This Issue
Winter 2012 - Department | Alumni Association News
News from the ‘Iolani Alumni Association
As we talk about the importance of physical education and its contribution towards developing the whole child at ‘Iolani, I am reminded about the importance of discovering and maintaining balance within our own lives even as adults. It is important to balance the different aspects of our lives—children, partners, family, friends, work, hobbies, volunteer and other activities, and time for ourselves. It is easy to focus our energy on one or two aspects of our lives, but at some point we often find ourselves missing or wishing that we had spent time enjoying the other parts as well.
One of the things I appreciate about the ‘Iolani Alumni Association is the opportunity to enjoy many different aspects of my life. It has allowed me to volunteer at incredible community service and alumni events, to enjoy time with my family and/or friends at alumni functions, to meet amazing people who have become wonderful friends and to spend time on myself by doing something I really love for a school and people that mean a lot to me.
There are many people who have told us that they hesitated in attending an event, but ended up having a fantastic time and enjoyed seeing people they had not seen in years!
I know how busy our schedules can get, but I encourage you to come to at least one alumni event a year—perhaps an event that will allow you to enjoy a part of your life that you often do not get a chance to focus on. Whether it be enjoying a free summer concert with your family, wining and dining at A Touch of ‘Iolani with your partner, laughing with your friends at the golf tournament, embracing the amazing feeling of volunteering at an ICAN event, or, if you are like me, enjoying time for yourself by serving on the Association’s Board—there are so many alumni events that touch upon one or more aspects of your life, so choose one, try it, and enjoy! There are many people who have told us that they hesitated in attending an event, but ended up having a fantastic time and enjoyed seeing people they had not seen in years! So this year, remember, at least one alumni event!!!And, talking about alumni events, I want to especially thank board members such as Norman Cheng ’95, Sherri Iha ’84, Noli Kazama ’94, Paul Kennedy ’86, Sara Murakami ’85, John Pang ’73 and Clifton Yasutomi ’00 and other committee members, who worked hard to make our Mahalo Dinner, Sake 101, Halloween Bowling Party, Pau Hana at Uncle Bo’s and Homecoming events and activities a huge success!!!
As I re-evaluate my life and how to balance its important aspects at the beginning of this new year, I am thankful to have ‘Iolani, the Alumni Association and its Board of Directors as a part of it. Where else could I experience such a wide range of extraordinary moments—from the incredible sensation of being surrounded by the powerful spirit of the seniors at the Burning of the “I” to being surrounded by amazing, supportive and inspirational people? I said it at this time last year, and I will say it again this year, “‘Iolani No Ka Oi.”
Adrienne Shimonishi Elkind ’90