Sunrise Rotarians Honor Heroes For ‘Selfless Help’ Every Day

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Rotarian Joseph Rothstein (back, in aloha shirt) with the club’s Everyday Heroes (from left) Michael Chong Gum, Mike Nakada, Kelly Lopes, Sebastian Sheldon and Brittnie Cornell. Photo from Lisa Halvorson.

Recognition is not sought by everyday heroes, but if Kahala Sunrise Rotary Club hears about it, watch out.

The club recently honored its first Everyday Community Heroes during a breakfast at Kahala Nui for five who have distinguished themselves by “selflessly helping others every day.”

The honorees are:

* Brittnie Cornell, case manager for Community Empowerment Services in Honolulu, who serves mentally ill homeless people

* Police Lt. Mike Nakada, a 23-year HPD veteran assigned to Central Complaints Detail in the Narcotics/Vice Division, handles drug complaints from Makapuu through Kalihi

* Firefighter Sebastian Sheldon of the Pawaa station, a 15-year HFD veteran

* Kelly Lopes, a special needs teacher at Liholiho Elementary School.

* Michael Chong Gum, a U.S. Army Reservist and 2007 Kaimuki graduate.

“There are so many people in our community who go about serving others as part of their everyday jobs and never seek any recognition, but we wanted to take the time to salute their unsung efforts and tell them how much they are appreciated,” said club president Gloria King.

Community members nominated those whose good works they’ve observed at their jobs, day in and day out.