On June 4, thousands of family, friends and faculty celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2016 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center.
The ceremony began with a lively presentation by the seniors of Punahou’s 175th anniversary song, “Punahou Stand Strong,” written by Roslyn Freitas ’82 Catracchia. Later in the evening, several students performed a graceful hula while classmates sang “Ka Makana I Aloha ‘Ia.”
In her presentation of the Class, Academy Principal Dr. Emily McCarren praised the seniors: “Often at commencements, graduates are urged to go forth with their newly minted skills and knowledge to make the world a better place. But one of the remarkable things about this class is that they have not waited for their high school diplomas to live lives of meaning and impact.”
President Jim Scott’s ’70 farewell message to the seniors reminded them of the bonds they have formed over the years. “The deep friendships made here at Punahou will remain with you the rest of your lives. Remember these moments together and the community that you have created here among good friends, classmates, teammates and fellow performers.”
In celebration of receiving their high-school diplomas, the 431 graduating seniors immediately erupted into an energetic flash mob where they spelled out “175” and “2016” with buff and blue props.