"The Apple Tree Scholarship Fund"

As you can see from the recent photos on the blog, my mom loved everything Hawaiian as it reminded her of her childhood, and a culture she appreciated and adored. In addition to loving all things Hawaiian, her very first passion since she was a little girl has been teaching!

She taught for over 30 years, and impacted so many students' lives during that time. My mom was always excited to share what she had with fellow teachers, and she loved creating educational games, activities, and programs that encouraged children to develop a love for learning. She was involved in several organizations that supported education, and it was her passion for children and her joy for teaching, that led to an idea that would support her mission for many years to come. My dad was a teacher, a principal, a coach, a school board member, and more. He too so deeply appreciated education that I wanted to start a scholarship fund in both of their names.

Today I opened an account at Wells Fargo Bank called:

"The Apple Tree Scholarship Fund in memory of Harry and Lorraine Johnson."

I look forward to developing this scholarship and it's mission in the coming weeks and months. Tom and I would like to award several scholarships yearly that would support students pursuing a degree in education, as well as to support existing teachers in underprivileged areas. I know this cause would have meant much to my parents, and I hope it will be a way to give back to the community my parents loved, and to support education in a tangible way that will honor each of their memories.

Contributions can be brought to any Wells Fargo Bank, or checks can be made out to "The Apple Tree Scholarship Fund". I will deposit all funds and see to it that you are kept up to date on how the scholarships are distributed.

Thank you for remembering my mom in your prayers, your comments, e-mails, and phone calls. Our family has felt loved and supported during this difficult time, and I have felt such hope and gratitude today. Thank you!