I’ve always admired people who lead not just with skill, but with humility. Mark Yamakawa ’74 is one of those rare leaders whose story is as inspiring as his accomplishments. Coming Full Circle: From Student to Board Member Mark didn’t join ‘Iolani until the ninth grade. “The new school environment was a life-changing event,” he…
Derrick Low ’04: Lessons Beyond the Court
I’ve always been drawn to people who combine talent with humility. Watching Derrick Low ’04, I realized how rare that combination is. From Raider to Global Player Derrick’s basketball journey started at ‘Iolani, where he became a four-time All-State Player and three-time All-State Player of the Year. I imagine the gyms filled with energy whenever…
Faculty and Staff File: New Faces Dedicated to Serving School
This year, I had the chance to meet some new members of our school community. Each one brought not just skills and experience, but stories that made me pause and reflect. Their journeys reminded me why education is never just about facts—it’s about people, passion, and small everyday discoveries. Michelle Hastings: A Global Educator When…
Dr. Calvin Oishi ’79: Silent and Effective
The first thing you notice in Dr. Calvin Oishi’s office isn’t the medical equipment. It’s the walls. Jerseys, team photos, faces of athletes frozen mid-play. It feels like you’ve stepped into both a doctor’s clinic and a shrine to sports. And maybe that’s fitting—because Calvin’s story has always been about the meeting point of discipline,…
The Role of Reflection in Academic Writing
I still remember sitting at my desk during my first semester in college, staring at a blank page and feeling both excited and overwhelmed. How do you take all this knowledge, these ideas floating around in your head, and turn them into something meaningful on paper? That’s when I stumbled upon the power of reflection—not…
The Big Helper: How Dr. Cottrell Shapes Learning and Community
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein I remember the first time I heard about Dr. Timothy Cottrell joining ‘Iolani. It was a balmy summer morning, and the campus buzzed with anticipation—new faces, new ideas, and a fresh sense of possibility. But behind the calm Hawaiian…
Expert Tips on How I Write Discussion Questions (With 20 Ideas That Never Fail)
I still remember the first time I had to lead a classroom discussion in college. My palms were sweaty, my voice shaky, and I kept glancing down at my notes, afraid of losing my train of thought. But what I really struggled with wasn’t public speaking—it was coming up with the right questions. I didn’t…
School in Focus: Moments That Inspire
Last December, I found myself sitting in the early-morning quiet of our classroom, coffee in hand, as a group of ‘Iolani students gathered at 5:45 a.m. to connect with a school in the Djabal Camp in Chad. Through a live video chat, they were about to speak directly with Darfuri refugees—students like themselves, yet facing…
Dr. Carey Inouye: Guiding into the Future
I’ve always admired people who dedicate their lives to shaping others, and Dr. Carey “Doc” Inouye ’66 is exactly that kind of person. Having walked the halls of ‘Iolani as a student, teacher, coach, and now as Dean of Instruction, Doc’s impact on our community is profound and enduring. When I first met him on…
Remembering Eddie Hamada: The Silver Fox
I’ve always believed that some people leave footprints so deep, you can feel them long after they’re gone. Eddie Hamada ’46 was one of those people. I first learned of him not through headlines or awards, but through stories from teammates, students, and colleagues who still carry his lessons in their hearts. Eddie wasn’t just…