Russell Kinningham is an assistant professor and counselor for the health sciences program at Kapiʻolani Community College. He also is the scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 325 for his son, Ryan, who was recognized last year for his Eagle Scout project involving planting more than 100 ʻohiʻa trees at Kapiʻolani CC and other locations.
Civic-minded, Kinningham’s commitment to leadership reflects his readiness and willingness to help others. Kapiʻolani CC has provided the venue for many of the troop’s activities.
When COVID-19 threatened the health and safety of healthcare practitioners, 60 scouts from Troop 325 and 25 parents and friends serving as sewers were organized into teams to make face masks. Their goal was to make 1,200 face masks with inserted filters for added protection. This project included material measurers and cutters, filter cutters, nose clip shapers and tapers, pin pleaters, sewers and boxers (those who boxed and delivered the masks according to a prescribed schedule).
These masks were delivered to Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center, Pali Momi Medical Center and Queen’s Medical Center. The work was performed during 3–5 p.m., after work and school activities.
Kinningham is proud of the scouts in Troop 325. He said, “The love and commitment of the project is definitely about reaching out to serve others, in this case our dedicated health professionals, and showing that we care about what is happening in our communities and in the world.”
—By Louise Yamamoto
