In April, the Hawaii State House of Representatives recognized the 10 Outstanding Young Filipinos of 2011: Cheryl Agcaoili, Ria Baldevia, Desirea Aguinaldo-Helsham, Radiant Cordero, Kristian Lei, Zhoydell Magaoay, Yvonne Midkiff, Margaret Pascual, Gabriel Torno and Rouel Velasco.
Rouel Velasco of Kapolei (pictured at right with me) is an operations coordinator for the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Student Life and Development Office, where he advises and trains student leaders who are elected to serve their peers. He has dedicated his life to serving others through various organizations: as a youth representative for the National Federation of Filipino American Associations Region XII since 2005; as a deacon, exhorter, praise and worship member, and children’s ministry teacher at Amazing Grace Ministries; and as 2011-2012 president of the Sariling Gawa Youth Council.
Mr. Velasco is self-sacrificing and sincere, and says that his greatest sense of honor comes from seeing the results of his work with young people and inspiring them to make a difference in their community.
Rep. Sharon Har serves Kapolei, Makakilo, Royal Kunia and Kalaeloa. She can be reached at 586-8500 or via email at rephar@capitol.hawaii.gov.
