Commencement 2021

A Look Back at

Comencement 2021

Head of School Commencement Address to the Class of 2021 Ruth R. Fletcher, Ph.D. We are so proud of these amazing young women!

Th e Class of 2021 has made a signifi cant impact on our school. Th ey are strong academic achievers and have demonstrated enormous fl exibility, strength and resilience during this pandemic year.

Most impressively they have created a warm and welcoming community and have given each other the most wondrous gift of friendship. Class of 2021, you will forever be Priory Sisters.

Your friendships with each other, your connection with our fabulous alums, and the love of your family, friends, and mentors, will continue to lift you up on your journey through life. Our hearts will always be with you, we have treasured your time at Th e Priory.

As you move on to your next stage of life, many things will change, yet some things will remain the same.

What we know is that you each will continue to learn, grow, and thrive. You will uncover your own talents and interests and help others to do the same.

Our hope is that you will continue to take on the responsibility of leadership and seek to do the greatest possible good for each other, your class, the school, and our community. You are well on your way to becoming extraordinary citizens of the world.

You each have the capacity of leading yourself and others for the greater good. We have witnessed how you each lifted each

Graduates of the Priory Class of 2021 celebrate with their diplomas in hand upon leaving the Cathedral.

other and our community up during this challenging year. You brought joy, infectious laughter, resilience, and inspiration to all of us.

Class of 2021, thank you for striving for the highest in all that you do. You are living examples of young women who embody and personify the courageous and compassionate leadership of our founder Queen Emma – and you are willing to strive for the highest or Kūlia i Ka Nu‘u each and every day.

We need more strong, confident, competent, and courageous women leaders like you in the world. You should know that we truly believe in our hearts, bodies, and souls, that each of you has the capacity to lead and change the world for the better.

Our wish is that each of you will always carry with you a joyful optimism – a buoyant view of what is possible…because the possibilities ahead for you are infinite. And, in line with your class theme for this year, we know that you will all reach “infinity and beyond” and be our fearless leaders and intergalactic heroes.

And now, Thank You

A special thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff here at St. Andrew’s Schools, Bishop Bob and Chaplain Heather, who have dedicated their lives to educating each of you in mind, body, and spirit.

A special mahalo to our trustees for your exceptional stewardship of the school. Because of your gifts of time, talent and treasure we are able to offer an extraordinary education to our students.

And, most importantly, thank you to our parents for choosing to entrust us with your daughters’ education. There is no greater gift than the gift of education that you can give to your daughter. This priceless gift travels with them everywhere they go. You have given them the gift of confidence, competence, character, and moral courage. We are so very grateful.

Class of 2021, you are ready for your future and will continue to learn, grow and thrive in college and in life as you have a solid foundation to build upon. And now please help me welcome Ms. Nichole Field who will present the Class of 2021.

The Class of 2021 is comprised of:

• Art, music and writing award winners • Brilliant photographers • Dancers • Cultural practitioners • Advocates of social justice • Computer science experts • Athletic champions • Global leaders of distinction • Gifted scholars • Talented musicians • Beautiful singers • Talented actors • Great friends

Our Priory graduates are the pua or the blossoms, of our gracious founder, Queen Emma Kaleleonālani. And now, we will celebrate these beautiful and unique blossoms of Queen Emma.

Graduates of the Class of 2021, as you leave your time at The Priory, we are grateful for the gifts that you will carry forth into the world.

The Class of 2021 with diplomas in hand.

Kira Abe: Kira, we delight in your playful intellect, your strength of conviction, your quick-witted humor, your artistic and mathematical brilliance, and your keen ability to ponder and view the world from multiple perspectives.

Maia Amano: Maia, we are in awe of your athletic and artistic gifts of flight and precision, your beautiful musicality, your incredible artistry, and your passion and commitment to achieve your goals through hard work, positivity, and determination.

Kayleigh Andres: Kayleigh, we admire your gentle loving spirit and reflective nature. Your big heart, deeply contemplative soul, strong will, steely determination and ability to intuit how others are thinking and feeling, make you a strong leader and resilient individual.

