Owl Line - Mid-Pacific Institute

Owl Line
Mid-Pacific institute/VoluMe 40 • issue 3 • suMMer 2012
Mid-Pacific Wins Second Consecutive State Softball Title
Office of the President
Dear Mid-Pacific Institute Family and Friends:
In 1996 when I
arrived, we
I am writing to let you know that I have decided to retire struggled to have
a thousand stufrom Mid-Pacific Institute at the end of the 2012-2013
school year, which is my 17th year here and my 42nd in dents in grades
7-12. Today, after
education. It has been a privilege for me to serve what
the addition of a
was once known as "that quiet little school in Manoa."
As you might imagine, it is both poignant and agonizing middle school,
to consider leaving a school with the educational vision elementary
school, and preand direction now present and a community so wonschool, our enderfully unique and special with its blend of aloha and
'ohana. There is nowhere else on earth but Hawaii where rollment is at an
all-time high
these two concepts come together to change one's life.
with waiting lists
They have for me. Because of this, I am sad about leavof families who
ing Hawaii, Mid-Pacific Institute, and all of you.
feel confident in
our achievements and in the vision that guides us. Our
There is never a perfect time to leave a place you love,
program offerings are extensive and exceptional and
but thanks to the vision and guidance of our trustees,
the leadership of our administrative staff, and the daily have led to standards that are admired throughout the
exemplary efforts of our faculty and staff, I know we rest country. The skills, knowledge, and abilities of our
faculty and staff are notable. Our students are filled with
on a solid foundation and one which supports a very
curiosity, energy, and spirit. They want to make a
bright future. I am honored to have worked with all of
you and I am appreciative of the trust you placed in me. difference in the world!
Today, I am filled with admiration for what we have created and accomplished: a school that has developed, implemented, and expanded programs expressly designed
to meet the unique needs, talents, and gifts of our students. I know that if Mid-Pacific Institute were presented in a painting done by our students, parents,
faculty and staff, it would be filled with joyful pictures of
children actively creating knowledge and meaning, vibrant colors representing the diversity of our 'ohana,
and the depth and breadth of our
efforts to get better and be better
at preparing those entrusted into
our care. With Mid-Pacific's leadership efforts in incorporating
technology into its curriculum,
this painting can, and will effortlessly adapt and evolve, as we
keep pace with the ever-evolving
educational scene.
2
My wife Florence and I have enjoyed our years here.
Everyone ~ trustees, alumni, parents, students, faculty,
staff, and friends ~ contributed to making our time and
experiences at Mid-Pacific Institute the most meaningful in our professional and personal lives. Thank you for
the opportunity of a lifetime!
Joe C. Rice
President
Table of Contents
6 Sports
12 Commencement
14 Alumni News
MISSION Mid-Pacific Institute—a preschool through high school, collegepreparatory community founded on Christian values—nurtures and challenges
students to develop intellectual, emotional, artistic, spiritual and physical strengths
to become compassionate and responsible lifelong learners and global citizens.
VISION Mid-Pacific Institute will prepare students to make a difference in the
world by embracing change with creativity, collaboration, critical thought, and
global awareness, guided by moral and ethical values.
Mid-Pacific Institute is a nondiscriminatory employment and educational institution.
MID-PACIFIC INSTITUTE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kenneth R. Kupchak, Esq.
Chair
Walter M. Ozawa ’63
Vice Chair
Gaylord H. Wilcox
Treasurer
Dickson C.H. Lee, Esq. ’64
Secretary
Norman T. S. Chong ’55
Assistant Treasurer
Denis K. Isono
Assistant Secretary
James S. Kometani ’57
Past Chair
Mohsen M. Agsen
Frank C. Atherton
James R. Bell
Rev. Dr. Charles Buck
George P. Buck
Melvyn Y.K. Choy
Robert I. Crowell
Sidney Hamada ’59
Sandra T. Hartley
Kenneth J. Kobatake ’65
Susanne M. Millard
Keith K. Ogata
Gary T. Okamoto
Diane T. Ono, Esq.
Maile Romanowski
Steven J. Teruya ’70
Michael B. Wood
Albert M.Yamada
ADMINISTRATION
Joe C. Rice
President and CEO
Kristy Tong
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Patrick Garvey, Jr.
Chief Financial Officer
Edna Hussey
Elementary School Principal
Dr. Dwayne Priester
Middle School Principal
Thomas E. McManus
High School Principal
Scot Allen
Director of Communications
Scott Siegfried
Director of Admissions
Ella Browning
Associate Director of Admissions
Kerry Wheeler
Director of Alumni Relations
Ka‘ili O’Connell
Director of Development
James Honke ’58
President, Alumni Association
Tom Riley
Chair, Board of Counselors
Denise Yuh
President, Parent-Community Association
The Owl Line is published by Mid-Pacific Institute and circulated free of charge to more than 13,500 alumni, parents and friends of the school. Please send address changes,
news and class notes to the Owl Line, 2445 Ka‘ala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822-2299, (808) 973-5052, FAX (808) 973-6134, alumni@midpac.edu
3
MPI welcomes Thomas E. McManus as new High School Principal
Mid-Pacific Institute has announced that Thomas E.McManus has arrived on campus to lead the 840-student high school.McManus was the
Head of the Upper School at St.Paul's School in Brooklandville,MD.McManus will be accompanied by his wife,Micheline--also an educator--and
currently Head of the English Department at the Friends School of Baltimore.They have three children,ages 13,10,and 5.
"I am honored and pleased to join the Mid-Pacific Institute community as
the High School Principal," McManus said."Mid-Pacific Institute is a dynamic and forward-looking school with deep roots and a tradition of caring,student-centered education.Micheline and I were overwhelmed by the
welcome we received during our visit and excited by the possibilities MidPacific holds for our entire family."
McManus earned his B.A in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
He earned his M.Ed.in Private School Leadership from Columbia University,Teachers College,New York,NY.He has more than 18 years of progressive leadership,teaching,advising and counseling experience.
MPI proudly features the state's first International Baccalaureate Diploma
Program as well as the state's only pre-professional high school arts training program,Mid-Pacific Institute School of the Arts (MPSA).
"Mr.McManus comes to MPI with the talent and experience to lead the school forward with a very collaborative style," said MPI
President Joe C.Rice."He is an experienced leader of an International Baccalaureate World School in Maryland,as well as a professional improvisational actor and director.I know that everyone will be as pleased,as our selection team is,that Thomas McManus is
joining our 'ohana."
High School Curriculum Celebration
As MPI is moving in the direction of more
student-centered and project-based learning, students are
definitely more engaged in the classroom and excited
about learning.
This was evidenced by the High School Curriculum Celebration last quarter. High school students were full
of energy as many shared the excellent work they have
done in their classes. All departments were represented
showcasing student work. Amid the soothing sound of our
chamber music quintet performing live, the Hartley Complex was buzzing with excitement as students showcased
their work.
“What is so effective about student centered learning is that students take ownership in their learning as they
create products. The projects give relevance to the class assignments. As students are engaged more, they learn more
4
Hubert Schiegel ’14
effectively. In addition, when students know that they have
to articulate what they have learned to an audience, they
grasp a deeper conceptual understanding of the subject
matter,” said Dr. Gareth Russell, Assistant Principal.
Congratulations to MPI Math Bowl Team
Congratulations to the MPI Math Bowl Team of Sasha Han (12th), Daron Lee (12th)
and Ryne Yamada (11th) and alternates Ryley Higa (11th), Bolin Ji (11th) and Gavin
Nishizawa (11th) for attaining second place at the 2012 State Mathematics Championships on Saturday, May 5.
MPI finished the regular competition tied for first, and then submitted the correct
answer in the sudden death tie-breaker round a split second too late. This achievement ties MPI's best ever Math Bowl finish in Division AA (large school division)
and is an accomplishment to celebrate!
Congratulations to 11th grader
Bolin Ji for attaining the highest
score in the state of Hawaii on
the 2012 American Math Competition-12 exam. Bolin
achieved a score of 102 which
ranks him in the top three percent of the nation.
Shannon Paʻaʻina set for gold
Shannon Pa'a'aina '14 earned a gold medal
from the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers 2012 National Scholastic Art and Writing
Awards. She is noted as one of the most talented students in the country, representing
the top one percent of student artists.
