PFA Volunteers Making Lasting Connections 

Jenny Suzuki P ’29, PFA K – 5 Admissions Support Committee Co-Chair

The PFA K – 5 Admissions Support Committee, as well as the Case Middle School and Academy Admissions Support Committees, are made up of parents and guardians of students who assist Punahou Admissions prior to and during events for prospective students and their families. Admissions-driven events include Open Houses, Welcomes, tours, interviews, testing support, and other Admissions Support events as needed. 

Our team supports Punahou Admissions by meeting before events to discuss the needs of the school and solicit volunteers. We then put our plan into action. We assist Punahou Admissions with setting up the area and working with the volunteers to ensure we are all able to support and welcome prospective families as they register and explore the campus. 

A new, really engaging opportunity for parents and guardians was to support a Parent Panel. Punahou Admissions added Parent Panels as part of the programs for prospective families to attend while on campus. The parents on the panel have students currently enrolled and provide the prospective families with valuable insights into what it is like to be a parent of a child attending Punahou. Prospective families said the Parent Panel provided valuable perspectives and a “peek” into what a day in the life of a Punahou family might look like. 

As a non-Punahou alumna, volunteering has helped me learn more about the school and make friendships along the way. My first experience as a PFA volunteer was with Eleu Ornellas (Punahou Alumni ’92). She was the first “mommy” friend I made at Punahou. She guided me through it all and welcomed me with open arms. She even gave me a Punahou ’92 cup holder to make me an “official” unofficial alumni – always welcoming. Although she is no longer with us, she continues to inspire me to volunteer. I hope you will join me in volunteering, and maybe you, too, will find your “Eleu.” 

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We hope you’ll consider volunteering at one of the upcoming Admissions Open Houses this year: