Pago Pago Club Awarded Top Marks for Service

August 20, 2024 – The Rotary Club of Pago Pago has again received honors from Rotary International; acknowledging the club's accompishments during the 2023-2024 Rotary Year.

The club received the Rotary Citation from Rotary International 2023-2024 President Gordon R. McInally. The award is presented annually to clubs who successfully complete a variety of tasks and milestones meant to encourage service projects and growth of the club.

“Congratulations! (This is) the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve. This past year, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future.,” said McInally in a written message to RCPP's Immediate Past President Cherith Soliai.

The award certificate reads, “Awarded to the Rotary Club of Pago Pago for helping Rotary create hope in the world!” and is signed by McInally.

RCPP Past President (2002-2003 & 2011) Billy Young congratulated his fellow Rotarians noting that the club has won the Rotary Citation three years in a row.

"Before this 3-peat, the only time I'm aware the club has received a Rotary Citation (formerly the Presidential Citation) was during Dean Hudson's time (1998-1999). In the old days it was looked at as no big deal but in my opinion it is a great achievement and should be celebrated! Well done!" - Billy Young

Billy Young in high-level talks with fellow Rotarians Rob Hardman & Tom Drabble.

Rotary Club of Pago Pago is one of only three clubs in District 9920 to receive the Rotary Citation for 2023-2024; sharing the honor with Rotary Auckland Airport Area and Rotary Manukau City Sunrise.

News of the accolade sparked a wave of reminiscing amongst the club members as they talked about how the club has grown over the decades.

RCPP Past President (1994-1995) Joe Weilenman recalled, "Looking back 30 years at the Rotary Club of Pago Pago, things have changed a lot including the addition of Rotaract Clubs (thanks to Tiara Drabble). There are more members, more projects and great dedication.

While back then the club was also active, members were committed, worked hard and had fun, but money was raised only for specific projects. Donations were made and projects were completed. The concept was to only have funds for each project. But, over the years funds started being raised for larger, unanticipated and/or emergency projects.

The first idea that pushed this concept along was Bill Maxey and others' idea of bringing in live Christmas trees (to American Samoa). So when new members wonder why some still fine Bill Maxey it is in recognition of his contribution as well as his sometimes, OK always, cantankerous behavior."

RCPP Past President High Chief Taulapapa Will Sword (2005-2006) added, "Joe and Bill were also the pioneers of establishing the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in American Samoa. This program focuses on boating safety for the public. It was supported as an add-on to the Angel Ring project and theme. Save lives. These were community projects that, although not officially a Rotary endeavor, were pushed by Rotarians in the spirit of community service. Just another piece of our unique history." 

Will Sword and Joe Weilenman ruminate at one of Rotary's many social dinners.

RCPP Past President (1984-1985 & 1993-1994) Peter Crispin also expressed pride in the club's latest achievement. "Well done Cherith and all members! It takes a team to get things done and like any organization, the work of a dedicated few reflects on the whole.

Times have changed but over the years Rotary has had many things to celebrate:

• Building more than one playground

• The start of the Polio Plus where the Pago Pago Rotary Club raised the most funds in the district

• Organizing and conducting Special Olympics and sending competitors off island to compete

• The Handicamp program, sending disabled children to a summer camp in NZ (that one brings back a few memories)

• Bake sales (which the authorities have strangled with clearances, etc.)

• carnivals, bed races and the list goes on and on.

The club has even hosted the Rotary International President twice and held the district mini-conference here."

Joe Weilenman & Peter Crispin share a laugh during an evening social meeting.

Joe Weilenman chimed in again with another memory. "We also organized an island-wide relief drive for the victims of the 2004 Southeast Asia Tsunami which raised an amount equal to $3 for every man, woman and child in American Samoa. The funds were contributed to the "Save the Children" fund."

January 2005 Southeast Asia Tsunami Relief Fundraiser Radiothon at 93KHJ studio. (L-R) Bernard Scanlan, Harry Miller, Robert Saaga, Rotarian Jim Mahoney, future-Rotarian Joey Cummings & Rotarian John Summers (File photo courtesy of South Seas Broadcasting)

More information on the Rotary Citation award (which is now renamed the Club Excellence Award) is available on the Rotary International site.