‘Ale‘a Apostadiro: ‘Ale‘a, we admire your beautiful voice, your creative and lyrical song writing, your ability to persevere when things are difficult, your deep love and respect for the Hawaiian culture, and your ability to build loyal and trusting friendships.

Leticia Au: Leticia, we love your steady and thoughtful leadership, your drive for excellence, your strong, yet gentle spirit; your abundance mentality, your joyfulness, your ability to bring out the best in others, and your deep commitment to music, academics, and helping others.

Robin Buchthal: Robin, we admire your keen observational skills, your steady nature and inquisitive mind, your natural talents in math and the sciences, the depth and clarity with which you understand complex concepts, your enormous capacity for hard work, your beautiful singing voice, and your ability to see and imagine how to best serve others.

Fay Cordeiro: Fay, we love your introspective and thoughtful nature, your keen intellect, quick-witted humor, confidence, lively imagination, strong will, ingenuity and high capacity for critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and scientific inquiry. Kara Ho: Kara, we admire your entrepreneurial spirit, your composure and poise, genuine empathy and positivity, your steadfast determination and perseverance, your love and commitment to your culture as well as your strong communication skills and ability to understand others.

Lilinoe Field-Perkins: Lilinoe, we love your intellectual and creative sensitivity, deep curiosity, expressiveness, skilled acting, beautiful singing, unwavering empathy, and your ceaseless yearning to further understand the meaning and mysteries of life.

Michelle Ho: Michelle, we love your tenacity, intellectual curiosity, inner strength, humility, resilience, perseverance, inquisitiveness, and thirst for knowledge and wisdom. We delight in your passion to truly understand the world and to make it a better place.

Amelia Ide: Amelia, we love your sensitivity, empathetic heart, athleticism, practical intellect, musical mind, singing spirit, ecosystem stewardship, and gracious leadership. Your loving friendship inspires all of us to be better, do better, and enjoy the wonders of life.

Mayuko Ikeda: Mayuko, we love your inquisitive, artistic, intuitive, and analytical mind; you carry art, science, and music in your being and have an insatiable appetite for learning. Your playful curiosity, genuine kindness, humor and ability to readily understand others, make you an extraordinary leader.

Our hope is that you will continue to take on the responsibility of leadership and seek to do the greatest possible good for each other, your class, the school, and our community.”

Amelie Katz: Amelie, we love your boundless curiosity, your passion for adventure, your love for the ocean, your endearing and energetic nature, your strong and confi dent voice, your high capacity for growth, and your ability to accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

Ashlyn Kim: Ashlyn, we admire your cheerful, witty, kind, easygoing, and energetic nature; you have a humble, compassionate, and generous spirit. Your gift for poetry, your gentleness, positivity, maturity beyond your years, and strong desire to help others, gives joy and hope to everyone around you.

Chantal Lau: Chantal, we love your quiet inner strength and beauty, your compassionate heart, your contemplative soul, your keen intellect, your strong independent spirit, and your drive and commitment to set and accomplish your goals to achieve success.

Amanda Lee: Amanda, we admire your sharp mathematical and analytical mind, your passion and innate joy for learning, your keen sense of responsibility, your compassionate heart, your strong desire to help and serve others, your joyful approach to hard work, and your quiet and courageous leadership.

Hevani Malohi: Hevani, we love your bright and eff ervescent spirit that shines every time you smile. Your deep faith, devotion, loving-kindness, and gentle nature cultivates peacefulness, healing, and harmony in our community. Your grace and humility, your willingness to speak truth to power, your deep courage and strength, and your commitment to giving back to your community remind us of our founder Queen Emma.

Caidence Okamura: Caidence, you are the modern day version of the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” – feisty and fearless, outgoing, extremely welcoming and friendly, compassionate, spirited, reliable, and always ready and willing to lend a hand to help others. Smart, driven, and unfailingly gracious, you exude contagious happiness, optimism, hope and warmth, and like the legendary Molly Brown, you never give up.

Hannah Okuda: Hannah, you are an extraordinary leader (and Disney enthusiast) who understands the power of envisioning and achieving goals. We love your vibrant personality, your good humor, your joyful optimism, your strong moral compass, and the confi dence you instill in others. We admire your ability to lift others up and your commitment to making a positive diff erence in the world.

