Rotaract Club of Pago Pago Changeover 2023

August 18th, 2023 - The Rotaract Club of Pago Pago held it's annual changeover dinner at Sadie's by the Sea's Rotary Club room on Friday. The club held a fun 90's Hip Hop-themed party featuring colorful bandanas, gold chains and lively music. In attendance were club members old and new along with family and friends from the Rotary Club of Pago Pago.

90's Hip Hop was the theme of the night!

Rotaract Club of Pago Pago new Board of Directors for 2023-2024 is:

• President - Lui Lefiti

• Vice President - Albert Taua

• Secretary - Pua Tofaeono

• Treasurer - Rhane Malae

• Service Chair - Sabrina Mahuka

• Membership Chair - Mary Cheung-Fuk

• Fundraising Chair - Tiara Drabble

• Social Chair - Lottie Haleck

• Immediate Past President - Leilua Watson

• Sergeant-at-Arms - Tessa Bridges

Incoming President Lui Lefiti's speech epitomized servant leadership. He said, "I never saw myself standing up here receiving this position. It was brought up that the president's spot is open for anyone who would like it. At first, my response was 'No, thank you. I'll just chill and I'll support from behind. Keep it Gangsta and just relax.' But I thought about it and I went home and thought about it some more. And then I thought, 'What if this is a door that the Lord opened for me? Who am I to close it?.' So I told myself, 'Lord, I'll put my name in.' And of course, I'm standing here, so you see what happens."

Lefiti continued, "It reminds me of one of my favorite verses. It's Isaiah 6:8. 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Who shall I send? Who will go for us? And I said, Here I am, send me.' I feel that's a strong verse (that explains) why I love Rotaract. When people need help, who's going to do it? You can't keep trying to look for other people; depending on other people to do it. Sometimes you've just got to get up and do it."

Rotary Club of Pago Pago President (Queen) Cherith Soliai spoke to the assembly, as well, giving Rotaract the full support of its neighboring clubs. "A single act of kindness can make a real positive impact in the lives of others; whether it is for one person or a whole community. Our local Rotarians and the whole of District 9920 continues to commend all Rotaractors for your acts of service."

Soliai went on to review Rotary's seven areas of focus while highlighting the importance of mental health. "It starts from within our clubs before we go out in the community. We need to expand this culture of care in Rotary and Rotaract. We should share our good and bad times, watch out for one another, and remove the stigma of caring for mental health. We need to create an environment where we can freely ask each other, 'How are you?' And 'How are you, really?' Together we can find projects that raises awareness on mental health needs as well as improving access to mental health services."

Rotaract Club of Pago Pago has a number of major community service projects already underway including the installation of children's playground adjacent to the Pala Lagoon Swimming Center. For more information, contact the club online here.