Honsador Lumber hosts High School Heroes and Backpack for Kids programs

Sep 12, 2024 at 3:30 PM

Empowering the Next Generation: Honsador Lumber's Commitment to Community

Honsador Lumber, a longstanding pillar of Hawaii's construction industry, is making waves with its unwavering dedication to supporting the local community. Through two innovative programs, High School Heroes and Backpack for Kids, the company is not only investing in the future of the islands' youth but also inspiring a ripple effect of positive change.

Unlocking the Potential of Hawaii's Future Leaders

Cultivating Community-Minded High School Heroes

Honsador Lumber's High School Heroes program is a shining example of the company's commitment to nurturing the next generation of community leaders. By awarding five students a $1,500 scholarship each term, along with a $250 donation to a non-profit of their choice, Honsador is empowering local students who have demonstrated a passion for giving back to their communities. Whether through mentoring, tutoring, or volunteering, these exceptional individuals are making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers and their communities.The program's impact has been nothing short of remarkable. In just three years, the number of students taking on substantial projects to better their communities has nearly doubled, as word of the program's transformative power has spread. "In the first wave of the program, we reached out to schools to tell them about the opportunity and school counsellors nominated their students," remarked Dawna Williams of Honsador Lumber's Marketing Department. "Now, we're seeing students nominate other kids or parents nominate their kids."The program's crowning achievement is the annual $5,000 scholarship awarded to one statewide recipient. The 2024 winner, Carter Bozich, exemplifies the spirit of the High School Heroes program. Not only did he maintain an excellent GPA, but he also participated in his school's swim and golf clubs, and volunteered during the devastating Maui wildfires, providing emotional support and essential supplies to those in need. Bozich's commitment to his community and his academic excellence make him a true role model for his peers.Another 2024 High School Heroes winner, Brennan Yamaguchi, took his community engagement to the next level. Recognizing the importance of epilepsy and seizure awareness, he worked tirelessly with the local government to enact an ordinance that required such awareness in swimming pools and sports centers. Alongside his advocacy work, Yamaguchi was also a varsity baseball player and an active member of youth groups in his community.

Ensuring All Students Have the Tools to Succeed

Honsador Lumber's commitment to the community extends beyond its High School Heroes program. The company's Island branches also support the Backpack for Kids initiative, ensuring that all children have the supplies they need to thrive in their educational pursuits.In August 2022, Honsador Lumber distributed 500 fully loaded backpacks to schools across the state, providing families struggling with the cost of returning to school with the essential tools for success. This program has continued to grow, and in 2024, the team donated an impressive 1,500 backpacks filled with pencils, crayons, notebooks, and other essential supplies, reaching children across the islands.

A Legacy of Community-Focused Initiatives

Honsador Lumber's unwavering commitment to the community is deeply rooted in its history. From the very beginning, the company has been a driving force in Hawaii's construction industry, but its impact extends far beyond its commercial ventures. Through its philanthropic initiatives, Honsador Lumber has consistently demonstrated its dedication to empowering the next generation and fostering a brighter future for the islands.The High School Heroes and Backpack for Kids programs are just the latest examples of Honsador Lumber's community-focused approach. By investing in the education and well-being of Hawaii's youth, the company is not only making a tangible difference in the lives of individual students but also laying the foundation for a more vibrant and resilient community.As Honsador Lumber continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to the community remains steadfast. The company's legacy of supporting local initiatives and empowering the next generation of leaders serves as an inspiration to businesses and individuals alike, showcasing the transformative power of corporate social responsibility.