Speakers

The Peace Corps is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, (source Peace Corps) with a mission to promote world peace and friendship. It achieves this by deploying American volunteers to work alongside communities in over 60 countries, focusing on areas such as education, health, community economic development, environment, and youth development. Volunteers commit to two years of service, during which they immerse themselves in local cultures, exchange knowledge, and contribute to sustainable development projects. 

For more information, visit Peace Corps.

About Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation

The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF), was founded by Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan during his year as the Rotary’s District Governor in Hawaii, 1976-1977. It was Sully’s desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates realize their potential by attending a college or university of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States. He felt that HRYF could be the vehicle to teach our young people about the advantages of the free enterprise system, the basis of our democracy.

The foundation was incorporated in the State of Hawaii as a non-profit on September 3, 1976, with “Sully” as its president until July 1, 1986, when he assumed the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Since then, six others have served as President. Included in this number are three Past District Governors.

The activities of the Foundation are guided by the Charter of Incorporation and a set of by-laws. A membership meeting is convened in the second quarter of each calendar year with club representatives, officers and trustees in attendance.

The first Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation scholarship was granted in 1977 and since then through March 18, 2018, HRYF has awarded 1750 scholarships with a total value of $6,488,313. In memory of “Sully”, who passed away on February 28, 1998, HRYF established a Maurice J. Sullivan Scholar Award. Each year, one outstanding student will receive this scholarship grant in the amount of $10,000. In 2008, HRYF also established the Joanna Lau Sullivan Scholar Award. This $10,000 award is given to an outstanding student attending a 4-year college or university in Hawaii.