I still remember walking through campus that summer. The air was filled with laughter, footsteps, and a sense that something special was happening. Summer at Iolani isn’t just about heat and long days—it’s about people, dedication, and moments that quietly shape the community.
Honoring Leaders with Heart
In May, HAIS invited us to Waialae Country Club to honor school leaders. Dr. Val T. Iwashita ’67, Dr. Lily Driskill, and Jane Heimerdinger received awards for decades of service. Seeing them at the podium, I noticed how their humility matched their accomplishments. Leadership, I thought, isn’t always loud—it’s steady, generous, and often unseen.
Saying Goodbye, Leaving a Legacy
Retirement ceremonies always tug at the heart. Mary Jo Segawa, who spent 40 years teaching first and second grade, left a legacy of creativity through her summer program Bearable Experiences. Sandi Fo (22 years) and Jeffrey Moses (40 years) retired as well, along with Johanna Guth, Annette Matsumoto, Karin Swanson, Brigitte Visser, and former Headmaster Tom Miller. Walking past their classrooms, I imagined the countless lessons, laughs, and small discoveries they shared over decades.
Heroism in the Everyday
Some events leave you in awe. On May 4, Shannon Yonamine, Director of Health Services, R.N., saved a teacher’s life during cardiac arrest using an AED. It was a reminder that dedication isn’t only about curriculum—it’s about watching out for each other, being present, and stepping up when it counts.
Fresh Leadership, Continuing Traditions
Change brings new energy. Ann Yoneshige, Interim Dean of Upper School, brings 38 years of experience to guide students with wisdom and care. Michelle Hastings continued leading after-school and Lower School summer programs, and Erik Yamamoto ’99 prepared for the Upper School summer program of 2013. The balance of new faces and familiar mentors kept the school humming with life.
A Small Discovery
Walking away from those events, I realized that the true heartbeat of Iolani isn’t just its buildings or programs—it’s its people. Retirements, awards, lifesaving moments, and new appointments are more than milestones—they are threads in a tapestry of care, mentorship, and community. Summer at Iolani, I thought, is a season of connection as much as it is of sun.