Faith Poepoe: Faith, we love your keen eye for beauty, your stunning photography, and your generous and sensitive spirit. We admire your steadfast nature and perceptive intellect. We are inspired by your extraordinary sensibility for synthesis and design, and your ability to reveal deep insights about the world through your creative artistry.

Erica Query: Erica, we love your bright expressive eyes, your quiet humor, your deep honesty, your keen analytical and perceptive mind, your quick problemsolving ability, and your unfailing resilience. We admire your kind, sensitive, and generous nature, your sharp wit, your love for animals, and your genuine compassion and care for others.

Nicole Query: Nicole, we love your kind, welcoming, humble, caring and nurturing temperament. We delight in your excellent scholarship, confi dence, drive, maturity, focus, tenacity, and ability to get things done. We admire your self-directed nature, your courageous and compassionate leadership, your deep and intuitive understanding of people, and your dedication to helping others through your positive actions and service.

Ku‘ulei Rudolph: Ku‘ulei, we admire your gentle and gracious leadership. We love your kind and generous spirit, your jolly and joyful personality, your deep humility and grace, your inner strength, your passion for learning, and your limitless curiosity. We delight in your respect, appreciation, and devotion to your culture and heritage, and your high capacity to help others understand its beauty, signifi cance, and value to all.

Ayla Ruiz: Ayla, on the volleyball court you are poetry in motion. We are so impressed with your athleticism and ability to lead both on and off the court.

We love your thoughtfulness, honesty, kindness, centeredness, and good humor. We admire your strong character, your perceptiveness, your exceptional interpersonal skills, your compassion for others, and your deep belief in helping others so goodness will prevail.

Haylie Tancayo: Haylie, we love the positive and vibrant energy that you bring to everything you do; your signature smile brightens our day, lifts our spirits, and makes us smile, too. We delight in your athletic and academic accomplishments, and admire your sincere and encouraging nature, your quiet confi dence, your strong voice, your deep respect for others, and the joyful and optimistic attitude that you carry with you in your journey to and pursuit of excellence.

Sarida Th ongmark: Sarida, we love your courageous pioneering spirit. Your lightheartedness, your deep respect for others, your kind and compassionate nature, and your strong sense of self have brought us great joy. We admire your willingness to adventure into the unknown, and take on signifi cant challenges to build your knowledge and wisdom about the world and yourself.

Daelia Wong: Daelia, we love and admire your poise, your charismatic personality, your sensitivity, and kindness, your keen ability to understand nuance and complexities (in a subject matter or social situation), your entrepreneurial spirit, and your ability to lead others in a positive and powerful way that infl uences and evokes needed change. We are also impressed with your legendary nail artistry and your mission to try every kind of cereal that exists on the planet.

E Na Pua o Emalani, you are each as unique as an individual fl ower, and you are the blossoms of Queen Emma. We are grateful for your beauty and the special qualities that each of you will bring forth into the world! Please cherish and nurture your gifts, and, like Queen Emma, be courageous, gracious and steadfast in your leadership. On behalf of all of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff , congratulations to the Class of 2021!

