LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Vince Marfil was nominated by his colleague, Kumu Pieper.

LifeChangers are all around us. They don’t wear capes or have super human powers like comic book heroes, but when they see the need, they spring into action and use their talents to make things better.

Stationed at the front entrance to Nanakuli High and Intermediate School is Uncle Vince Marfil, a true pioneer for the word aloha. A simple, but elegant man, he boasts the most vintage aloha shirts and the biggest smile.

"I'm really not sure what his title is because he seems to do all things necessary for a smooth day," said Pieper. "As we all face new challenges, such as COVID-19, it's clear we need additional smiles and 'aloha(s)' to get through the day. Through small acts of kindness and grand acts of courage, Uncle Vince leverages his creativity to imagine a better reality for us all."

For years, Uncle Vince's smile was the first thing students and staff saw when they arrived at school. What a wonderful feeling to be greeted with a hand wave and a verbal “aloha."

"At the beginning of this school year, I saw him stationed at the front office handling guests, parents, students, deliveries, etc," said Pieper. "He wasn't making greetings in the morning or waves from a distance. To prevent further spread, teachers were not allowed in the office to make a simple Xerox. As I approached the front office to sign in, his face mask blocked the entire energy and exchange of aloha. I was sad. I realized how important his smile and his presence had upon the entire school and anyone that entered the campus."

As days and weeks went on, Uncle Vince still showcased his aloha shirts daily and even tried to match his face mask with his ensemble. His desk piled with paperwork, mail, boxes, and even student kits that teachers made for students. He still offered an aloha under the mask, but it wasn’t enough to feel the vibrations of aloha on a daily basis.

"A few weeks ago, I saw that he wasn't wearing a mask. My whole demeanor changed," said Pieper. "I walked faster to the office and my shoulders even stood proud as I said 'Aloha, Uncle Vince.' He no longer was wearing a mask, but a plastic face shield! I saw his smile and realized that even the smallest of things, like a smile, had made such a big impact on our entire staff and community. The office staff were smiling, administrators were smiling, and even the custodians were smiling! It doesn’t take much to raise your vibration level and light and shine it onto others."

"On Halloween, he delivered a box to me, wearing his new face shield and his Halloween costume," said Pieper. "You see, Uncle Vince is always down for a smile and laugh. Although he is not a teacher, he participates In everything! He dresses for spirit week, always attends home games, and chaperones many school events such as: Great Aloha Run, The Nutcracker field trip, Songfest, May Day, Graduation, and the Japanese Exchange Event. He is a true Nanakuli Hawk fan! He is a dedicated alumni who uses his spirit of aloha to engage and support our students, faculty, and community."

Uncle Vince never complains or grumbles about anything. He truly is a living example of the word aloha. He lives, breathes and practices it daily. Through his aloha, students can and will become examples to their family, and to the greater community and world. Aloha is not just “hello and goodbye," or "love." It's a way of life. Uncle Vince definitely exudes the characteristics.

• A - Ahonui (patience)
• L - Lokahi (unity)
• O - 'Olu'olu (kind)
• H - Ho'oha'aha'a (humble)
• A - Akahai (modest)

"Uncle Vince believes everything is energy. Aloha is energy," said Pieper. "His frequency always vibrates aloha. When we choose aloha we create more aloha. Aloha lives in Nanakuli!"