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 unimaginable challenges. It was part of the Camp Darfur learning service project, which these thoughtful students had organized last year to raise awareness and aid for refugees. I couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as I watched them share stories, smiles, and a sense of global connection across thousands of miles.
With the help of our teacher Kimi Yasunaga-Frith ’92 and i-ACT, the students have been uploading pictures and videos each month, giving their “sister school” in Chad a weekly window into life at ‘Iolani. From bake sales to fundraisers, these young leaders are not just learning about service—they are living it.
Celebrating Creativity and Achievement
I’ve always been amazed by the creative energy at ‘Iolani. In February, our students’ work shone at the Hawai‘i Regional Scholastic Art Awards, displayed at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum. From Gold Key awards in 3D, 2D, and photography categories to entries for national recognition, these young artists are pushing boundaries with every brushstroke, photograph, and digital design. Watching them receive their awards, I thought: creativity isn’t just talent—it’s persistence, curiosity, and courage.
And it doesn’t stop with art. Our math teams dominated the competition, led by perfect scorers like Dustin Shigaki ’11 and Michael Mow ’13. The thrill of victory and teamwork in the math meets reminded me that excellence is often quiet, measured in preparation, late nights of problem-solving, and mutual support. Similarly, our speechers and debaters demonstrated focus, resilience, and eloquence, qualifying for state-level competitions. Seeing their determination made me reflect on how small daily efforts compound into extraordinary results.
Heroes, Mentors, and Inspiration
One of the most unforgettable moments this year was introducing Lower School students to the legacy of Ellison S. Onizuka through the visit of NASA Astronaut Daniel Tani. As Tani demonstrated floating in zero gravity and shared images from space, the children’s eyes widened with awe. I caught myself smiling at the same wonder I felt as a student, realizing how moments like these ignite lifelong curiosity. Ellison’s message—“Make your life count and the world will be a better place because you tried”—resonated with every student, a reminder that ambition paired with service creates impact.
We also celebrated students like Chanelle Huang ’14 and David Pang ’15, winners of the Write for Peace contest, and welcomed alumni such as Ray Wong ’49 to share their experiences and wisdom. The college counseling panel brought stories of transition and growth, further reminding us that learning doesn’t end at graduation—it’s a lifelong journey.
Reflecting on all these experiences, I realize what makes ‘Iolani so special is this shared spirit of curiosity, service, and dedication. Every project, award, debate, and visit is a thread in the tapestry of our school life, and being part of it is both a privilege and a joy.
Thanks for reading—this blog is my notebook, and you’re welcome to browse the margins.