Destinations

Kira-Ann Abe gap year

Maia Amano University of Alabama, Huntsville

Kayleigh Andres California State University Maritime Academy

‘Ale‘a Apostadiro United States Air Force

Leticia Au University of Washington, Seattle

Robin Buchthal Brandeis University

Fay Cordeiro University of California, Berkeley

Lilinoe Field-Perkins University of New Mexico

Kara Ho Seattle University

Michelle Ho University of California, Irvine

Amelia Ide University of Washington

Mayuko Ikeda University of California, Berkeley

Amelie Katz University of Hawai‘i, Manoa

Ashlyn Kim University of Portland Chantal Lau University of California, Davis

Amanda Lee Creighton University

Hevani Malohi Brigham Young University

Caidence Okamura Pacifi c University

Hannah Okuda International Christian University, Japan

Faith Poepoe gap year

Erica Query Hawai‘i Pacifi c University

Nicole Query Hawai‘i Pacifi c University

Ku‘ulei Rudolph Chaminade University, Honolulu

Ayla Ruiz Manhattanville College

Haylie Tancayo University of Utah

Sarida Thongmark Kapiolani Community College

Daelia Wong University of Oregon

Kira-Ann Abe 'Ale'a Apostadiro Maia Amano Kayleigh Andres Leticia Au

Robin Buchthal

Amelia Ide Fay Cordeiro Lilinoe Field-Perkins Kara Ho

Th e Priory CLASS OF 2021

Michelle Ho

Mayuko Ikeda

Amelie Katz Ashlyn Kim Chantal Lau Amanda Lee Hevani Malohi

Hannah Okuda Caidence Okumura Faith Poepoe Erica Query Nicole Query

The Prep: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony 2021

On June 1, 2021, St. Andrew’s Schools celebrated the first graduating class of The Prep, the Class of 2027. This was an historic moment in the 154 years of St. Andrew’s Schools since boys were first admitted in the 2014-15 school year. Parents and close family members were invited to The Cathedral of St. Andrew to view the beautiful ceremony that recognized the eight graduates who successfully completed 6th grade, and were moving on to their next stage of their educational journey. Four boys who entered as kindergarteners were asked to stand and be recognized. The program began with the graduates’ procession into the Cathedral and a ho‘okupu to honor Queen Emma. The presentation of certificates was followed by the benediction and procession.

The Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick gave the Bishop’s message followed by The Lord’s Prayer led by Quinn H.S. Yamamoto. The Prep Student Council President Neal Sehgal shared the Student Reflection, and Robert “Chip” Watts gave the message of gratitude. Dr. Ruth R. Fletcher, Head of School, and Mrs. Ka‘ipolani BaileyWalsh, Principal, addressed the students and their families with messages of encouragement, pride, and gratitude.

Prep students adorned with celebratory lei.

The Priory Lower School: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony 2021

6th grade students Isabella Tomasa, Ola‘a Badis, and Jirlynne Pekelo-Agpaoa

For the fi rst time at St. Andrew’s Schools, Th e Priory 6th grade class celebrated the promotion of sixteen students to 7th grade with a special ceremony that was held on Tuesday, June 1st in Th e Cathedral of St. Andrew. Proud of their daughters’ accomplishments, parents and close friends gathered to recognize the Class of 2027.

Kumu Ka‘ilihiwa Vaughan-Darval ushered them in with an ‘oli komo as they presented their ho‘okupu of pink roses in honor of our founder, Queen Emma Kaleleonālani. Chaplain Heather Patton-Graham off ered a prayer for the entire class, followed by Nicolette Eto who led Th e Lord’s Prayer. Th e Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop, gave an inspirational message to the students about transition and hope for their futures and the great things that they will accomplish. Sixth grader ‘Ānelalani Suapaia welcomed our guests and then shared highlights of 6th grade and her thoughts on the future in her Student Refl ection, “As a 7th grader, I am looking forward to becoming a role model for the younger girls in Lower School and following the example of the young women in Upper School.” Jirlynne Pekelo-Agpaoa, a student who joined Th e Priory in kindergarten, gave her message of gratitude in which she recognized all the teachers from kindergarten through 6th grade who taught her and her fellow classmates. She began by thanking parents for supporting them as young women so that they could do well in school. Principal Ka‘ipolani Bailey-Walsh introduced the six students who entered St. Andrew’s Priory in kindergarten which was followed by the Head of School message by Dr. Ruth Fletcher. Certifi cates of achievement were presented to each student by their teachers, Heather Lum and Mara Elliott, Dr. Fletcher, and Principal Bailey-Walsh. A benediction by Bishop Fitzpatrick preceded the recessional, and the ‘oli mahalo from the Class of 2027 concluded the ceremony with the backdrop of the beautiful stained glass window adding to the beauty of this historic occasion.

Yunbin (Ella) Kim shows off her promotion certifi cate.

Mia Bonner receives her promotion certifi cate from Dr. Fletcher.

Faculty & Staff News Welcome New Faculty

At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, we were excited to welcome new faculty members to the Upper School and Lower School. These teachers joined the team with tremendous positive momentum and a future filled with unlimited possibilities.

