Nanakuli student heads to competition
By Anna Weaver
Advertiser Staff Writer
Nanakuli High senior Kapali Tulafale will represent Hawai'i at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Regional Youth of the Year competition this week.
The 17-year-old Wai'anae resident and nine other students from states in the Pacific region traveled to Garden Grove, Calif., for a weekend of fun, including a trip to Disneyland, and participation in tomorrow's competition. Contestants will be interviewed by a panel of judges and then make a three-minute speech on "What the Boys and Girls Clubs really mean to me."
"He's turned into a mature young man who speaks well and gets along with people of all ages," said Ann Bowen, special events coordinator for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hawai'i, said of Tulafale.
Tulafale won a $1,000 scholarship as the Hawai'i state winner. Requirements for the award were writing the speech, composing nine essays on topics such as life goals and community service and getting three letters of recommendation.
In his speech, Tulafale spoke about his 10 years as a member of the Wai'anae clubhouse. "(The club) is more than a positive place," he said. "It's a place of comfort and fun, and a loving environment where the kids can come and learn about preparing for the future. Without the extraordinary inspiration of the Boys and Girls Club, I don't know where I'd be today."
After his parents divorced, Tulafale took on the responsibility of taking care of his five younger brothers. He now volunteers every afternoon at the Wai'anae clubhouse. He tutors youngsters in "Power Hour" and is a peer mentor in the "SMART Moves" program.
"I just like working with the kids," he said. "You feel the love, and it's exciting to go each day."
Tulafale says his love for kids influenced his decision to become a pediatrician. He participates in student council, band and volleyball at Nanakuli High and is in the Boys and Girls Clubs' Leaders in Training program.
If Tulafale wins the Pacific Regional Youth of the Year Award he will receive a $5,000 scholarship and go on to the national competition in Washington where he would have the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship.
Reach Anna Weaver at aweaver@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2455.
