Students in grades 2 – 12, teachers and staff kicked off the school year at Wednesday’s Convocation at Alexander Field.
After announcing the theme for the 2019 – 2020 school year – Pōmaika‘i nā mea a pau (everything is blessed) – Punahou’s leadership reflected on their hopes for the new school year.
Serving his first year as Punahou President, Mike Latham ’86 encouraged students to be kind to others and reach out to those who may need support. “I want to encourage you to act with compassion this year, to welcome the new students, the new faculty, the new staff,” he said. “I challenge each of you this day to make a new friend – someone you’ve never met before – welcoming them into the Punahou ‘ohana. Remember that Punahou is first and foremost a community, and let that realization shape your words and actions.
“Act with compassion, defend the dignity of others and make Punahou known by our remarkable kindness.”
Meanwhile, Punahou Trustee Mark Fukunaga ’74 told students: “You’ll discover things not only about the world, but about yourselves, which is the most important thing.”
You don’t know yet, but your years at Punahou will influence and shape you for the rest of your life.
Mark Fukunaga ’74
After Convocation, the buzz across campus was palpable as students reconnected with classmates and began their first day of classes. Later in the afternoon, children in grades K – 1 celebrated with their own keiki convocation.