Photography teacher Lindsay Foster said she
was very excited for Shannon, as well as the
MPI photography program. "It is a very enPhoto by Shannon Pa'a'aina '14
couraging sign that students in the program
are making relevant work and being recognized for this excellence. Having an audience for imagery is a crucial component, in that it actualizes the
medium's power to communicate and connect with others. Shannon’s photo was part of a series of images focused on her family. Present throughout the work is a strong sense of Hawaiian culture."
The winning photograph was created in Foster's Introduction to Photography class, where students explore their
creative voices through photographic expression. Foster said she encourages the students to develop a consistent
vision; to create a series of images that communicate with a singular artistic voice.
5
Mid-Pacific Institute first in prestigious HMSA Kaimana Awards
Mid-Pacific Institute was honored as the school that best fostered a climate that encourages athletic excellence,
academic achievement and community service, by taking home first prize in the annual "Kaimana Awards," a partnership between HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association) and the HHSAA (Hawaii High School Athletic Association). The MPI Athletic
Program experienced tremendous success in the 2011-12—arguably the best year for athletics in school history!
The year’s highlights include:
• Girls Varsity Soccer – Division 2 ILH & HHSAA Champions
• Softball – Division 1 ILH & HHSAA Champions
• Girls Swimming & Diving – HHSAA Runner-up
• Baseball – ILH Champions
• Boys Tennis – Division 2 ILH Champions
• Sailing – Division 2 ILH Champions
• Joshua Terao, Wrestling & Judo – ILH & HHSAA Champion
• Kristen Chin, Air Riflery – ILH Individual Champion & Player of the Year
• Shannon Pa’a’aina, Wrestling – HHSAA Champion
• Skyla Alcon, Tennis – ILH Individual Champion & Player of the Year (first in school history)
• Keiki Carlos, Softball – Gatorade Player of the Year & HHSAA Hall of Honor
• Travis Garcia-Perreira, Baseball – Gatorade Player of the Year
• Summer Harrison, Swimming – HHSAA Individual Champion (100 yard freestyle)
The above-mentioned accolades paired with numerous others (e.g. ILH All-Stars, State Qualifiers, All-State Team members,
Coach of the Year Awards, new school records) brought unprecedented attention to Mid-Pacific Institute.
"It feels great being recognized as the winner of the 2012 Kaimana Award. We came in second in the past two school years, so
it shows that our program is on the rise," said Athletic Director Jo Ito.“The criteria for winning the Kaimana Award are aligned
with the philosophy of our program. In addition to measuring our program’s success by winning championships, breaking records
and receiving trophies and medals, we also stress the importance of focusing on academics, teaching strong moral values and giving back to the community. Winning the award recognizes the hard work our coaches and the athletic department staff put into
the program on a day-to-day basis.”
Carlos inducted into 2012 Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association Hall of Honor
Congratulations to Keiki Carlos '12, who was inducted into The 2012 Hawai‘i High
School Athletic Association Hall of Honor. She was one of 12 student-athletes selected by a 16person committee of current and former sports reporters, athletic directors and coaches from
around the state after two days of meetings. Carlos is the first MPI athlete to be inducted in
more than a decade. Kris Cuaresma-Primm, a track & field standout, was honored in 1999.
Robby Robinson ’93 was honored for baseball. Donny Ma’a ’84 was honored for football,
basketball and track & field.
“When she's on the mound we have confidence in her and trust that she will get the
job done,” said Lindsey Matoi, sophomore shortstop.
The criteria is based mainly on athletic achievement but character, sportsmanship, academic record and community service also are taken into consideration. She received a
$2,000 scholarship courtesy of Enterprise Rent-A-Car and was honored at the HHSAA
Awards Banquet in June. The HHSAA Hall of Honor, formerly known as the Nissan Hall of
Honor, has been recognizing the top 12 Hawai‘i senior student-athletes each year since 1983.
“Keiki Carlos is to MPI softball what Derek Tatsuno was to UH baseball,” said Coach
Willie Quinn.
6
2012 State Softball Champions; Back-to-Back Championships
Congratulations to the Lady Owls on their 4-1 victory over
Campbell High School.Thank you to the team,coaches and
trainers for an outstanding season! "Congratulations to Coach
Willie Quinn and his coaching staff for a job well done and to the
girls who represented the school so brilliantly throughout the entire tournament," said assistant coach Alan Inaba.
In the HHSAA Tournament,MPI faced two of the toughest
foes from the OIA and defeated them both by one-run margins.
The Lady Owls held off a scrappy Waianae team,5-4,and outlasted Kapolei,1-0.
In the finals,the Owls faced Campbell in a game that pitted
the past two state champions… as well as the top two seeds in
the tournament."Basically,it was the game the entire state had been anticipating," Inaba
said.
The game stayed close in the early innings as both teams scratched for a run and both
pitchers were nearly untouchable.In the bottom of the fifth inning,however,the Lady Owls
worked their magic. With one out,Jordan Joy had an infield single,and on the play an
error was made,moving her to second base. Kiley Oeda was able to move her to third base
with an infield groundout,putting the go-ahead run on third base. Karis Kochi,the best
ninth batter in the state,then had an outstanding at bat in which she worked the count full
and fouled off a tough pitch before eventually drawing a walk. Up came Kacy Aoki,who
came up big in last year's championship game with three hits and three RBIs. Sensing this
ability of Kacy to "clutch up," Campbell walked her on four straight pitches,loading the
bases for Ali'itasi (Tasi) Docktor. Tasi hit a screaming line drive to the gap in right center
field to drive in three runs to "seal the deal" for Mid-Pacific. All that was left was to watch
Keiki Carlos work her magic and marvel at the great defense that helped the team be so
successful throughout the entire season.Six outs later,the Lady Owls were the two-time
State Softball Champions!
Keiki Carlos Named 2011-12 Gatorade
Hawaii Softball Player of the Year
Keiki Carlos of Mid-Pacific Institute was named the 2011-12
Gatorade Hawaii Softball Player of theYear.Carlos is the first Gatorade
Softball Player of theYear to be chosen from Mid-Pacific Institute,and
became the first two-time state winner since the award became established in 1998.
The award,which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence,but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary
character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Carlos as
Hawaii's best high school softball player. She was a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award that was
announced in June,Carlos joins an elite alumni association of past state
award-winners in 12 sports.
“Keiki was easily one of the best softball players to come out of
Mid-Pacific and even though she got tons of recognition for her abilities,
she always managed to stay humble,”said Michele Miyamoto.assistant
coach.“I think that's what impressed me the most about her. Keiki was
always very quick to acknowledge the support that she got from her
teammates.”
The 5-foot-5 senior right-handed pitcher led the Owls (17-2) to
their second straight Division I state championship this past season.
Carlos posted a 17-2 record in the circle along with a 1.11 ERA
HHSAA ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Infield:
Lindsey Matoi ’14
Tasi Docktor ’12
Catcher:
Nicole Lopez ’15
Pitcher:
Keiki Carlos ’12
MostOutstandingPlayer Keiki Carlos ’12
STAR-ADVERTISER ALL-STATE TEAM
Pitcher of the Year: Keiki Carlos ’12
Coach of the Year: William Quinn
First Team
Pitcher
Keiki Carlos ’12
Catcher
Nicole Lopez ’15
Second Base
Kacy Aoki ’12
Third Base
Tasi Docktor ’12
Outfield
Karis Kochi ’12
Jordan Joy ’12
Second Team
Shortstop
Lindsey Matoi ’14
Honorable Mention
First Base
Kiley Oeda ’14
and 113 strikeouts
in 114 inningspitched. Also the
2010-11 Gatorade
Hawaii Softball
Player of the Year and a two-time Division I State Tournament Most
Valuable Player, she batted .592 with 26 RBI and a .667 on-base percentage in 2012.
Two-time winner Carlos has signed a National Letter of Intent to
play softball on an athletic scholarship at the University of Hawaii this
fall.
“Keiki is a great person and player in general,”said Nicole Lopez,
freshman catcher.“Not only is she smart,but she is a great softball player.
She has a great attitude and always has a smile on her face.Playing with
her and catching for her was a privilege. ”
Carlos, who was recently recognized as MPI's Athlete of the Year,
has maintained a 3.20 GPA in the classroom.A devoted parishioner in
her church community,she was a member of the Holomua Honor Society,the Spanish Club and the Interact Club.
