Scholars from The Clarence T.C. Ching PUEO Program Class of 2019 gathered at the President’s Pavilion earlier this week to celebrate their graduation from high schools across the state and announce their college destinations. Scholars were also awarded scholarships from the Akaka Foundation and Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation.
President Jim Scott ’70, representatives from The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, PUEO faculty, as well as friends and parents, attended the event to honor the graduates. The moment marks the successful completion of the PUEO (Partnerships in Unlimited Educational Opportunities) Program, which helps middle and high school students in neighboring public and private schools become college-ready.
To the Class of 2019, endure. You’re all sitting here as a product of your own accomplishments. Continue to strive for greatness, and you will become greatness itself.
Kori Palencia, Class of 2013 PUEO scholar and University of Hawai‘i – Mānoa law student
PUEO supports public school students with a seven-year scholarship that provides academic and enrichment classes for six weeks during the summer and twice a month on weekends during the school year. Approximately 350 students in grades 6 –12 from more than 80 public and private schools will participate in The Clarence T. C. Ching PUEO Program this summer, and approximately 322 will have graduated from the program.
At the end of July, current assistant director, Kehau Kealoha-Scullion ’80, a longtime Punahou faculty member, will become director of PUEO, assuming the role long held by Carl Ackerman.