LOWER SCHOOL

JESSICA COMBS

Ms. Jessica Combs (Priory Grade 2) earned her BA in Liberal Arts with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, and her MA in Childhood and Adolescent Literacy from Loyola Marymount University. Her 21 years of teaching experience includes teaching at Holy Nativity School in Honolulu, and most recently at Keystone School in San Antonio, TX.

MIKAYLA LUM

Ms. Mikayla Lum (Priory Grade 4) earned her BA in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ, and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Education from Arizona State University. Ms. Lum taught at Blanche Pope Elementary School for the past 2 years and previously at Kyrene de las Manitas Elementary in Tempe.

NOHEALEIMAMO VAUGHAN-DARVAL

Ms. Nohealeimamo Vaughan-Darval (Prep K-6 P.E. and Lower School Teacher’s Aide) is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i-Mānoa with a BA in Hawaiian Studies. She is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Elementary Education.

MEREDITH COLLAT

Ms. Meredith Collat (Prep Grade 3) earned her BA in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, STEM, from Hofstra University, and holds a New York State Dual-Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education (1st-6th grades). Priory to joining The Prep, Ms. Collat taught for several summers at Punahou; served as an assistant teacher at Seagull School-Kailua; and gained experience teaching across four school districts in elementary classrooms on Long Island in New York.

UPPER SCHOOL

ELIZABETH ORTIZ

Ms. Elizabeth Ortiz (Upper School Spanish and Grade 5 Spanish) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and education from Davidson College, including studies of adolescent development, and a Master’s degree in Spanish and Latin American Literature and Culture from St. Louis University in Madrid, Spain. She has been teaching Spanish for more than 12 years. She continues her professional growth in the topics of equity and inclusion as well as with innovative world language methods such as Organic World Language, project-based learning, and online instruction methods.

WILLIAM RAUCKHORST

Mr. William Rauckhorst (Upper School Mathematics) has taught a wide variety of mathematics over the past ten years at private high schools in Honolulu, ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus. Mr. Rauckhorst has a background in Mechanical Engineering, which includes several years of industry experience, and holds a BA in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University.

DR. DMITRI KOTCHETKOV

Dr. Dmitri Kotchetkov (Upper School Science and Grade 8 Math)has many years of experience as an upper level high school science and mathematics teacher, most recently at Damien Memorial High School. Dr. Kotchetkov holds a Ph.D. in Physics. Prior to becoming a high school teacher, Dr. Kotchetkov worked as a physicist in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and at Ohio University.

JEFFREY HAMANO

Mr. Jeffrey Hamano (Orchestra Grades 5-12 and Chamber Strings)holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Hawai‘i Mānoa where he studied cello. He taught the Strings Orchestra program at Moanalua Elementary for 12 years and holds a private practice with cello lessons at Craig Young School of Music and Punahou School. He is an instructor with the Hawaii Youth Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with the Maui Symphony, the Honolulu Symphony, and with various artists in concerts here in Hawai‘i, as well as on the mainland. Mr. Hamano currently performs as a member of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.

DR. LYN ACKERMAN

Dr. Lyn Ackerman (Upper School Th eatre) holds a Ph.D. in Learning Design & Technology, and Master’s degrees in Th eatre and in Language Arts, Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Ackerman Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Ackerman brings many years of experience in the fi eld of education and has directed theatre at Mānoa Valley Th eatre and Honolulu at Mānoa Valley Th eatre and Honolulu Th eatre for Youth. Th eatre for Youth.

LĪHAU A. GALO

After teaching elementary school in the Hawai‘i public school system for seven years, Līhau (Lower School Teacher Aide) joined the St. Andrew’s Schools community. Līhau earned her teaching community. Līhau earned her teaching degree in Elementary Education at Chaminade University, and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. She has an pursuing her M.Ed. She has an elementary education license through elementary education license through the Hawai‘i Board of Education, and has the Hawai‘i Board of Education, and has been trained in Orton-Gillingham: Math and Reading, ELLS, and GLAD (guided language acquisition development), language acquisition development), among other educational training relevant among other educational training relevant to teaching. to teaching.

IRENEA DUPIO

Formerly a lead teacher at Queen Emma Preschool, Ms. Dupio (Lower School Teacher Aide) assists Th e Prep kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Ms. Dupio has more than 20 years of Ms. Dupio has more than 20 years of experience working with children and a passion for education. Her daughter Jurene is a student at Th e Priory. Jurene is a student at Th e Priory.

For the Love of Music

By Camille Michel

If you’ve never heard of a sopranino saxophone, much less know how to play one, don’t worry – Gordon Tokishi has got you covered. In fact, Gordon can cover pretty much the whole woodwind section of an orchestra if he had to.

And in December 2021…he actually had to.

By day, Gordon is the band director at St. Andrew’s Schools, teaching students in The Priory (Grades 4-12) and The Prep (Grades 4-6).

By night in December 2021, you would have found him playing in “the pit” for the musical Elf at Diamond Head Theatre – thus becoming the first wind player to perform in the orchestra at DHT since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring of 2020.

Pre-COVID, Gordon had performed in a long list of musicals, playing a long list of woodwinds: piccolo, flute, and alto flute; Eb, Bb, and bass clarinets; and sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones.

In December, for COVID safety reasons, the orchestra for Elf was limited to just four musicians, one of which was the musical director who also played the piano. Adding to the drama of this musical comedy, Gordon was not permitted to play more than one instrument because of union rules.

“I am covering the whole book on soprano sax, trying to cover trumpet, sax, clarinet, and flute parts with it!” said Gordon while still in rehearsal for the show. “This is only possible because of my dear friend, Maestro Emmett Yoshioka, whose arrangements of the show include him playing, too. I’m lucky because Mr. Yoshioka plays and conducts.” Gordon added, “I feel really blessed and honored to be the first wind player back in the pit. Playing live music for a musical is the most fun a person can have. You have to be accountable for the parts because the singers, dancers, and actors all count on you for accurate cues. You’re in a proverbial fishbowl at Diamond Head Theatre and you’re almost as much on stage as the actors. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun, too.”

Given his love of musical theatre, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Gordon’s first music lessons began on…a theatre organ. (Yes, that’s a thing.) His parents purchased the Baldwin organ from the Ed Jeffries Music Store on Beretania Street.

“I think my mom had this fantasy of me becoming a church organist,” says Gordon with a grin, “but I only wanted to play rock and roll.”

Today his favorite venue in which to play music is big band jazz. Prior to COVID restrictions, Gordon played in The Monday Night Jazz Band, the Shriner’s Potentate Big Band, the Thursday Night Jazz Band, the Honolulu Wind Ensemble, the University of Hawai‘i Sax Choir (yes, that’s a thing), and his church’s Praise Band.

But wait – there’s more! Not just a woodwind player, Gordon also loves to cook; he constantly explores the internet for recipes to try. He doesn’t sail anymore but now enjoys teaching his son how to windsurf. Gordon has gone back to playing tennis again after a long layoff due to injuries. “As the saying goes,” he says wryly, “the older I get, the better I used to be.”

Culinary and athletic interests notwithstanding, music is clearly one of Gordon’s greatest passions in life. “I love making and performing music,” Gordon says, “and want to introduce and share that joy with my students.”

For parents who want to nurture a love of music in their children, Gordon advocates for exposing them to live music as much as possible.

“Take them to see the Honolulu Symphony, live musicals, the Royal Hawaiian Band concerts,” he urges. “Be an example of being a patron of live music in the community. Constantly expose them to classical, Broadway, and jazz music in their community.”

At St. Andrew’s Schools, we are blessed to have Gordon Tokishi at the helm of our band program to instruct and inspire our students. And the feeling is mutual.

“I hope to continue to instill the love of performing music in my students,” Gordon says. “I am grateful to St. Andrew’s for allowing me to continue sharing my love of music with the next generation of musicians.”

Gordon Tokishi, Band Director

Musings from the Board

IVAN LUI KWAN

I have served on the St. Andrew’s board for approximately 25 years. Over those years my thinking has evolved with respect to the meaning of my service to St. Andrew’s. At the beginning of my service on the board, I was committed to the vision of Queen Emma; along with the other royal trusts (Kamehameha Schools, Lili‘uokalani Trust, Lunalilo Trust and the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust), our ali‘i sought through the provision of different services to provide relief for injury from the historical injustices inflicted on the Native Hawaiian people. More recently, my belief has been that the world can be made a better place if each individual contributes a little to advance healthy communities. Through its caring and responsible graduates over the past 154 years, St. Andrew’s Schools has done a lot to make Hawai‘i and the world a better place.