"Keiki Carlos has become synonymous with Mid-Pacific Institute
softball," said Mid-Pacific Institute head coach Willie Quinn. "She is
calm and collected even when facing adversity and she always seems
to be able to find a way to get an out when the team needs it most."
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Travis Garcia-Perreira Named 2011-12 Gatorade Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year
The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN, announced Travis Garcia-Perreira of Mid-Pacific Institute as its
2011-12 Gatorade Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year. Garcia-Perreira is the sixth MPI baseball player to be so honored.
Past winners include Chris Garnett ’91, Robby Robinson ’93, Matt Inouye ’02,
Harrison Kuroda ’04 and Aaron Fujiki ’08.
The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Garcia-Perreira as
Hawaii's best high school baseball player. He is now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year award. Garcia-Perreira
will attend Arizona Western College this fall where he will play baseball.
The 6-foot, 180-pound senior left-handed pitcher, outfielder and
first baseman posted a 4-2 record on the mound along with a 1.74 ERA and
31 strikeouts in 40.33 innings this past season, leading the Owls (15-3) to the
Division 1 quarterfinals of the HHSAA State Baseball Tournament. The 2012
ILH Baseball Player of the Year, Garcia-Perreira also batted .490 with 17 RBIs
and a .647 slugging percentage. Garcia-Perreira, who was recently recognized
as MPI's 2012 Outstanding Male Athlete, has maintained a 3.02 GPA in the
classroom. He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and
as a youth baseball coach and elementary school motivational speaker. He
was also an MPI Alumni Scholar.
"Travis was such a consistent force for us all season long," said MidPacific Institute head coach Dunn Muramaru. "He played at such a high level
in all phases of the game and was the best hitter in our league."
Congratulations to:
Skyla Alcon '15 the first MPI tennis player to win the ILH
Championships as a freshman!
Joshua Terao '14 who captured his second straight HHSAA
Judo Individual (132-pound divsion) Championship. He is
also an MPI Alumni Scholar. "Congratulations to Josh and
his family," said MPI Athletic Director Jo Ito. "Winning two
consecutive state championships (in two different sports) as
a sophomore is an extraordinary feat. It is a pleasure to
watch Josh mature as an athlete and as a person. His ability
to perform when it counts is remarkable. He continues to be
an exemplary representative of Mid-Pacific Institute--we
are so proud of him."
Dunn Muramaru who celebrated his 25th year as the varsity
head coach (and 26th year coaching for MPI overall). Dunn
recently received certificates from the Senate and the House
of Representatives. The varsity baseball team won the ILH
championship this year.
Rachel Kincaid ’12 who was named to the U18 Kayak Team
for the 2012 Lake Placid Training Camp and Tour. This
camp is devoted to developing world class kayak athletes
and teams, as they plan for future national, world and
Olympic competition.
"Rachel's continued
commitment to kayaking is admirable," said
MPI Athletic Director Jo
Ito. "She is the only athlete from Hawaii who
qualified for the U18
Team USA. Her performance on the water is especially impressive knowing that she
is involved in various other areas and that is one of the
strongest students in her class."
This camp marks the third year she was invited. "It is a great
honor to be invited," she said. "It is a nice reward for all of
the hard work during the season."
After MPI, Rachel is planning for the 2013 World Championships, and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
8
2011-2012 MPI Athletic Awards
The 2011-2012 MPI Athletic Awards program was held on
Wednesday, May 30, in Bakken Auditorium.Approximately 400 athletes, coaches, parents and other friends of
MPI Athletics attended the event. Two-time Olympian
Shelley Oates-Wilding gave the keynote address.
MOST OUTSTANDING ATHLETE
President Joe C. Rice, Rachel Kincaid ’12, and
Travis Garcia-Perreira ’12.
Summer Harrison ’14 (not pictured).
The Most Outstanding Athlete Award is presented to the
Varsity boy or girl athlete, who in a sport, or in several
sports, has achieved outstanding athletic performance.
THE OWL AWARD - ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
President Joe C. Rice presents the award to Lindsey "Keiki" Carlos ’12.
Presented to the Varsity Senior boy or girl athlete, who has achieved
outstanding athletic performance; versatility and wide participation;
leadership and inspiration; and has given maximum effort and total
commitment to athletics.
GREEN & WHITE ATHLETE AWARD
Joshua Terao ’14, Dottie (Hamaikai) Crowell ’55,
Shannon Pa'a'aina ’14, and Skyla Alcon ’15.
The Green & White Award is presented to the underclass Varsity boy and girl athlete that is self-motivated
and displays outstanding hustle, effort, and attitude.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
Zachary Tom ’12 and Taylor Igarashi ’12.
The Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the senior
boy and girl, who combines scholastic excellence
with outstanding athletic ability and participation.
MOST INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE
Kaleikoa Kaleoaloha ’12, Dottie (Hamaikai) Crowell ’55,
Taylor Higa ’13 and Julie Khil ’13.
The Most Inspirational Athlete Award is presented to a Varsity boy and
girl athlete, who shows outstanding determination, inspiration, and
leadership ability.
Kaleikoa Kaleoaloha ’12 (Water Polo, Kayaking, Canoe Paddling &
Track) also received the Outstanding Achievement Award. This
award recognizes the exceptional achievement of earning letters in
four varsity sports in one school year
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The M(illion Dollar) Club
Running a successful athletic program at a large private school in
Hawaii is a challenging undertaking. It takes hard work,advanced
planning,discipline and support ...Lots of support.
For the past eight years,the MPI Athletic Program has been fortunate to have the support of Mid-Pacific Institute’s Booster Club,
also known as the M Club.
In addition to promoting athletic participation,connecting
alumni,and honoring tradition,the M Club also focuses on generating funds to supplement the athletic department budget.
Since 2004,the M Club has held eight successful gala events.
Each year,some of the most accomplished athletes,coaches,and
contributors to the MPI Athletic Program are honored with induction into MPI’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The M Club Gala includes a
gourmet dinner,a keynote speaker,and a silent auction.The result of
honoring these special members of the MPI community is the revenue generated by individual ticket sales,the silent auction and
sponsored tables. The bulk of more than ONE MILLION DOLLARS
has been raised through these events.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such a fantastic organization
which backs our athletic program,”said Athletic Director Jo Ito.“I am
so grateful to the current and past M Club board members and the
individuals who have helped with the gala and other projects in recent years. We have many alums,parents,and friends of MPI Athletics who have spent countless hours toward the goal of advancing our
program. Knowing that I can count on this support is so reassuring.”
In addition to hosting the gala,the M Club
offers parents,alums and fans the opportunity to become members. The annual
membership fee goes directly to supporting
the athletic program.
The M Club has helped fund many of
the athletic program’s most urgent needs.
“The list of dreams which have become a
reality thanks to the M Club is very long,”Jo
Ito said. “In addition to providing the funding for essential sportsspecific equipment,a sizeable contribution is made to the Miyawaki
Scholarship Fund each year. Thanks to the M Club,I rarely have to
turn down any requests. Every sport at MPI benefits from the funds
raised. Aside from immediate short term needs,we are also able to
realize sizable,long-term projects like the new gym floor.”
The M Club has also been instrumental in connecting members
of the MPI community. Each year,varsity teams can request the M
Club’s support to attract fans to its competitions. These events are always well-attended and a great opportunity for socializing.
The M Club has been a driving force in supporting the athletic
department’s mission to provide a formative and enjoyable experience for its participants. As a result, the school has been able to provide a top-notch practice and competition environment. “MPI
Athletics experienced tremendous success in recent years. We have
developed a reputation as an elite athletic program in Hawai’i.
The M Club and its supporters played a key role in this process,”
said Jo Ito.
SAVE THE DATE! This school year’s M Club Gala will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the Ko’olau
Ballrooms. Stay tuned for more information. The annual M Club membership meeting is set for 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 26, at the elementary school cafeteria.
M Club Honorees
2005Donald Botelho,Carlton Hanta '48.
20061944 MPI Baseball Team.
2007Norman Ching '58,Carlier Wheeler ’97 (hon.).
2008 Donny Ma'a '84; Serikaku Brothers ~ George
’53,Frank‘57,Tom ’60,Richard‘60,and Albert‘64
Serikaku.
