By Barry Villamil, President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge is extremely proud to have honored Major Joshua Darby, (USMC) from Pearl City Elementary School on Friday, November 8, 2024, with a Rotary Club of Pearlridge Poni Pu’uwai – Purple Heart Certificate Award that recognizes those, “for your committed support and service to our Great local & Military Communities of Aiea and Pearl City.” The award presentation took place during the Rotary Club of Pearlridge lunch meeting held at the Pearl City Shopping Center conference room.
Major Darby is well deserved of the Poni Pu’uwai – Purple Heart Certificate Award as the Chess Coach for the award-winning Hawaii State Chess Champions from Pearl City Elementary School. Major Darby has put his Heart and Soul into dedicating his time and skills while building his Chess Team students and competition spirit into leaders and true Champions that resonate with Pride, Honor, and Respect for one another, their school, family, and for those they touch and inspire in the community.
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge is also honored for the opportunity to support the Pearl City Elementary Hawaii State Champions through financial assistance that goes towards competition entry fees. The Pearl City Elementary Chess Team under the advisory direction of Major Darby, are building the foundation of their education base through the learning process while working together as a team to accomplish their goals and establishing a winning tradition at their school.
Major Darby will soon retire after twenty-four years of active duty service, and as an Iraq War Veteran in the United States Marine Corps. Major Darby will return to the mainland and will be missed by all. We will always stay connected through the Aloha Spirit of friendship and bond between the meaning of the Poni Pu’uwai – Purple Heart Award that celebrates our unity and support between our Local and Military communities.
Aloha Major Darby!
Service Above Self
Photos by Rick Lau and Barry Villamil
