It was a joyful Convocation Ceremony on Alexander Field, with inspirational speeches, lively music and loud cheers to mark the beginning of the 2025 – 2026 academic year.
On Aug.13, Punahou students, faculty and staff from grades 2 – 12 filled Alexander Field with energy and excitement as they marked the start of the school year at Convocation. With the 185th anniversary of Punahou School coming in 2026, this year’s gathering felt especially meaningful – a joyful step toward a milestone that honors nearly two centuries of learning, growth and community.
The event featured speeches from President Mike Latham ’86, Board of Trustees Chair David Carey, Junior School Principal Todd Chow-Hoy, Academy Principal Gustavo Carrera and Senior Class President Vincent Saito ’26. Chaplain Luana Uluave opened the morning with a blessing, weaving this year’s Chapel theme, ‘Auamo Kuleana – “embracing responsibility” – into her message.
Throughout Convocation, each speaker carried that theme forward, instilling purpose and a deep sense of responsibility in each member of our community. Together, they highlighted that each of us is called – not only to contribute to the collective good, but also to pursue the individual work that is uniquely ours. To practice ‘Auamo Kuleana is to willingly take on the responsibilities entrusted to us – with care, integrity and joy – as we strive to serve both Hawai‘i and the wider world with compassion and courage.
President Latham set the tone for the joyous occasion with an uplifting speech about the power of gratitude – encouraging students to cherish the gift of attending Punahou, appreciate the dedicated faculty and staff who guide and inspire them and honor the people whose support makes it all possible. He said, “Your families, your parents, friends of the school, perhaps some people you have never even met have made it possible for you to go to Punahou. To attend one of the very finest schools on the face of the Earth. That is a truly enormous privilege.”
He also urged students to give their all, ask bold questions and seek meaning in all they do. President Latham inspired them to bring others along on their journey and welcome new students as well. “You have it within your power to enhance the experience and the lives of everybody you come into contact with,” he noted. He concluded his speech by expressing his hope that students carry this sense of gratitude and appreciation, and that they find ways to give back – both to Punahou and the communities they are part of.
Board of Trustees Chair David Carey also spoke about the importance of showing up and making the most of the opportunities and resources available to thrive at Punahou. He thanked the teachers and faculty for making new possibilities a reality, noting that their care and commitment make all the difference for students. “Do your best. You don’t have to be the best. But you have to do your best,” he said.
In his address, Junior School Principal Todd Chow-Hoy reminded us through Disney stories that every journey begins with identity (“Moana”), dreams grow from knowing who we are (“Coco”) and true strength comes from carrying responsibility (“Mulan”). “You have the power to choose how you respond when your moment comes,” he told students. “So when things feel tough, remember this: start at your center and stay grounded in who you are, because Punahou is your place to dream, discover and become.”
Academy Principal Gustavo Carrera echoed this spirit, emphasizing that Punahou is a purposeful community – a place where we show up for one another, share responsibility and create meaning together. “May this year be one in which you discover your community and embrace your kuleana and joy.” he said, before warmly welcoming new students, including those joining the Academy from the Junior School and congratulating the senior class of 2026.
The speeches concluded with Senior Class President Vincent Saito ’26, who advised his classmates that, “You don’t need to do everything, you just need to do the things you’ll remember.” He encouraged students to embrace opportunities, knowing that the moments they will carry forward are the ones they chose to care about. It isn’t about being perfect or doing everything, he shared, but about choosing the experiences that truly matter.
The excitement carried into the afternoon with a special Keiki Convocation for first graders, held in the Omidyar K – 1 Neighborhood.
Photos by Kathleen Connelly