M CLUB LIFETIME MEMBERS:
Colleen Chinen Ajifu '78 &
Michael Ajifu '76
Sherice Ajifu '05
Randall Brown
Ariel Fung Chun '60
Dorothy Hanamaika'i Crowell '55
Jill Andersen Cullinan
Judy Dang
James Fukuroda '85
Deborah Hinkle-Funakawa
William Gacutan
David Goto & Barbara Goto
Keiko Hayakawa
Garrett Hayashi '85
Mark Hinazumi '90
10
2009 Beverly Kong Kim '64,Stein Rafto '74.
2010 Dorothy Hanamaika'i Crowell '55,Lia Young
Hunt '90.
2011Harold Kometani ’36,Katsumi Kometani ’25,
Dunn Muramaru.
Merle Oshiro Hinazumi '61
George Hirai
Jean Sekiya Honda '46 &
Sadao Honda
Percy Ihara '78
State Infante
William Ireton
Chris Johnson
Karen Kawano Koles '63
James Kometani '57
Kenneth Kupchak
Ricky Kurihara
(Elite Security Systems)
Howard Lee
Donny Ma'a '84
Toru Manabe
Ka Mana'o McKague
2012Koike Family ~ Tsuneo Koike ’20 (deceased),
Leora Koike Tun ’50,Arthur Koike ’52 (deceased),
Will Koike ’53,Sylvia Koike ’55,Lyman Koike ’59,
Pierson Koike ’63,Mae Koike Iwamoto ’64,and Lynne
Koike Uchida ’66.
Alan Meier
Edison Miyawaki
Joe Moore & Teresa Moore
Douglas Mukai '54
Mark Nakagawa '88
Herbert Nakasone '60
Randy Obata
Raymond Ohta '62
Luis Omphroy
Gloria Fukuda Onishi '74
Michael Onofrietti &
Amy Onofrietti
Jim Donovan
Walter Ozawa '63
Stein Rafto '74 & Haven Rafto
Kenneth Rewick
David Sato '60
Eugene Saulibio
Frank Serikaku '57
Susan Shea
David H.Uchiyama
David Ueunten '72
Bill Villa
David Wakabayashi '55
Ken Wakazuru & Nancy Wakazuru
Carl Watanabe '64
Frank Watase '41
Gaylord Wilcox
Terry Wood
Robert Worrell,Sr.
Stanley Yamagata,Jr.'58
Aaron Yasui '73
Barbara Young
2012 Middle School Honors and Awards Assembly
Sixth Grade
English
Ashley Ouyang
Math
Reyn Nakagawa
Science
Gillian Schiffer
Social Studies
Liam Riley
Technology
Riley Graves-Lock
Physical Education
Kaitlyn Matsunaga
Visual Arts
Gabrielle Ho
Dance
Antonio Omphroy
Musical Theatre
Kalama Epstein
Theatre
Solomon Magee
Japanese
Nichloas Hasegawa
PCA
Chirstyn Okuno
Outstanding Grade Level Taryn Shimabukuro
Commitment to Excellence Jaren Saiki
Seventh Grade
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Study Skills
Technology
Physical Education
Visual Arts
Dance
Musical Theatre
Theatre
Band
Orchestra
MPTA
PCA
Outstanding Grade Level
Commitment to Excellent
Celia Oleshansky
Kerri-Ann Kamei
Kristi-Anne Yoshioka
Airica Hayasaka
Devin Eng
CoCo Paule
Jordan Ishida
Bridget O'Connor
Conner Chew
Kaimi Haas
Keoni Hall
Tyler Moon
Nicollette Kawata
Kerri-Ann Kamei
Sydney Tanaka
Caitlin Tanji
Kerri-Ann Kamei
Eighth Grade
English
Beobgwan Do
Math
Chase Wago
Science
Sydni Tokuyama
Social Studies
Sophie Collis
Technology
Huey Fields
Physical Education
Jarrett Taira
Visual Arts
Sachi Clark
Dance
Zoe Abrigo
Musical Theatre
Carson Morneau
Theatre
Shayna Chung
Band
Nicholas Tokuhama
Orchestra
Alvin Lai
Foreign Language French Kiana Arakawa-Taum
Foreign Language JapaneseLandon Navarro
Foreign Language Latin Hana Ra
Foreign Language Spanish Annie Schiffer
MPTA
Kiana Arakawa-Taum
PCA
Travis Moriki
Oustanding Grade Level Nicole Stacy
Commitment to Excellence Marshall Mamiya
PCA Award Winners—Bottom left: Sydney
Tanaka’17 with PCA President Denise Yuh;
Center: PCA Treasurer Judy Dang with
Travis Moriki ’16; Top right: Chirstyn Okuno ’18
with Denise Yuh.
Animation Finalists from Middle School
In its first year as a Middle School class, the Digital Media Design
class submitted two entries to compete in the Statewide Video
Competition known as the 'Olelo Youth Exchange. This year the
competition received a record 619 entries from 70 schools involving over 1,000 students from O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. Of the three finalists in the animation category,
two were represented by Mid-Pacific Institute: seventh grader
Coco Paule's animated PSA on littering, "Don't Litter," and eighth
grader Huey Fields' "Cyberbullying" animation competed for the
top-prize in the animation category.
Huey Fields ’15 , Teacher Kevin Tokuda
and Coco Paule ’17.
11
2012 Commencement Awards
Board of Trustees Award
Annette Lee
Daughter of Yoonjoo Lee
Boston University
Elizabeth Appleton Awards
Sheena Choy
Daughter of Darrell and Leona Choy
Pepperdine University
Keita Funakawa
Son of Atsushi and Debbie Funakawa
University of California – San Diego
Keri Ann Yatogo
Daughter of Nathan and Julie Yatogo
Macalester College
D. Ransom Sherretz Awards
Thomas Jay (TJ) Goodin
Son of Mark and Kelli Goodin
United States Air Force Academy
Taylor Igarashi
Daughter of Darrin and Karen Igarashi
Bentley University
Masaichi Imoto Legacy Scholarship Award
Jordan Matsumoto
Son of Craig Matsumoto ’81 and Belinda Matsumoto
Stepson of Karine France-Matsumoto ‘83
De Anza College
Brandon Hiroaki Kobayashi Scholarship
Summer Shigetani
Daughter of Padraic and Marilyn Shigetani
Loyola Marymount University
12
International Baccalaureate Diploma Class of 2012
Karen Chang - Chapman University
Sheena Choy - Pepperdine University
Brynna Cleland – American University
Christopher Copeland – George Washington University
Keita Funakawa - University of California,San Diego
Thomas Goodin - Air Force Academy
James Hamada - Pepperdine University
Jeremy Hedricks – Rochester Institute Technology
Taylor Igarashi - Bentley University
Micaelee Irons – University of Nebraska,Lincoln
Amanda Ishikawa - Cornell University
Rachel Kincaid – University of San Diego
Kyra Kuniyoshi - University of California,Santa Barbara
Daniel Lee – Grinnell College
Danielle Nobbe – Kalamazoo College
John Park – Johns Hopkins University
Matthew Reese – Colorado State University
Mathias Ross – University of Chicago
Claire Ruckert – Royal Conservatory of Scotland
Nicole Sato – Willamette University
Lana Shaindlin- Pepperdine University
Summer Shigetani – Loyola Marymount University
Jessica Sinchak – University of Hawaii,Manoa
Laurel Snow – University Mass Amherst
Alec Toshi – University of Hawaii,Manoa
Jasmine Tyson – University of Hawaii,Manoa
JB Clarke Velasco - University of Hawaii,Manoa
Dustin Vuong - University of Hawaii,Manoa
Jana Wieland - University Washington
Sara Yamashiro – University of San Diego
Keri Ann Yatogo – Macalester College
2012 High School Honors and Awards Winners
(class of 2012 unless noted)
Outstanding Technology Student, Keita Funakawa
Outstanding Science Student, Mathias Ross
Outstanding Social Studies Student, Aleksandr (Sasha) Han
Outstanding Language Arts Student, Ryley Higa ’13
Outstanding World Language Students
Asian: Kelsey Shomura
European: Jasmine Tyson
Outstanding Mathematics Student, Ryne Yamada
Outstanding ESL Student, Heike Kuhn ’13
Outstanding Freshman, Migi Lee ’15
Outstanding Sophomore, Brett Choy ’14
Outstanding Junior, Nicholas Kwon ’13
Harvard University Book Award, Mitchell Heidenreich ’13
Cornell University Book Award, Lauren Hirai ’13
Yale University Book Award, Shani Ma ’13
Miles Tanimoto Memorial Award, Keita Funakawa
Bausch and Lomb Science Award, Ryne Yamada
Dr. Sau Yee Chang Science Award, Amanda Ishikawa
Dorothy Chock Chang Scholarship Award, Keita Funakawa
Carol Santoki Dodd Award, Mathias Ross
Helena L. Lowe Mathematics Award, Daron Lee
MPSA Certificate Awards /Outstanding Arts Students
Dance – Brandon Hirose
Digital Media – Shane Holomalia
Music – Summer Shigetani
Musical Theatre – Bridget Thorp
Theatre – Stephanie Miki
Visual Arts – Sara Zolner
Yearbook – Samantha Burdick, Lauren Calliwag
Valerie Schmidt Service Award
Megan Tabata ’13, Caira Sato ’14, Aaron Kiyotoki ’15
Mid-Pacific Teacher's Association Award
Titus Failauga ’13, Caira Sato ’14
Hui Malama O Na Pueo Awards (PCA)
Skyler Tengan, Keila Ching ’13, Hubert Szczygiel ’14, Lamar
Carter ’15
Mary Root Holomua Scholarship Award
James Hamada, Bryce Yoshikawa
SGA Officers
Nicholas Kwon ’13, Alexe Navarro ’13,Keahilele Reyes ’13
Christian Park ’14, Hubert Szczygiel ’14, Megan Tabata ’13
Holomua Members
Class of 2012 (returning members) Lindsey (Keiki) Carlos,
Sheena Choy, TJ Goodin, James Hamada, William Heggeness,
Taylor Igarashi, Annette Lee, Daron Lee, John Park, Nicole
Sato, Summer Shigetani, Keri Ann Yatogo, Bryce Yoshikawa.
