Punahou Carnival 2027 preparations officially kicked off on Oct. 15 with a Y2K-inspired celebration in Dillingham Hall, bringing together parent and student volunteers for an evening of entertainment, connection and excitement.
Carnival Co-Chairs Ceci Briceño ’28 and Tai Malalis ’28, along with the student Coordinating Committee, took the stage for a skit featuring playful references to popular bands of the early 2000s. The “Battle of the Y2K Bands” featured cleverly named groups including Foo(d) Fighters, Coldplay Games, All-Punahou Rejects, Plain White (Special) T’s and Destiny’s Camera.
Punahou President Dr. Mike Latham ’86 made a special appearance as “Carson Datham,” a nod to Carson Daly, former host of MTV’s Total Request Live. Junior Deans Rick Tune ’93 and Emily Silver joined the fun as “Dean Day,” a play on Green Day, before everyone came together for a rendition of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” to close the performance.
The kickoff also brought together approximately 500 junior parent and student chairs and 220 sophomore parent co-chairs to connect, learn about their responsibilities and prepare for the months ahead. Parent Chair Kristi Koga ’85 is helping lead the volunteer efforts for Carnival 2027, themed “Party Like It’s 2000: A Punahou Carnival.”
Led by the Class of 2028, Carnival 2027 will take place Feb. 5 – 6, bringing together students, families, alumni and volunteers for two days of fun, festivities and community spirit in support of Punahou’s financial aid program.
Photos by Roy Hasegawa