MARK POLIVKA

Since its founding, St. Andrew’s has been a beacon for those underserved in our community, initially Hawaiian girls. Its continued service to not only those but a broadspectrum of our community providing educational excellence is why I serve.

TAMMY YONEMITSU ROOKE ’81

As an alumna, I have a genuine belief in giving back to the community that gave me so much! I am in awe of the leadership of the Board; they are so passionate about making a difference in the lives of young girls and young women in this great community!

As a trustee, I am continually inspired with the educational leadership and innovative programs offered to the students of St. Andrew’s Schools.”

Susan Kurisu

JUDY PIETSCH

I am inspired by Queen Emma’s vision to start this exceptional school. I appreciate the unique small school excellence of Queen Emma Preschool, The Prep, and The Priory. I am proud of our superior educational program, our teachers, values, our visionary leaders, and the many successful alumnae who continually demonstrate the leadership learned at St. Andrew’s Schools.

BEVERLY AMENT ’68

As an alumna of The Priory, I appreciate the education and support that I received as a student in both the elementary and high school which gave me the foundation to succeed as an adult. Being a trustee allows me the opportunity to assist other young people to grow and succeed.

RUSSELL LAU

I love the fact that this school was originated by Hawaiian royalty and provides a high quality education and is primarily dedicated to the education of girls.

DARLENA CHADWICK

I serve as a trustee because I believe in the vision of Queen Emma to provide young women with the benefit of education. I want to be a part of making a difference toward this vision in perpetuity.

PAUL LILLIE

I am grateful for how St. Andrew’s serves young people from many diverse backgrounds, providing an excellent education that ministers to the student’s entire well-being. The school’s founding by Queen Emma and the Episcopal Church ensures this unique gift continues to flourish.

CAMERON NEKOTA

I serve as a St. Andrew’s Schools Trustee to ensure many more boys, girls, and young women have the same opportunity as my daughters to begin and continue their educational journey at one of Hawai‘i’s premiere independent schools.

PATTY FOLEY

I joined the Board of Trustees of St. Andrew’s Schools because I saw the value in a small school, rich in history right in downtown Honolulu. As I continue to serve, I am impressed by the high quality, personalized education the school delivers to each and every student from preschool through 12th grade as well as the number of remarkable young woman that are accepted at and attend notable colleges and universities throughout the mainland.

DEW-ANNE LANGCAON ’81

I am so honored to serve St. Andrew’s Schools as one of its trustees. As an alumna, I reflect fondly on my years at The Priory and am so grateful for the supportive faculty and staff who were instrumental in not only providing me a strong educational background, but for guiding the formation of my morals, values, and character that has enabled my success in all aspects of life. Through my own experience, I believe St. Andrew’s Schools develops its students to become productive and enlightened members of our community, and I am honored to give back to the school that gave me so much so that it can continue its legacy of nurturing the people of our community to make the world a better place.

MARY SELLERS

As a former parent, I have personally experienced the magic that the St. Andrew’s team creates for its students, providing a unique and personalized experience that allows each individual to develop into their best self. I would love to see more of the children of Hawai‘i have the opportunity to experience this special place especially since I know that our graduates go on to make a difference for themselves, their families, our community, and the broader world.

BETTINA MEHNERT

St. Andrew’s Schools, and for us specifically, The Priory, is a gem. It is a bit of a wellkept secret, and my serving on the Board of Trustees has been motivated by a mixture of ensuring its continued growth, supporting the vision of its passionate leadership, and assisting in positioning the school for our changing future. But what I, as a parent, have been most grateful for is that St. Andrew’s has instilled a deep appreciation for Hawai‘i, its language, music, and culture in my daughter. Thanks to St. Andrew’s, she will be positioned well for whatever the future might bring – because she has deeply seeded roots in her home in Hawai‘i. I will always be grateful.

“I’m honored to serve as a trustee at St. Andrew’s School’s. I feel it’s an opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my daughter.”

Keiki Snapshots

Ke Kamali‘i Hau‘oli a Kakou A snapshot of activity this year