Class of 2012 (new members) Samantha Burdick, Michon
Fuchigami, Keita Funakawa, Amanda Ishikawa, Jordan Matsumoto, Zachary Tom, Jaimelenn Uemura.
Class of 2013 (new members) Brian (Kenneth) Artymiak, Kelsey
Baehrens, Jesi Bautista, Michael Bingham, Keila Ching,
Mitchell Heidenreich, Ryley Higa, Nicholas Kwon, Shani Ma,
Logan McFann, Alexe Navarro, Kau’imaeole Perreira, Haley
Sakamoto, Megan Tabata, Ryne Yamada.
National Honor Society Members
Class of 2012 (returning members) Karen Chang, Sheena Choy,
Keita Funakawa, James Hamada, Amanda Ishikawa, Annette
Lee, Nicole Sato, Summer Shigetani, Jaimelenn Uemura, Keri
Ann Yatogo.
Class of 2012 (new members) TJ Goodin, Taylor Igarashi, John
Park, Laurel Snow, Jasmine Tyson, Bryce Yoshikawa.
Class of 2013 (returning members) Kelsey Baehrens, Mitchell
Heidenreich, Megan Tabata
Class of 2013 (new members) Keila Ching, Madison Koch, Shani
Ma, Haley Sakamoto, Cori Yoshida.
Class of 2014 (new members) Tommy Lam, Caira Sato.
MPSA Certificate Seniors (level 2 and above)
Dance: Kelsey Ann Chung, Kiana Clemons, Erica Donlan, Michon Fuchigami, Brandon Hirose, Kaitlin Hunter, LaurieAnne Nilo, Ian Oyadomori, Shaina Rol, Shaumiya Suehiro,
Lexi Takanishi, Khloe Webster and Marina Young.
Dance/Hula: Cassie Freitas, Mari Yashiro
Music: Kathleen Chee, Marc Ito, Mathias Ross
Theatre Arts: Nadia Agsen, Nikolas Cuje, Alyssa Miho,
Stephanie Miki, Claire Ruckert, Bridget Thorp
Visual Arts: Kaitlin Bailie, Jarret Choy, Alyx Chung, Johanna
Green, John Hyland, Olivia Jeffs, Irfaan Kazi, Jessilyn Lizama,
Taylor Narimatsu, Tiffany Tanaka, Kristen Ushio, Austin Whitmore, Moona Whyte, Sara Zolner.
13
Alumni News
CLASS NOTES
We want to hear from you! Submit photos and info to Alumni
Director Kerry Wheeler at alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni
House, 2445 Kaala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Class of 1923
The late Fortunato Teho, Sr. ’23
(passed away in 1986), a household
name in Hawaii for many years
from his garden columns and
broadcasts, is the subject of a new
book – Fortunato Teho’s Hawaii Gardens – written by his granddaughter, Corinne Villa-Riese, and her
husband Ted Riese. The first part of
the book is a biography of Teho, a
Philippines native who came to
Hawaii as a boy and became the
first Filipino to graduate from the
University of Hawaii. In 1948, Teho
was the first Filipino in Hawaii to become a naturalized American citizen. A few years later, he began his career as a garden
writer and broadcaster, roles which made him well known and
much admired in Hawaii until his death in 1986. Teho’s book,
Plants of Hawaii – How to Grow Them, became a backyard bible
in Hawaii and sold over 50,000 copies during his lifetime. The
second part is a collection of Teho’s garden articles from Hawaiian newspapers.
Class of 1951
Submitted by the Class of 1951: On January 30, 2012, Irene Ishii
Bogawa, beloved wife of our classmate, Bobby, peacefully passed
away at home in Culver City, CA. We wish to extend our heartfelt
condolences to Bobby and their son, Robby. We will truly miss
Irene for she was always supportive of Bobby and our class.
Class of 1969
Submitted by Sandy Hom. In July, 2011, while on vacation visiting her son in Charlotte, N.C., Sandy Hom and her husband, Don
Johnson, had dinner with ’69 classmates, Brenna Hagiwara
Takata (from Virginia) and Tom Kudo. Then, Sandy drove 4
hours to visit another ’69 graduate, Pam Stokes Bass, in the Deep
South town of Nashville (near Raleigh) where Pam’s family has
lived for over 5 generations. Pam introduced Sandy to the tobacco fields and historical landmarks and, of course, the gastronomical highlights: pimento cheese sandwiches, southern fried
chicken, Brunswick Stew, corn sticks, and North Carolina barbeque! Did you know that North Carolina BBQ sauce is vinegarbased and South Carolina BBQ sauce is mustard-based? As Mr.
Farrien taught us at MPI: traveling is educational. Also in July,
Sandy retired after 38 years as an occupational therapist, most
recently in special education near her home in Corvallis, Oregon.
On her next visit to N.C.in May,2012,Sandy hopes to catch a firefly!
14
Pam (Stokes) Bass ’69
and Sandy Hom.
Pupu recipes from Pam (Stokes) Bass ’69
Nashville, North Carolina
Sausage Balls
3 c. Bisquick
1 lb. spicy sausage, uncooked
1 1/2 c. finely grated cheese
Knead the cheese and sausage together. Keep the mixture at room temperature to draw the oils out, then
add the Bisquick in at 1 1/2 c. at a time. Roll into 1”
balls. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes until golden
(continues cooking out of the oven). Pam’s note:
freezes well after baked.
Pennies from Heaven
1 c. grated sharp cheese, room temperature
1 c. Rice Krispies
1 c. flour
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1 stick margarine or butter
Mix all ingredients together. Make into marble size
balls. Place on an ungreased sheet and press with a
fork. Bake 400 degrees (top rack) for 5 minutes. Pam’s
note: Don’t burn ‘em.
Class of 1990
Laura Berger ’90 and her husband
Glen Tibaldeo, has been featured by
major TV, print and radio for their
recent release of their book Fall in
Love Again, Every Day: 3 Steps to
True Connection for Any Couple.
They bring their authentic experience to Fall in Love Again, Every Day, explaining a tried, true, and
swift communication technique that has been handed down
from generation to generation and yet remains a gem hidden
from the masses. Using this one practice, your partner and you
will be brilliantly surprised at the level of connection that can be
(Cont.)
