Naalehu, Hi. – Last year elementary school student Aliyah found a $10.00 bill in Union 76 Wiki-Wiki Mart; it was on the floor in front of the sales counter. Knowing somebody lost money she shared her story with Peter, her bus driver, who turned it over to the store’s lost and found. Since nobody claimed it we had to find Aliyah during school break.

A Facebook post looking for Aliyah was initiated. YAY, we found Aliyah! “Liking” the story other people donated to Aliyah to reward her for her integrity and honesty, including a California Judge who has been on the bench for 27 years. Aliyah was presented with the $10 bill plus $161.00.”Honesty Pays”.

In today’s society it seems people are losing their honesty and integrity; our children are seeing horrific news on TV and portable social media devices.  Children are seeing too much about presidential candidates accused of lying or cheating. What kinds of impression are we leaving for our children who will lead our communities and country’s future.  We all can help by encouraging and promoting honesty and integrity… let’s make a country of honest children.

Thank you to Aliyah’s parents Pastor Troy and Heather Gacayan; we were pleasantly surprised that Aliyah’s parents are the senior pastor at River of Life Church in Pahala. Peter Serfin, Bus Driver, works for the Volcano School of Arts and Science; Peter is the former Editor of Orchid Isle Magazine, he enjoys helping children.

Together we can train children in the way to go.

by Carl Okuyama