FEATURE STORY CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY “The presence of the Sisters’ positive influence continues through the many alumni who returned to teach,” says James Gahler. Grade School Principal Shana Campos Tong ‘83 was a Maryknoll student, returned as a teacher, and is now sending her two children, ages 7 and 11, to her alma mater. “I got a good foundation as a person from the school’s traditional Catholic values and I want the same for my children - to be part of this culture of knowledge, community and service,” says Shana. “My experience as a student is also an example of Maryknoll’s contemporary approach where every child is seen as an individual and given opportunities to prepare for the real and ever-changing world,” she said. “I became a teacher because I remember the compassionate and caring teachers I had that I wanted to emulate.” Shana is part of an extended three-generation alumni family and a beloved Maryknoll family tradition. Her grandmother was the cook for the Maryknoll priests. Her grandfather built the pews at Sacred Heart Church. And her mother, Shirley Campos, served 33 years as secretary to the grade school principal. Beginning as a second grade teacher in 1988, Shana saw her career grow as a teacher and grade school vice principal before her selection as principal in Fall 2008. She is one of 34 Maryknoll alumni currently on staff at the school. In the tradition of the Maryknoll Sisters who pursued excellence as educators, Shana pursued an advanced degree, encouraged and supported by school administration. In May 2008, she became one of four Maryknoll staff members in the inaugural class of 10 graduates receiving Chaminade University’s first master’s degree in Catholic Educational Leadership. Alumni aren’t the only ones carrying on the tradition. Under President Baker, Maryknoll made significant facilities improvements to both campuses, developed an impressive technology
program, met and exceeded annual giving goals, and tripled its endowment. His tenure was distinguished by the launching of “The Time is Now,” our school’s first ever capital campaign to raise $12 million for the Maryknoll School Community Center. “As a Diocesan Catholic institution, Maryknoll is committed to a quality education that develops the whole child,” said Baker. “Academically, physically, artistically, spiritually and morally, to become a learned individual of integrity and personal responsibility.” “We see scholastic achievement and personal development as equally respected values,” he adds. Maryknoll’s “Habits of the Mind, Heart and Community” aim to prepare students to be creative thinkers and problem solvers, to practice high moral values, and to contribute to improving the community. They are based on our long commitment to religious, moral and ethical principles. In 2008, Baker stepped down after ten years as president. In July, Perry K. Martin, former principal of Marist Catholic High School in Eugene, Oregon, assumed the responsibility of moving Maryknoll forward to an even brighter future. Over the years, Maryknoll has held true to the belief that all students bring gifts to their education and our role is to develop
1977
1978
1981
1984
Jared Kaufmann ’58 becomes first lay High School Principal.
Knoll Building is constructed.
James Gahler becomes first lay Grade School Principal.
The boys high school basketball team wins the state championship under coach Tony Sellitto. 50th class graduates with 117 seniors.
1976 6
Knoller
1992
1995
A third floor is added to Grade School Building B, establishing the middle school.
Maryknoll School is Hawaii’s first school to be accepted into the Coalition of Essential Schools, a prestigious national network of schools dedicated to increasing student achievement.
1995