On June 2, 2018, a new tradition began as family, friends and faculty celebrated the Class of 2018’s graduation at the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa campus.
Following the invocation by Chaplain George Scott, student speaker Paige Hilliard ’18 delivered a heartfelt speech, ending with a request for her classmates: “While you’re out there taking the world by storm, with all that we have been given, do the unexpected.”
Over two dozen student dancers then graced the main floor of the Stan Sheriff Center to perform a hula as their classmates sang, “Malama Mau Hawai‘i.” Student speaker Emily Kim ’18 likened the Punahou experience to a star-studded movie in an entertaining speech entitled “Lights, Camera, Action.” The graduates also performed their class song, “Behold the Mountains,” written by Nicholas Amador ’18.
Academy Principal Emily McCarren shared the remarkable qualities of the class with the audience. “They are brave and bold trailblazers, and most importantly they are caring and kind.”
In his farewell address to the Class of 2018, President Jim Scott ’70 recognized the gift of a Punahou education and encouraged students to pay it forward: “What you are about to receive is more than just a diploma. It is a gift and a promise that you will use your considerable talent, your keen intellect, and your great big caring hearts to improve the lives of others.”
By far the most compelling theme that defines this class to us is their kind and caring character. These students continually express care for each other and the community. And if the true sense of character is measured by what you do when no one is looking, when it doesn’t ‘count,’ this class is truly exceptional.
Academy Principal Emily McCarren