The Parent Faculty Association (PFA) honors select parents and/or guardians as yearly Above and Beyond recipients. The volunteers selected have their last child graduating from Punahou, have served multiple terms on the PFA Board, and have held significant leadership roles in the PFA and Carnival. These volunteers have shared their leadership skills, time and commitment with the larger Punahou community.
Meet our Above and Beyond 2025 recipients, AlvaAnn Lai, Cheryl Looper, and Michelle Nouchi Ogata.
AlvaAnn Lai
If you ever stepped into the PFA Portable during a birthday card-making session, chances are you heard the laughter before you even opened the door – and you’d likely find Alva right in the middle of it all, crafting cards, swapping stories, and creating moments that turned into lifelong friendships. As a longtime member of the Recognition Committee, she poured her time and creativity into celebrating others, one birthday card at a time – three-hour sessions filled not just with paper and markers, but with heart and connection.
True to her humble spirit, Alva will be the last to mention it – but she also served as this year’s overall Parent Chair for the 2025 Graduation, a role that came with countless hours of planning, coordination, and care. It was no small task, yet she carried it with calm resolve and grace, ensuring that this milestone year would be unforgettable for the students and families she so deeply cares about.
With a family that includes Jasmine ’11, Jonah ’18, Amanda ’25 – and proud Kalani High School alumna AubreeAnn ’16 – Alva has been part of the Punahou journey for many years. Through it all, she’s led not with ego, but with empathy, bringing people together and lifting them up. This Above and Beyond Award is a heartfelt way to honor the countless ways she’s strengthened our PFA ‘ohana – not just through what she’s done, but through who she is.
Cheryl Looper
If you’ve ever worked alongside Cheryl, you know exactly what it feels like to be welcomed with warmth, encouragement, and a smile that says, “You belong here.” Throughout her years with the PFA, Cheryl has been the quiet force helping families feel at home and new volunteers feel confident. She didn’t just serve –she connected, uplifted, and built community. During her time as PFA President, she pushed for more inclusive gatherings, especially advocating for evening events so families with daytime commitments wouldn’t be left out. It wasn’t about checking a box – it was about making sure everyone had a seat on the mat.
Ask Cheryl about her favorite memories and you’ll hear stories of late nights and early mornings, but mostly you’ll hear about the people. The laughter shared while setting up a carnival booth, the friendships formed over planning meetings, the joy in doing meaningful work side by side – that’s what stands out most to her. “I’ve made so many lifelong friends through the PFA and Carnival,” she says, and we know many of us would say the same about her.
As mom to Lura ’21 and David ’25, Cheryl has poured so much love and time into this community – not just for her children, but for all of ours. Her Above and Beyond Award is more than well deserved; it’s a reflection of the countless hearts she’s touched.
Michelle Nouchi Ogata
If you’ve ever crossed paths with Michelle in her PFA journey, you know the kindness, humility, and quiet strength she brings to every role she takes on. When she first stepped into her Room Parent role back in 2010, she admits she felt unsure – she didn’t know many other parents, and like so many of us, she questioned whether she was the “right” person for the job. But Michelle showed up anyway, with an open heart and a willingness to help. And what began as a leap into the unknown became the start of something truly meaningful.
Over the years, Michelle has been a constant presence – someone who never sought the spotlight, but always showed up, supported others, and gave her all. She often speaks about how the PFA community was there to lift her up, helping her grow in confidence and feel a deeper connection to the school and its mission. And in turn, she’s been that same steady, encouraging force for so many others.
As the proud mom of Emma ’22 and Drew ’25, Michelle reflects on the friendships and memories she’s made with gratitude and joy. “I can say that I’ve gained lifelong friendships and lasting memories,” she shares – and anyone who’s worked alongside her would say the same. Her warmth, reliability, and grace have made a lasting mark on our PFA ‘ohana, and this Above and Beyond Award is a heartfelt thank-you for the many ways she’s made our community stronger.
