Aloha Ceremony 2025

Laura Chang-Blust
Academy Faculty – Chinese Language

Laura joined Punahou in 2004 as a part-time Mandarin Chinese teacher in the Academy. After briefly stepping away to balance family life, she returned in 2009 as a full-time faculty member and has been a dedicated teacher of Mandarin ever since. Over the years, she helped shape a rich, culturally integrated curriculum following the footsteps of pioneering educators such as Hope Staab, Linette Char, and Feng Ye.

One of her most meaningful contributions was leading the Chinese 4 Honors course, where students volunteered weekly at the Palolo Chinese Home. Through this experience, they built connections with kūpuna and learned valuable life lessons, often feeling they gained more than they gave. In more recent years, she incorporated the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into her teaching, encouraging students to use their cultural and linguistic knowledge as tools for global citizenship.

Her time at Punahou has also been deeply personal – her daughter, Jasmine ’17, was a student here, bringing her an added sense of pride. In retirement, Laura looks forward to reconnecting with family abroad, practicing yoga, enjoying tea and volleyball games with friends, and continuing her lifelong pursuit of learning and discovery.

Nanci Coolen
Academy Faculty / Department Head – PE

Nanci began her Punahou journey in 1993 as a teacher with the Summer Sports School. After years of subbing and covering for maternity and sabbatical leaves, she accepted a full-time position in 2004. She taught in grades 3 – 5 before spending 15 years in Case Middle School as a PE teacher, department chair and coach. Most recently, she served as Academy PE department chair and teacher.

Some of her proudest moments include watching her own children, Demi ’12 and Bo ’14, thrive at Punahou with the help of her inspiring colleagues. She also launched a summer scholarship swim program for non-swimmers and a sun safety initiative that led to sunscreen stations being installed around campus. Above all, she cherishes the fun and joy of teaching what she calls “the best subject to the best kids.”

Outside of Punahou, Nanci enjoys traveling, swimming, reading, exercise, and making soap. She looks forward to more time with her family, including her grandchild, Colt, and to traveling the world. What she’ll miss most are the students, her coworkers who are also close friends, and the daily laughs with her Punahou ʻohana.

Violeta Dahilig
Custodian

Violeta Dahilig joined Punahou in November 1997 and has served the School as a dedicated custodian, including roles as a nighttime and athletic custodian. Her career was enriched by the people she met – students, faculty, and colleagues – who made each day memorable.

A highlight of her time was working alongside her father, a meaningful influence in her life, and being honored as Employee of the Month under former Director of Physical Plant Steve Piper. Violeta especially appreciated the students who showed her kindness and gratitude. In retirement, she looks forward to traveling to Las Vegas, spending time with her family, and showering her grandkids with love.

Carol Dearden
Manager – Procurement and Asset Management

Carol joined Punahou School in 2003, working in summer school and human resources. The 10-month schedule was a perfect fit, allowing her to spend summers with her son.

In 2006, Wendi Kamiya invited Carol to join the IT team. She embraced the challenge of a new opportunity and found deep fulfillment in supporting the School’s technology needs. She took pride in helping purchase and support tools that aligned with Punahou’s mission, ensuring students, faculty and staff had the resources to excel. Being part of such an exceptional IT team was a privilege, and she valued contributing to the School’s vision while empowering others in their work and learning. She truly loved her job.

Carol also cherished the education her son, Michael ’14, received at Punahou. Beyond her work, she built lasting friendships and will miss the daily interactions and learning from her IT colleagues.

In retirement, she enjoys spending time with her mom, early morning walks, gardening, cooking, traveling with her husband, visiting her son in Washington, D.C. and keeping up her daily Wordle games with friends.

Cindy Eulitt
Manager, Food Service Production

Cindy joined Punahou in October 1985. She began her journey as an on-call cafeteria worker – a role that quickly became full-time. Over the years, she worked in every part of the cafeteria, from the dish room and salad prep to cashiering, cooking, catering, and eventually serving as production manager. She loved being part of special events like teas, lū‘aus, luncheons, and especially Carnival – nothing beat the malasadas and Hawaiian plates!

Her greatest joy is spending time with her ʻohana and moʻopuna, whether traveling, cheering at games, or just hanging out. She treasures the lifelong friendships made at Punahou and will miss them deeply.

Catherine Goto
Co-Curricular Faculty – Music School

Cathy’s introduction to music began with piano lessons, a requirement from her mother. By the time she was 15, she decided piano wasn’t for her and switched to voice lessons instead. Singing came naturally, and in just a few years, she built a large repertoire of songs, realizing that voice was her true instrument.

