Walking through the halls of memory, it’s humbling to think of the generations of Iolani alumni whose stories shaped our school yet whose current whereabouts have become unknown. From the earliest classes of the 1920s to the graduates of the early 2000s, each name carries a legacy—of friendships, of classrooms, of moments that, once lived, now linger only in memory.
Classes of 1920–1940
We remember pioneers like Mr. Harry S. Ikeda ’20, and the many others who carried Iolani’s spirit into the world: Mr. Choon S. Kim ’26, Mr. George K. Tanaka ’26, Mr. Saburo Higa ’27, Mr. Harry Asachika ’29, The Rev. Shuichi Takahashi ’30, and Mr. Paul K.T. Chun ’32.
This era also includes distinguished alumni such as MAJ Burrowes G. Stevens, Jr. ’38, Dr. Arthur C.D. Chun-Hoon ’39, and a remarkable cohort from 1940: LTC Anthony S.C. Chong, Mr. David H. Corey, Mr. Edward Jenkins, and Mr. Irwin Wolter, among many others.
Classes of 1941–1950
The 1940s brought forth names like Mr. John S. Clark ’41, Mr. William S. Lawton, Jr. ’41, Mr. Haruo Takei ’41, and Mr. Albert B. Wong ’41. They were joined by leaders and professionals such as Mr. Vernon T.K. Chung ’42, Mr. Phillip H. Stevens ’42, and Dr. George Y.H. Liu ’48. The decade closes with The Rev. Thomas B. Lingayo ’50 and Dr. Larry M. Shimoda ’50, figures whose contributions extend far beyond our campus.
Classes of 1951–1960
Alumni of the 1950s carried Iolani values into careers across medicine, business, and public service. Among them: Dr. Charles S. Imai ’51, Mr. George Y. Leung ’51, Dr. Thomas S. Taba ’51, and Mr. Edward Kuramoto ’54. Their classmates include pioneers like Dr. Gordon M.C. Pang ’56 and Dr. Alvin H. Young ’56, and the industrious 1957–1960 graduates such as Mr. Philip J.S. Young ’60 and Mr. Will K. Prestridge ’60.
Classes of 1961–1970
The 1960s saw alumni like Mr. Wayne H. Amioka ’61, Mr. Bailey K. Young, Jr. ’62, and Mr. George M. Naito ’63 stepping into leadership roles in the community. Creative and determined, the class of 1965, including Mr. Roger C. Adams, Mr. Paul Y.T. Chun, and Mr. Peter B. Thibadeau, left enduring marks on Iolani’s legacy.
Classes of 1971–1980
From Reuben J.K. Chong ’71 to Ricardo M. DeJesus ’80, these alumni embody Iolani’s growth through the 1970s. Names like Mr. David L. Vick ’71, Dr. Myles K. Kawamura ’72, Mr. Mark M. Uyehara ’74, and Mr. Gilbert S.W. Wong ’76 remind us of the vibrant energy and drive that defined this era. Their accomplishments, whether in local communities or far-flung corners of the world, continue to inspire.
Classes of 1981–1990
The 1980s brought an even broader tapestry of talent: Mr. Matthew D. Anzai ’81, Dr. Alexander K. Chen ’82, Ms. Elizabeth Atofau ’83, and Ms. Judy M. Adkins ’84 represent just a few of the faces who carried Iolani’s mission forward. From scholars to athletes, artists to professionals, this cohort exemplifies creativity, leadership, and service.
Classes of 1991–2009
Entering the modern era, alumni like Ms. Anne M. Chaffin ’91, Mr. Larry L. Fontanilla, Jr. ’91, Ms. Emi Aiko ’92, and Mr. Ha Thieu Do ’93 exemplify Iolani’s enduring influence. The 2000s graduates—Ms. Rachel A. Cain ’00, Mr. Cameron T. Yamashita ’00, Ms. Kylie A. Abe ’02, and Mr. Christopher S. Moon ’03—carry the torch forward into a world of technology, innovation, and global citizenship.
Each of these names is more than a record; they are threads in the rich tapestry of Iolani’s history. While some have moved far from our eyes, they remain forever part of our collective story. We continue the search for lost alumni, not merely to update records, but to reconnect with the human stories behind each name.