Celebrating Educators at the Waimea Lions Club New Teacher Luncheon

                     

The Waimea Lions Club recently hosted its annual New Teacher Luncheon at the charming FORC restaurant, a local gem that embodies our Waimea community's warmth and aloha spirit. This event is one of the highlights of our club's calendar, bringing together educators and Lions Club members to celebrate and welcome new teachers to the Waimea School District.

The luncheon allowed attendees to connect over a delicious meal while sharing stories, ideas, and inspirations. A special event highlight was honoring Aubrey Ewaliko, a recent recipient of our Vision Project. Aubrey’s inspiring story reminds us how impactful access to technology can be in connecting individuals with their loved ones and providing a means to navigate everyday challenges. Her gratitude and determination touched everyone in the room, showcasing the profound ways in which community support can transform lives.

We were honored to have Marielle Hampton, from the University of Hawaiʻi’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR), as our guest speaker. Marielle shared insights from her innovative and hands-on program, “Grinds From The Garden.”

This four-week, ʻohana-based after-school program empowered participants to connect with the land by focusing on two key aspects:

1. Plant Propagation: Learning the art of growing and nurturing plants, emphasizing the importance of sustainable gardening practices.
2. Meal Preparation: Utilizing crops from the garden to create nutritious meals, with recipes participants could take home to share with their families.

Marielle highlighted the transformative impact of engaging families in garden-to-table practices, fostering stronger bonds, and promoting health and sustainability within our community.

As we welcomed new teachers into the community, this luncheon was a wonderful reminder of the power of collaboration and the shared goal of nurturing the next generation. The Waimea Lions Club is proud to support educators and initiatives that enhance the lives of our students and families.

Here’s to a bright school year ahead filled with learning, growth, and community connection! 🌺