Alumni News
created within 14 days. 50 questions are presented at the end of
this straightforward and short read to get you started. They are
inspirational speakers and co-authors of a second book
Aw, Chuck It!: A Big-City Couple’s Adventurous Move to the Jungle
to Follow a Dream. Their book (described as one couple’s Eat,
Pray Love meets The Hangover) details their move from a
charmed American life to the rainforest on a hilarious, heartfelt
journey of worldly struggles as they risked their identities and
their relationship. To connect with Laura on Facebook go to
http://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraSBerger
Class of 2005
Cherie Motobu ’05, earned her Pupil Personnel Services (PPS)
Credentials from the state of California in May 2012, which certified her as a school psychologist. She accepted a full-time position on the school psychology staff of the San Mateo-Foster City
(CA) school district for the 2012-13 school year. Cherie received a
B.S. in Psychology from Santa Clara University in 2009 and an
M.S. in School Psychology from San Francisco State University in
2011.
Class of 2008
Gabe Fernandez ’08 graduated from Yale University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gabe was also awarded the
Yale-China Fellowship and will spend the next two years in
China.
Donna, Bailey, John McWilliam ’80 and Michael visted
the Mid-Pacific campus over the summer.
The family resides in Keller, Texas.
CLASS REUNIONS
MPI classes are encouraged to share with us
news on their class reunions, birthday
celebrations, etc.! Photos are highly
encouraged. Submit your photos and
info to Alumni Director Kerry Wheeler at
alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni House, 2445
Kaala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Class of 1952
Eighteen members of the class of 1952 with some spouses met at the 2012 MPI Alumni Weekend on April 20-22 for their 60th
class reunion. Ruth (Matsui) Teraoka and Frances “Etch” (Emura) Yamamoto co-chaired their class events. Some traveled from
far away California and some from not so far Maui while most came from less suburbia Oahu. In addition to the Alumni Weekend events, the class gathered for a mid-day dim-sum feast hosted by Ronald and Thelma Tom at the Mandalay, a fine dining
restaurant on the Alakea Street trail in the middle of the concrete jungles of Honolulu. Later, some of the far away classmates took
the opportunity to visit the Aulani, Disney’s new resort at Ko Olina.“We had a great time talking of our days at MPI and especially the dorm life, an experience that created a special bond that made 60 years apart feel like only yesterday.” Thank you, MPI!
Now, the rumor is: the class will meet in 2014 for our 80th birthday!—Submitted by the Class of 1952.
15
Alumni Golf Tournament
33rd Annual MPIAA Scholarship Golf Tournament
Thank you to more than 75 volunteers and 169 players for making the 33rd
MPIAA Scholarship Golf Tournament such a success!
Grand Prize, 33rd Place:
Wade Asato ‘94, Clifton Chun, Robbie Robinson ‘93
All Alumni:
Hilary Okumura ’96,Galen Narimatsu ’55,Bill Wheeler‘78
Random Teams:
3rd:
13th:
23rd:
43rd:
53rd:
Dan Ihara‘81,Randy Muraoka‘81,Kurt Nozaki‘81
Anthony Chung,Han Young Lee,Warren Shioi‘70
Lisa Okazaki ’07,Curtis Okazaki,Harvey Sumida
Chad Matsuda,Jerry Matsuda,Lois Matsuda
Masato Doi‘39,Phillip Doi,Myron Nomura
Closest to the Pin – Hole #8:
Closest to the Pin – Hole #12:
Closest to the Pin – Hole #16:
Keith Aotaki
Paul Watanabe ‘72
Hayley Young ‘09
Lowest Net: Brendon Chun ‘93, Kyle Murata ‘93, Mark Sakihara
Highest Net: Yvonne Nakata, Sandy Nishimoto, Wendy (Miyasato) Yim ‘70
The 33rdAnnual MPIAA Scholarship Golf Tournament is supported by the
following Mid-Pacific Institute alumni, parents and friends. Mahalo nui loa
for your generosity!
TEE SPONSORS: Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. – Davis Kobayashi ’91;
AECOM; Business Insurance Services – Stan Yamagata, Jr. ’58; Ariel (Fung)
Chun ’60; Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties; Russell Figueiroa; Finance
16
Factors – Steve Teruya ’70; Flora-Dec – Sidney Hamada ’59; Generations
Magazine – Percy Ihara ’78; Hawaii Self Storage; Island Air; James Kometani
Inc. – James Kometani ’57; Lyle Hamasaki Construction, Inc.; Marian’s Island Wide Catering; R.M. Towill Corporation; Securitas Security Services
USA, Inc.; Sodexo of Mid-Pacific Institute; Stan’s Contracting, Inc.; Troy M.
Tanji M.D. ’82; and Wilson Okamoto Corporation.
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR: Air Central, Inc.; Engineering Concepts, Inc.; and
Galen Narimatsu ’55.
DONORS: Atlantis Submarine; Marc Dixon ’90; d.k Steak House; Ray Evans;
Darin Fujimori '92, Germaine’s Luau; go! Mokulele; Henry Loui’s; Herb
Chock & Associates, Inc.; Merle (Oshiro) Hinazumi ’61; George Hirai; James
Honke ’58; Honolulu Country Club; Kapolei Golf Club; Karen (Kawano)
Koles ’63; Kotake Shokai Ltd.; Ko Olina Golf Club; Kari (Okino) Leong '92;
Denise Liu ’78; Love’s Bakery; Manago Hotel; Brad Maruyama '96; Miramar
at Waikiki; Lynn (Warashina) ’63 & Mel Murata; Vern Nakaguma '72; Kelly
Park ’96; Quality Travel – Ellen (Lee) Suhl ’60; Progressive Marketing –
Wendy (Miyasato) Yim ’70; Robert’s Hawaii; Roger Dunn Golf Shops; Barbara Sakamoto ’65; Marlene Sasaki; Sea Life Park; Frank Serikaku ’57; Signs
Plus - Christine (Nishimura) '77 & Bryan Yoshimura; Brad Suzuki; Kevin
Takahashi '91; Tamura’s Fine Wine & Spirits; Tamura Superette; Tanaka
Saimin – Joan (Tanaka) ’73 and Paul ’72 Watanabe; Taormina Sicilian Cuisine; Uncle Bo’s; Wet ‘n Wild Hawaii.
Our apologies to any sponsor/donor who may have been inadvertently
omitted.
Alumni Golf Tournament
Masato Doi ’39 and Dottie (Hamaikai) Crowell ’55
Lynn (Warashima) Murata ’63 &
Mel Murata
Denis and Ella Isono
Richard Serikaku ’60, Ariel (Fung) Chun ’60 and
Thomas Serikaku ’60
Larry Yamashita ’59
Frank Serikaku ’57 &
Wes Warashima ’61.
Zach Kaneshiro ’17
Claude Takanishi ’68, Jon Fernandez ’79 and
Missy (Miguel) Sills ’78.
17
Alumni Weekend
The annual MPIAlumniWeekend kicked
off with a luncheon at the home of President and
Mrs.Joe Rice on Friday,April 20.
This luncheon was followed by a tour of
the MPI Campus where MPI alumni (some of
whom have not been on campus since they graduated) could reminisce with their classmates and
learn all about the MPI of today. Later that evening,
alumni enjoyed each other’s company at a wine tasting event where they each went home with a wine
glass engraved with the MPI emblem.
On Saturday,April 21,hundreds of alumni
gathered for the Luau held in Scudder Dining Hall.
Guests were treated to music by the talented MPI orchestra.The dedicated MPI alumni who volunteered
15 or more hours of service to alumni activities were
recognized. Mel and Lynn (Murata) Warashina ’63,
and their crew of ’63-ers, as well as family and
friends, prepared and served an extremely ONO
Hawaiian buffet lunch. From fish that they caught
themselves and fried up to perfection … to all of the
Hawaiian-fare that makes your mouth water … to
homemade banana bread muffins … AMAZING!
Many,many door prizes were distributed to the lucky
winners!
Later,the attendees moved over to Bakken
Auditorium where the guests could view a slide show
of pictures depicting student life at MPI.We honored
two very distinguished alumni – Alumnus of the
Year Jim Kometani ’57 andWa’ahilaAward Recipient
Judge Ronald Moon ’58.We were also treated to the
wonderfully talented 50th reunion Class of 1962 who
performed a hilarious skit that celebrated their time
at MPI. Sharon (Komata) Narimatsu ’62 – the very
first Miss KPOI – wore an authentic vintage prom
gown that was worn by Judy (Chun-Hoon) Sakamaki,at the Jr.Sr.Prom back in 1962! They continued
to wow everyone there by presenting a check for
$70,766 to MPI President Joe Rice.This marked the
largest ever class gift! Mahalo to everyone for making
this weekend a success!