In her 20s, Cathy performed with the Honolulu Symphony, Honolulu Community Theatre (now Diamond Head Theatre), and local churches. A turning point came when she auditioned for the San Francisco Opera and was encouraged by a coach to expect to be picked. However, the experience made her realize that teaching, rather than performing, was her true calling.

Cathy earned a voice performance degree and a secondary education degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and Bank Street College in Washington, D.C. She taught at Central Union Church Preschool for 13 years before joining Punahou in 1993. Over the years, she appreciated the trust and support of Music School directors Donald Yap, Amy Mitsuda, and Helen Chao-Casano, which allowed her to grow as a teacher.

For Cathy, there is no single defining moment from her time at Punahou – only the ongoing joy of helping young singers develop their healthiest, most beautiful sound. She has loved working with so many talented students and colleagues and finds deep fulfillment in guiding vocalists on their musical journeys. 

Paul Hamamoto ’83
Academy Faculty – English

Paul joined the Punahou faculty in 1990, driven by a love for literature that led him to the classroom. Over time, his passion for teaching grew through his connections with students, and his deep appreciation for colleagues kept him at Punahou for 35 years.

Beyond the classroom, Paul took on many roles, serving as SECR Head, English Department Head, and Learning Commons Catalyst. His time at Punahou was marked by memorable experiences, from teaching fourth grade for a year to coaching water polo and soccer for over 40 seasons. Some of his fondest memories include driving to and from school with his daughters, Lucy ’11 and Kate ’13, and delivering baccalaureate speeches in 1995 and 2001.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys soccer, playing guitar, Zen Buddhism, and snowboarding. As he steps toward retiring – or as a friend put it, “rewiring” – he looks forward to new adventures and embracing whatever comes next.

Neela Kinariwala
Co-Curricular Faculty – Music School

Neela joined Punahou in 2007 as a violin instructor at the Music School, dedicating her career to nurturing young musicians. One of her most rewarding experiences was guiding a student with learning difficulties through 12 years of violin study. She also cherished participating in faculty recitals and celebrating students who continued playing violin beyond Punahou, whether as music majors or for personal enjoyment.

Being part of the Music School community was especially meaningful to Neela. She valued the collaboration among teachers and musicians, all working together to bring the joy of music to students and their families. She will miss the daily interactions with students, watching them grow from beginners as young as four years old to accomplished musicians.

In retirement, Neela looks forward to exploring new hobbies, building new friendships, and dedicating more time to playing her instrument. Outside of music, she enjoys hiking, baking and reading.

Karen Lovell
Administrative Supervisor

Karen joined Punahou in 1998 and most recently served as the administrative supervisor for the Physical Plant. Her connection to Punahou began as a parent to Mark ’99 and Melissa Lovell ’03 Carlisle and grew into nearly three decades of service. Her earlier roles included administrative assistant in the Development Office and facilities assistant in Physical Plant. 

Among her proudest accomplishments was serving on the School’s first Crisis Response Team after earning certification in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management from UH – West Oʻahu. She worked with Hawaiʻi State Civil Defense to install Punahou’s first emergency alert siren and produced the School’s first lockdown training video for faculty and staff.

Karen also led the implementation of the rSchool Today applications now used for calendaring, scheduling, field trips and job requests across campus. A lifelong hula dancer, she was part of the first faculty and staff group to perform in the Holokū Pageant and will take part in her final performance this year. She also previously served the pageant as stage manager and kahili decorator.

She looks forward to more time for hula, swimming, tai chi and growing her new business, “Just Lovelly,” offering administrative and crisis management services. She is grateful for the friendships formed over the years with various departments. In retirement, she looks forward to a cruise around Japan and visiting her grandchildren in Nevada.

Matt Martinson ’79
Academy Faculty – PE

Matt’s employment at Punahou started way back, beginning in his sophomore year when he spent summers scrubbing gymnastics mats and cleaning football equipment in JB Castle. Over time, he moved into teaching summer weight training and summer sports, roles he continued for many years.

In 1988, Matt was hired as an athletic trainer and elementary swim instructor. In 2004, he transitioned from the training room to the classroom, teaching fifth and sixth grade PE, and later, Academy PE. He was a key contributor to the development of the Academy’s Lifetime Fitness course, helping shape a curriculum that promotes lifelong health and wellness.

