Posted on: Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Salutes

Advertiser Staff

'First lady' of theater honored

Jo Pruden of Honolulu, a longtime volunteer in community theaters, has been honored by the American Association of Community Theatre.

The Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award is presented to people older than 65 who have served community theater on a unpaid basis for more than 25 years.

Pruden has enriched the lives of others with her volunteer efforts for more than 36 years.

"Jo is considered by many to be the first lady of theater in Hawai'i," said AACT president John Sullivan.

She has been honored with nine Po'okela Awards for acting excellence. She has also been an assistant director, stage manager, set designer and properties mistress.

Japan consul gives awards

The Consul General of Japan awarded Foreign Minister's Commendations to Hawai'i individuals and organizations.

Individuals honored were Jean Ariyoshi, Yasokichi Konishiki, Katsugo Miho, Lynn Nakasone and Kazuko Sinoto.

Organizations receiving awards were Chado Urasenke Hawaii Association, Committee to Save the Center, Ehime-Maru Memorial Association, Hawaii United Okinawa Association and Mo'ili'ili Community Center.

Seven students win scholarships

Seven University of Hawai'i Community College students have been selected as 2004-2005 recipients of the Honda Scholarship for International Study. Kapi'olani Community College recipients are: Dawn Baxter, awarded a language study session in Spain; Bobby Sohns, language study in Paris; Jesse Soldat, study in Japan; Raena Tong, study in Japan; and Yufei Zhou, study in Shanghai.

Also, Hiwalani Brown of Hawai'i Community College, received a Chinese cultural study session in Beijing; and Kathleen Engeln, of Maui Community College, will study for a year in Japan.

DBEDT official recognized

Joan Esposo of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, received the President's Award at the seventh annual conference of the Hawaii Geographic Information Coordinating Council.

Other awards included: Chairperson's Award, Goro Sulijoadikusumo, state Highways Planning Branch; Best Poster, Justin Pummell, "Typhoon Sudal — Facilitating Recovery Through Inter-Agency Support & Cooperation," U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Palapala 'Aina Award, City & County of Honolulu, Honolulu Land Information System.

UHH clerk's work applauded

Irene Sakamoto, a personnel clerk in Human Resources and Administrative Affairs, has been named Employee of the Quarter at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo.

Sakamoto has been employed in the UH system since 1991.

Co-workers who nominated Sakamoto praised her efficiency and diplomacy.