘Iolani School, has been awarded the Running Start Emerging Young Leader Award.
She was one of only five national finalists for the award, and was recognized for starting two nonprofit organizations and raising more than $596,000 for causes important to her and her community. The award was recently presented in Washington, D.C.
"Brittany has created significant positive change before she even has a high school diploma in hand," said U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "I enjoyed meeting with Brittany and sharing my appreciation for her proactive efforts to be of service to others. Brittany is a perfect example that you are never too young to raise your hand to serve and have an impact. She is absolutely deserving of the Emerging Young Leader Award, and is a great representative of the kind of talent and leadership Hawaii offers. I expect great things from Brittany in her very bright future."
