Rotarian Vincent Chiravalle presents a Distinguished Student of Service certificate to LAHS junior Tevita Funaki, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Los Alamos as his father Aki Funaki shares the moment with LAHS teacher Tacarra Lake, May 20, at the United Church of Los Alamos. Photo by Alison Pannell.

BY VINCENT CHIRAVALLE
Rotary Club of Los Alamos

The motto of Rotary is Service above Self. To support this motto in each academic year, the Rotary Club of Los Alamos honors “Distinguished Students of Service” in their junior year of high school. Students are first nominated by their teachers who are asked to select those who:

 Have given positive contributions to their high school and/or in the community;
 Have a good attitude toward learning;
 Are good citizens, are respectful of their peers and teachers; and
 Have good grades, attendance and classroom participation.

The Club then selects students based on demonstrated spirit of service and exemplification of the Rotary 4 Way Test:

 Is it the truth?
 Is it fair to all concerned?
 Will it build good will and better friendships?
 Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

On May 20 the Rotary Club of Los Alamos presented Tevita Funaki, a Los Alamos High School junior with a Distinguished Student of Service award. Tevita is indeed one who has made service part of his life and he is a very well-rounded student. Tevita is a member of the Hilltalkers Speech and Debate team where he is the Director of Membership and has contributed to the team by earning 1st-place rankings in multiple tournaments and winning two state championships. Tevita received awards of distinction from the New Mexico Speech and Debate Association and the National Speech and Debate Association. Tevita is also the student liaison for the LAPS school board and in this position he attends school board meetings and meets with administrators to discuss issues impacting students. Tevita participated in the Youth Leadership Diplomacy Program’s 2024 Student Exchange, involving 10 New Mexico high school students over the course of 6 months. Students in this program met with ambassadors and diplomats, and made a cultural exchange visit to Cuba. Tevita represented Los Alamos High School at the 2024 Lorenzo Zavala Youth Legislative Session, where he was elected governor by the delegation of over 250 students.

In addition to this impressive list of accomplishments Tevita has volunteered for numerous service activities both at school and in the community. Tevita was a member of the Rotary Interact Club for 2 years, where he helped raise funds for a refugee relief organization through multiple bake sales.

He also served as a speech tournament judge, and took part in various service initiatives with his church youth group such as facilitating clothing donations, as well as working as a volunteer at immigrant support centers in southern New Mexico.

In his essay Tevita described to the Club how his generation is stepping into a world that often feels fractured and divided. Tevita explained how sacrifice and service can help bridge differences and bring people together as follows, “Change is built on the backs of those who are willing to sacrifice. The best type of service comes not from a paycheck but from the hunger for a better life. That same hunger –to help, to heal, to unite—is what drives me to serve. I’ve worked with organizations that support immigrants awaiting trial, offering small but meaningful help during what is often the most uncertain time in their lives. I’ve helped lead local food and clothing donation efforts, knowing that something as simple as a warm coat or a full pantry can bring dignity and relief. Each act, no matter how small, has shown me how service can bring people together. I’ve witnessed how compassion cuts through differences whether they’re political, ethical, or financial, and reminds us of our shared humanity. When you look someone in the eyes and offer your time, your care, your presence, it means something. Service over self isn’t about being a hero. It’s about being human. It’s choosing to care, again and again, even when it is hard. That is the kind of change I want to be a part of, not loud or flashy, but honest,
compassionate, and lasting.”

The Rotary Club of Los Alamos feels that this is a very worthy effort and commends Tevita for his service to the youth in Los Alamos.

When receiving the award Tevita was joined by his father Aki Funaki and LAHS teacher Tacarra Lake, who nominated him for the award. Rotarian Vincent Chiravalle conducted the award ceremony