James S. Kometani‘57 – 2012 Alumnus of the Year
Excerpted from Remarks by Galen Narimatsu‘55, MPIAA Past President
The alumnus of the year award is the highest award of the Mid-Pacific Institute
Alumni Association and is presented to a person who provided outstanding service to
the school,displayed a strong sense of support and loyalty,and has dedicated significant effort to the improvement of Mid-Pacific Institute.The 2012 Alumnus of the Year
is James S.Kometani ’57.
James Kometani has been an active MPI alumnus for over 50 years.During this span
of time,he served as:
• a member of the MPIAA Board of Directors;
• President of the MPIAA in 1972,1989 and 1990;
• member of the MPI Board of Counselors from 1993-1995;
• member of the M Club;
• member of the MPI Board of Trustees since 1995;
• chair of the MPI Board of Trustees,2005-2011;
• currently the chair of the education committee of the Board.
He was directly involved with: the capital campaign for Kawaiahao; MPI annual carnivals; the capital campaign for the Field of Dreams; MPIAA annual golf tournaments;
MPIAA annual chicken sales; reestablishment of the M Club; the capital campaign for
the new math/science/technology complex; the capital campaign for the new preschool/elementary school; and the MPI strategic and master plans for facilities,expansion,technology,fine arts,athletics and the school of the future.
Jim is also very active in the community.Most recognizable is his work with the executive committee of the Sony Open which partners with the Friends of Hawaii charities
and has raised millions of dollars for non-profits.More recently,he was selected as a
member of the EAH housing advisory committee,a non-profit housing advisory corporation.He is also the chair for volunteers for the Pacific Links Hawaii Championships,which will sponsor a new senior golf tournament in Kapolei.
Past MPIAA President Galen Narimatsu ’55
presents the award to Jim Kometani ’57.
18
Without question,Jim Kometani’s contributions,dedication and loyalty to the school
are unsurpassed. His focus and vision,for the school to be the best,are always on his
mind and evident to all.It is a privilege and honor to present Mr.James S.Kometani,
class of 1957.
Alumni Weekend
Chief Justice Ronald T.Y. Moon – 2012 Wa`ahila Award
Excerpted from Remarks by James Honke ’58, MPIAA President
The Wa`ahila Award is presented to individuals whose achievements contribute significantly to the advancement and prominence of Mid-Pacific Institute. Chief Justice Ronald T.Y.Moon,
who retired in September 2010,is the 2012 recipient of the
award. A 1958 graduate of MPI,his exemplary service in the
State Judiciary has brought honor to our school.
His Chronology:
• Graduated from MPI in 1958
• Attended Coe College for his undergraduate degree and then
earned a doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of
Iowa College of Law in 1965
• Then served one year as a law clerk under Chief Judge Martin
Pence of the United States District Court of Hawai`i
• Worked with the City’s prosecutor’s office from 1966 to 1968
• Went into private practice and became a partner in the law
firm of Libkuman,Ventura,Moon & Ayabe
• Left private practice in 1982 upon being appointed to the circuit court bench
• In 1990,he was appointed to the Hawaii Supreme Court as an associate justice,
• In 1993,after only three years,he received his first 10-year appointment as chief justice
• In 2003 he was reappointed for a second 10-year term
• In 2010,however,he had to step down because of the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 years for
judges. His service of 17 years as head of the state judiciary is the longest of any Hawaii chief justice and
after having served for so long,he is affectionately known as“CJ”among his colleagues.
The Mid-Pacific Institute motto is“The honor of the school is mine.” Your years of distinguished service
to our state and our country has brought you many deserved honors and in turn has brought honor to
our school.
MPIAA President James
Honke ’58 presents the
award to his classmate
Judge Ronald Moon ’58.
Luau
Alumni Service Award Winners
19
Alumni Weekend/Class of 1962
20
Alumni Weekend/Wine Tasting
21
Alumni Easter Egg Hunt
From EGG-citing games with prizes … to EGG-stravagant crafts … to EGG-stra ono food and drinks … to the EGG-stra plenty eggs that were
hidden for the kiddies to find … EGG-normous fun was had by all at the 7thAnnualAlumni Easter Egg Hunt onApril 7, 2012.But the highlight
of the hunt? All the EGG-stra cute kids who found more joy with the actual egg then what was inside! Special mahalo to all of the alumni who
ran a memorable Easter Egg Hunt and to the Middle School Student Council for assisting in stuffing the Easter eggs and for helping on the day
of the event!
22
Las Vegas Alumni Reunion
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” That’s true, of course, unless you’re talking about the MPI Alumni Reunion in Vegas! From
June 14-16, alumni travelled from as far as Singapore to as close as
down the street, to gather at The Orleans Hotel & Casino for a funfilled weekend.
There was a something for everyone: golf outings at the Legacy
Golf Course and Paiute Golf Resort; bowling tournament; poker
tournament; Pupu Party with games & prizes; City Lights Tour;
and a Banquet with lots of cash prizes!
Special mahalo to the Vegas Planning Committee for putting
the weekend together. And a HUGE mahalo to the Vegas Hui who
took care of the Hospitality Room from providing homemade
goodies to staffing the room during the entire weekend!
The Alumni
“Decade Photos”
at the Banquet.
From real bowling to fun bowling (where the bowler needed to do
things like stand on their tippy toes) it was all fun in Vegas!
Fun and games at the pupu party.
23
ROBERT FEARRIEN: BELOVED TEACHER, HUMANIST AND PHILANTHROPIST
Robert R.Fearrien,former Mid-Pacific Institute teacher,passed away
at age 81 on September 26, 2011. Mid-Pacific Institute was honored After college Bob went
to learn that he left an unrestricted bequest of one-third of his estate into the Army and was
sent to La Rochelle,
to the school.
France. He was involved
“He was a philanthropist in all that he did,”says MPI President Joe C. in military communicaRice.“Philanthropy means love of humanity. Bob expressed that in tions. He loved being in
his teaching, his scholarship, and his friendships, as well as through Europe and used his
leave time to travel.
his bequest.”
When he finished, he
Here are some of the many tributes and memories of Bob from his took the G.I. Bill to the
University of Michigan
students, friends and colleagues.
and earned an M.A. in
Because a man dared to dream, thoughts were formed which
history. He kept a placematerialized into deeds. Out of these deeds came actions that
ment file at the Univerimproved the lot of humanity. In attempting to improve the
sity of Oregon, which is
world, he employed the humanities, culture, and his love for his where he saw the MPI
fellow man.
recruitment notice.
As our dreamer you have endeavored to bring harmony into
the many phases of life here at Mid-Pacific. Your love for and
devotion to the humanities have enabled you to understand
the problems facing young people today and have inspired
many to follow in your field of service. Your outstanding interest in culture has led you into active participation in dramatic
productions and politics and a keen enjoyment of classical
music. You have given unselfishly of yourself— from the planning of social events to the teaching of Socrates and the American Constitution—to make our years at Mid-Pacific years
which will always be remembered.
—Dedication of the 1963 MPI yearbook Ke Anuenue
He came to MPI in the fall of 1957,fell in love with Hawaii and never
left.His first night here was memorable,even for someone who grew
up with rattlesnakes.In the mauka end of the D Dorm (Wilcox Hall),
he was bitten by a centipede.He lived in the dorm the entire time he
worked at MPI.
“Bob was one of the best teachers MPI has ever had,” says Wheeler.
“He had great empathy for students and was extremely well liked.”
He also served as an advisor to the Student Council (now SGA).
“When you had his history class,”said Wheeler, “you had much more
than history.He loved art and classical music and would bring in the
art and music of the time. He also had a good sense of humor and
His colleague and friend,former MPI teacher Carl Wheeler ’97 (hon.) loved theater. He would show up dressed as Henry VIII. He always
recalls:“Bob was born in the Northern California redwood country. knew what was going on in the New York Theater scene.”
His family moved to the central Oregon high desert to a town named
Paulina.He grew up on a ranch that was so remote that his commute Fearrien traveled extensively and in the mid-1960s took a sabbatical
each day to high school was 60 miles each way. Bob was well read and went around the world.He liked walking tours,especially to Italy
and the English Cotswolds.He joined
and so excelled in his studies that his
an organization that enabled home
teachers wanted him to go to Harvard.
stays. People who wanted to stay in
However, he decided to attend the You can make a charitable gift to Mid-Pacific Institute
University of Oregon. He majored in that costs you little or nothing during your lifetime by Hawaii stayed with him,but he never
stayed with them.He stayed in a hotel
history and graduated Phi Beta
because he didn’t want to “inconveKappa.He was extremely humble and naming Mid-Pacific a beneficiary of your will or revonever told anyone about that until it cable living trust, insurance policy, or retirement plan. nience anyone.”
came time for Mid-Pacific to fill out
accreditation forms.”
