By PFA Academy Admissions Support AlvaAnn Uchimura ’89 Lai, P’11, P’18, P’25
Each year, on several Saturdays between November and February, Mamiya Science Center is abuzz with activity as students applying to Punahou for grades 9 – 12 and their families come to campus for admissions events. Organized by the Admissions Office, these Saturday sessions are a vital component of the Academy admissions process. Parent volunteers provide invaluable support, ensuring the sessions run smoothly for everyone.
One of the first interactions an applicant family has upon arrival to campus is a warm welcome from PFA volunteers at the check-in table. Volunteers also guide applicants to their assigned rooms for interviews and writing samples, while others assist applicant parents in finding their way to presentations by deans or students. Additional parent volunteers disperse throughout campus to provide support for families as they embark on campus tours led by Academy student guides.
I volunteer to help with admissions because I remember what it was like when my children applied to Punahou. Though I was already familiar with Punahou and its campus, the admissions process was new to me. Friendly smiles and kind words from PFA parent volunteers made me feel so welcome and at ease. I feel fortunate to now be able to share my experience as a Punahou parent with applicant families.
Parents from kindergarten – grade 12 enthusiastically volunteer their time throughout the Admissions season year after year. Volunteering to assist with the many events put on by the Punahou Admissions team is a wonderful way for Punahou parents to get involved! We encourage all of our parents to sign up to support an Admissions event through PFA.