RI President's Representative Johrita Solari assisted IPDG Nancy Cabral in presenting 3 special Rotary International Awards. The Service Above Self Award is RI's highest individual honor, given to no more than 150 Rotarians worldwide each year for exceptional humanitarian service. The Service Above Self award.is awarded to Honolulu Sunset Rotarian Arjun Aryal. Arjun led eight Global Grant projects across five Areas of Focus (Education, WASH, Disease Prevention, Environment, and Economic Development) in Malawi, the Philippines, and Nepal, making significant contributions to the success of many other grants.
The Excellence in Service to Humanity award is for non-Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service consistent with Rotary's ideals. Congratulations to Dr. Lorenzo Abala, an emergency physician at Straub Medical Center for being recognized for his extraordinary commitment to saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems across the Pacific. An emergency and wilderness medicine physician, he has brought critical medical training, compassion, and expertise to remote and underserved communities from Alaska to Samoa and throughout the Pacific Rim. Lorenzo was instrumental in formalizing our Global Grant project in Micronesia.
The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service is awarded by the Trustees to someone who demonstrated outstanding active service to The Rotary Foundation for more than one year. Financial contributions to The Rotary Foundation, however notable, are not considered for this award. Ala Moana Rotarian Rich Courson receives this award for his service on Foundation committees at the club and district. He has served as District PolioPlus Chair and has given many presentation on the Polio eradication efforts.
