Jonah Ka‘akua ’97 has been selected as a new Academy dean for the incoming freshman Class of 2022, effective this summer. He will work closely with Punahou faculty and administrators, including his partner dean, Christine David, to ensure a smooth transition for students and to guide the class throughout their high school journey. Ka‘akua will take the place of outgoing Academy Dean Scott Herzer, who will take on a new role in the Academy after graduating the Class of 2018.
Ka‘akua began working at Punahou in 2005 in the Psychosocial Department. The O‘ahu local received his B.A. from University of Puget Sound and his master’s in counseling with a focus on schools from Chaminade University.
“As a teacher, coach and mentor, Jonah has demonstrated his passion for supporting the academic, personal and social-emotional lives of students,” said Academy Principal Emily McCarren. “I am excited to have Jonah join the Council of Deans, which will benefit from his deep care for the well-being and success of all our students.”
“The Punahou community has played a significant role in my life,” Ka‘akua reflected. “It is that spirit of empathy and support that I aim to epitomize in my interactions with the Class of 2022.”