Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 5, 1 May 1989 — National Society Honors Kupuna Jenkins [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

National Society Honors Kupuna Jenkins

Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins, OHA's Kupuna Alaka'i has been chosen the 1989 honoree of the Nahonal Society of Arts and Letters, Honolulu Chapter. Selected in recognition of her outstanding work in the Hawaiian community Jenkins was presented at a formal black tie dinner at the Kahala Hilton Hotel on May 8. Eaeh year, one honoree is selected. Last year the honor was afforded Dr. George Kanahele. The Nahonal Society of Arts and Letters is a non-profit organization of men and women engaged professionally in the arts, or who are actively sponsoring the work of young artists. Founded in 1944, there are 35 chapters and 1700 members throughout the United States. Membership is by invitation. The purpose of N.S.A.L. is to encourage and financially assist talented young artists at the beginning of their careers. In accordance with these aims, annual competitions are held on the loeal and national level in the categories of music, dance, drama, literature and the visual arts. Over the years honorees of note have included Mary Kawena Pukui, Rev. Keala, Flora Hayes, Rev. Abraham Akaka, Johanna Cluney, Henry Kekahuna, Herbert Shipman, Martha Hohu, Ida Naone, Bina Mossman, EmmaSharpe,Pilahi Paki, Charles K. L. Davis, Mary Lou Kekuewa, Herb Kane, Maddie Lam, A1 Kealoha Perry, Dorothy Kahananui, Abrigal Kekaulike Kawanaanakoa, Mary K. Robinson, Beatrice Krauss and Kathleen

Mellen. Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins is a retiree from the Department of Education with a career in the education arena of Ohio, California, Hawai'i, Guam and Micronesia. For the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Jenkins, assigned to the Education Division is an alaka'i to the Kupuna Team whieh includes Maile Vargo and Ulu Garmon. Her OHA duties keep her busy with cultural transmission lectures in both the public and private sector.

Betty Jenkins