You will continue to have the flexibility to change the
provision during your lifetime, should your circumstances change.
For more information, please contact Kristy Tong in
the Advancement Office at 973-5016.
24
Through his friendship with MPI English teacher Barbara Ching,
Bob became good friends with her brother-in-law Raymond Wong,
Provost of Kapiolani Community College, when it was still located
at McKinley High School. In 1968, Raymond persuaded Bob to join
the faculty of KCC, teaching humanities. He grew with the College,
chairing the humanities department for a few years and receiving
whatever honors the community colleges could bestow. He co-authored with Ruth Lucas the section on the community colleges in
Malamalama: A History of the University of Hawaii.
Fearrien retired from KCC in 1995. For a number of years, until he
moved to Arcadia,he walked regularly around Kahala or the Ala Wai
with friend and former MPI colleague Carl Wheeler. “He was a terrific walking companion,always eager to discuss politics,sports,history and just about anything you could think of,” Wheeler notes.
Walter Ozawa,’62,current MPI trustee and a former student of Fearrien recalls that Bob was the first to greet him after his father dropped
him off, fresh from a plantation camp in Waipahu.“Mr. Ozawa,”Bob
told him gently,“we wear shoes at this school.” (After Walter was able
to get his father to return, they bought a pair downtown at the Kim
Chow Shoe Store.) Walter also remembers that Bob was very kind
as a disciplinarian when he was Dean of Boys and supervised students on the weekends.“I never saw him angry or heard him say a
cross word. I learned to play chess from Bob and spent a lot of time
chatting with him.I felt like he was one of my best friends on campus
and I’m sure that many other students did too.”
Sharon Narimatsu, ’62, former Chancellor of Leeward Community
College concurs.“Bob Fearrien is one of those genuinely kind and
caring human beings that one is privileged to know and to call a
friend. In all the years that I knew Bob, from being a student at
Arcadia resident Emily Fujii ’47 remembers that Bob had a special Mid-Pacific Institute to being his colleague at Kapi'olani Community
place where he would sit for afternoon tea and how he drew a cadre College,I never heard a harsh word nor an unkind remark from Bob.
of fellow residents for lively discussions on books and current events. His heart was full of love and acceptance for everyone, and I would
“He was a very gentle man as well as a gentleman,” Emily said.“He often wonder if Bob ever got angry as I never saw a frown change
would have fit in perfectly with the kind of teaching we want to see his ever-gentle demeanor. And true to character, he left a wonderful
gift to Mid-Pacific Institute to allow the school to continue its legacy
today.”
of providing a stimulating learning environment for young people
of every race and from every corner of our world. He had a lot of
aloha for MPI,and his generosity will continue to reverberate within
its halls in the voices of young students for years to come.”
IN MEMORIAM
It is with deepest sympathy that we note the passing of the following MPI alumni. We welcome memoriam submissions from
classmates of the deceased. Submit info to Alumni Director Kerry Wheeler at alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni House, 2445
Kaala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Esther (Kaneshiro) Uyechi ’35, passed away on January 9, 2012, at the age of 95. She was born in Kukuihaele. She is survived
by MPI alumni – grandson Ryan Uyechi ’92.
Emma Tam Lum-King ’39, of Honolulu, passed away at St. Francis Hospice on January 26, 2012, at the age of 91.
Edwin Wilson ’41, of Kailua, passed away in Kailua on March 16, 2012. He was a Sears Service Center employee.
Danny Morito Takanishi Sr. ’44, of Honolulu, passed away on January 13, 2012, at the age of 86. He was a retired Department
of Education teacher and Army veteran. He was born in Kekaha, Kauai. He is survived by MPI alumni nephew Claude
Takanishi ’68.
June Lin Kee Chang ’48, of Laie, passed away on March 29, 2012. She was a former clerk at Pearl Harbor and retired school
teacher at Hauula Elementary School.
Andrew Li ’51, passed away on May 5, in California.
Indira (Hale) Tucker ’63, passed away on April 8, in Long Beach, at the age 68. She was a community leader who championed the history of African Americans in Long Beach. She co-edited an authoritative book,“The Heritage of African Americans in Long Beach: Over 100 Years.” She also was instrumental in fundraising and setting up both the African American
Resource Center at the Burnett Library and several other special collections. She served on the Long Beach Public Library
Foundation Board when it was started in 1996 in addition to many other community boards.
25
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
If you are a former MPI faculty or staff member we
would love to hear from you! Submit your photos
and info to Alumni Director Kerry Wheeler at
alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni House, 2445 Kaala
Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
GIVING BACK TO OUR
ALMA MATER
At 6:30 a.m., on Saturday May 26, MPI alumni and
friends gathered on MPI’s football field to decorate the
graduation stage. Later that morning, the MPIAA provided a much needed breakfast for the graduates as a
kick-off to their graduation rehearsal.
GIVING BACK TO OUR
COMMUNITY
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt,” is the motto of the Special Olympics. On Sunday, May 27, MPI alumni, and the MPI Alumni
Association Alumni Scholars and their families gathered at the University of Hawaii to volunteer their time
with the Special Olympics Summer Games. In addition
to the volunteers who assisted with the field staging
and Olympic Town, we also have MPI alumni who have
been helping with the Special Olympics for well over 10
years now. Millie (Okada) Miura ’77 has been handling
the merchandising for many years, Dale Matsumoto-Oi
’79 has donated her time to run the hearing test for the
athletes, and Donny Ma’a ’84 who helps with the production aspects.“Out amongst the world’s great peoples” … indeed!
Front row, from left: Jordyn Nishimura and Kelly
(Lum) Nishimura ’96. Back row, from left: Gertrude
Ebesu ’52, Dottie (Hanamaikai) Crowell ’55, Nick
Failauga, Robyn Wago, and Jon Fernandez ’79.
26
SAVE THE DATE
Moon Over Manoa
Gala Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sheraton Waikiki
Silent Auction items sought
Table sponsorship: $10,000, $5,000, $3,000
For information, contact Donna Chang at 973-5022
9th Annual M Club MPI Athletics
Hall of Fame Gala
Saturday, February 2, 2013
5 p.m., Koolau Ballrooms
For information, contact Kerry Wheeler at 951-5856
Retirement Celebration for
MPI President Joe C. Rice
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
5:30 p.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom
For information, contact Kristy Tong at 973-5016
BABY NEWS
Have you been blessed with a little one? Show off your cute little bundle of joy! Send a photo (you must have many to
choose from!) with your baby’s information to Alumni Director Kerry Wheeler at alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni House,
2445 Kaala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
NEWLYWEDS
Congratulations to the newlyweds! Share your happy news
with your MPI Ohana. Submit photos and info to Alumni Director Kerry Wheeler at alumni@midpac.edu or Alumni
House, 2445 Kaala Street, Honolulu, HI 96822.
The Final Click...
The true colors of the 2011-12 school year shine through...
Photographs by Scot Allen
MID-PACIFIC INSTITUTE
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
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HONOLULU, HAWAII
PERMIT NO. 1109
2445 KA‘ALA STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822
Change ServiCe requeSted
10/10 Challenge:
C l ass o f 2 012 Set s t he Bar H igh
Mid-Pacific’s Class of 2012 has taken the school’s 10/10 Challenge to new heights! This unique program is designed to
instill in these soon-to-be-alumni the honorable tradition of giving back to their alma mater. The 10/10 Challenge
encourages seniors to pledge $10 per year for the next 10 years to their alma mater. Under the guidance of Mid-Pacific’s
Advancement Office, a team of seniors was selected to be the Campaign Leaders. Through their leadership and innovative
marketing approaches (Facebook page, incentive for participation, personal sales pitches, and a slide show launch), this
team of seniors far exceeded expectations. More than 76% of the Class of 2012 chose to give back to MPI! This level of
participation has set the bar extremely high for future classes to strive to meet or beat. The funds generated by this year’s
senior class will be put toward the Class of 2012 Scholarship Endowment – the beginning of their MPI legacy.