Beyond the classroom, Matt was a dedicated soccer coach at the Intermediate, JV, and varsity levels, leading the girls varsity team to three state championships. His love for athletics and education was instilled early – his father was Punahou’s longtime athletic director and teacher. Growing up on campus, Matt and other faculty children turned Punahou into their playground, exploring Barwick, playing capture the flag in the Winne Units, and spending summers and weekends at the Punahou cottage in Kailua. These memories, along with the values of community and activity, shaped his own family’s experiences.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys golf, surfing, woodworking, cooking, and walking through Mānoa Valley with his wife, Suzie. He volunteers as a track and field official each spring and plans to continue that work. In retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his wife and children, Kaheke ’13 and Ke‘ala ’17, traveling, staying active in the ocean and on the golf course, and working with seniors and families to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

Arlene Merritt
Junior School Faculty – Grades K – 1 Art

Longtime K – 1 art teacher Arlene has been a fixture in the community, illustrating the world of creativity and self-expression for generations of students.

Her colorful career at Punahou began in August 1995 in a flexible role that led to the development of the K – 1 art program as it exists today. She helped establish the Art Open House, inviting parents to experience the creative process alongside their children. Professional development trips to China, Rapa Nui, Tahiti and Reggio Emilia further fueled her creativity and enriched the curriculum.

Over three decades, Arlene saw significant changes in the learning environment, from transporting an “art cart” to classrooms from a storage room outside Wilcox to teaching in Castle Hall, portable classrooms, Winne, and finally, Omidyar. She fondly remembers its opening day, with Hattie Eldredge ’66 Phillips chanting a blessing outside the art room – a moment symbolizing the School’s commitment to the arts.

Arlene cherished her time with Punahou’s youngest learners, as art was their primary language. She will miss learning from them as much as teaching them.

In retirement, she looks forward to new adventures, including volunteering at the Bishop Museum Botany Lab and exploring her own creative pursuits – filling her palette with new colors.

Tui Moe
Operations Support

For 36 years, Tuitoga “Tui” Moe brought dedication, versatility, and cultural richness to Punahou School. Starting with night shifts in campus security before moving into driving duties, Tui became a familiar and dependable presence to generations of students and staff.

Outside of his work at Punahou, Tui spent many years performing at the iconic Hawaiian Hut in the Ala Moana Hotel, where he played guitar, bass, ukulele, and Tahitian drums. The Polynesian show was a family affair, beloved by locals and visitors alike.

On campus, Tui and his wife Jo Ann coached intermediate boys and girls soccer for 20 years. Athletic talent runs deep in the Moe family – all four of their children were multi-sport athletes, including daughter Tui Jo ’95, who played varsity football.

Tui is also an accomplished weaver, known for crafting decorative baskets for events like Holokū and Chapel. Whether through music, sports, or craftsmanship, his life reflects a deep connection to culture, community, and service.

Eugene Pagtulingan
Cook

After many years of dedicated service, Eugene Pagtulingan is retiring from Punahou. Known for his love of cooking, Eugene shared, “I like my job and I like knowing that I provide nourishment to the students. I love cooking and to provide this service for students.”

His care and commitment made a lasting impact on our community.

Donna Reid-Hayes ’78
Junior School Faculty – Kindergarten

Donna joined Punahou in 1984 and returned in 1997 after raising her three children. Over the years, she has served as a kindergarten, first-, and third-grade teacher, as well as a K – 3 admissions counselor. A proud Punahou alumna and descendant of one of the school’s founding families, Donna has brought deep personal connection and cultural insight to her work.

Among her most meaningful experiences was traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy, where she studied its renowned early childhood education philosophy. The trip profoundly shaped her classroom practice and later inspired her doctoral research. As a member of the Steering Committee for the Omidyar K–1 Neighborhood, she helped integrate brain research and Hawaiian cultural values into innovative learning environments.

Donna has been especially moved by the growing presence of Hawaiian language and culture on campus, finding joy each morning in the voices of keiki at piko. Her love for her students is evident in every “Aunty Donna” she hears throughout the day.

In retirement, Donna looks forward to time with her moʻopuna, traveling in the fall and spring, writing, and continuing to uplift Hawaiʻi’s children. She leaves Punahou deeply grateful and forever changed by the journey.

Lon Wysard ’81
Associate Director of Admissions

Lon began his full-time career at Punahou in the fall of 1988, dedicating 18 years to teaching fifth grade math and science before transitioning to the Admissions Office as an Associate Director, where he served for another 18 years. He also played a key role in launching the PUEO program as a curriculum advisor and coached football and track and field.

Throughout his time at Punahou, Lon wore many hats – teacher, coach, parent and admissions leader. Each role brought both challenges and rewards, deepening his appreciation for the School’s mission and community.

In retirement, Lon looks forward to new adventures, exercising and spending time with family, but Punahou will always hold a special place in his heart, not just as a workplace, but as home. Having grown up on campus, he will always remember it as his backyard – a place of exploration, friendships and lifelong memories.