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About 100 alumni, guests, and 'Iolani School representatives gathered together for an evening of conversation and fellowship. The reception featured a delightful spread of heavy pupu and took place in the grand Washington Athletic Club. Headmaster Dr. Val Iwashita '67 gave a very detailed presentation about the Sullivan Center that generated much excitement and chatter. The Headmaster also shared information about the next head of school, Dr. Timothy Cottrell. This reception was planned by the Alumni Office at 'Iolani School and coincided with the end of the NAIS Annual Conference which 'Iolani officials had attended.

On Saturday, December 17, twenty-three alumni, family, and friends gathered at Family Promise of Hawai'i to decorate the rooms that provide services for families that are transitioning out of homelessness. ICAN volunteers also wrapped almost 100 gifts that were donated to the non-profit. The before and after difference was huge! Afterward, ICANers continued to rock out to holiday jingles at their pot luck. Special thanks to our project coordinators Allison Ishii '02, Walden Au '03, and Marcus Kawatchi '90, and to Family Promises' volunteer coordinator, Lauren Balkin '07, for making this event possible. Happy Holidays!

On Nov 10, 2011, about four dozen alumni gathered at Uncle Bo's Restaurant for fellowship, fun, and FREE food. Alumni young and wise (Classes of 2006-1973) reveled in the excitement of seeing new and old faces on the eve of a three day weekend. A special thanks goes out to IAA board members Paul Kennedy '86 and Norman Cheng '95 for organizing this event.

On Sunday, October 30, alumni and their families gathered at Aiea Bowl for the spooktacular Alumni Association Halloween Bowling Party and costume contest! About 100 Raiders brought their best game as they bowled in costume for three whole hours, ate scrumptious Aiea Bowl food, and competed in the costume contest. It was awesome!

ICANers hiked half mile into the dense Manoa rainforest and removed a highly invasive species of bamboo that has been choking out native plants, all the while battling terrible mosquitoes. In all, they performed two full week's worth of work! Their work made a significant impact on the work that the limited staff of five does to maintain the entire grounds (194 acres) daily. Mahalo to project coordinators Mark Ohigashi '03 and Derek Kawano '02 for spearheading the event!

The day after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011, ?Iolani alumni and family gathered for a previously schedule reception to welcome Headmaster Val Iwashita, who had traveled to Tokyo as a member of the Japanese American Leadership Delegation.

?Tis the season to be giving! The Iolani Alumni Gumi in Japan met on December 17 at Pualani, an Italian (?!) restaurant with a Hawaiian vibe, for its annual Christmas Party/Bonenkai event. Old and new faces were present and 3-hours of talking, gift exchanging, and laughter flew by. This year things were done a little differently . . . inspired by ?ICAN and an anonymous donation from a kind alumnus in Tokyo, the Gumi held a donation drive to raise money and collect toys and used clothing for Wakatake Home, a children?s home for abused and neglected kids.The Gumi raised over $500 in donations and boxes of clothing and toys were sent in time for Christmas. By simply ?Paying it Forward,? it got a little warmer in Tokyo this year. Aloha from Japan!

The Women of 'Iolani Network (WIN)--along with a few men of 'Iolani--enjoyed an evening of pure relaxation at Indulge Yourself, on November 3 at Amuse Wine Bar. The women and men who attended were pampered with massages and beauty drinks, courtesy of Pure Joy Day Spa; in the midst of enjoying all of those indulgences, they socialized over pupu, dessert, and wine. Many thanks go to Pure Joy Day Spa for their generous donations of massages, beverages, and gift certificates. 'Iolani Alumni Association Board member Kacy Nekoba '00 was the event's coordinator.

As part of the 'Iolani Community Action Network's One Day. One Team. international day of service, more than 150 alumni, students, 'Iolani parents, and 'Iolani faculty rolled up their sleeves to assist Totally Against Grafitti (TAG) with their October service day. The project's focus was on cleaning up the McCully, Moiliili community. Volunteers painted over grafitti, cleaned up trash, and cleared sidewalks in an effort to beautify the area. Special thanks to Trina Orimoto '01 and Janna Young '01 for their help organizing 'Iolani alumni volunteers.

It was a chilly and gray morning, but that did not deter Bay Area alumni from participating in their own One Day. One Team. project. About a dozen alumni helped to clean up a portion of Ocean Beach within the Golden Gate National Park. Special thanks to project coordinator Pomaikai Shishido '03 for his work in organizing the group.

Homelessness is a major problem in Hawaii today, afffecting thousands of local families. On October 2, as part of ICAN's One Day. One Team. project, two shifts of 'Iolani alumni put in work to help one family achieve their dream of home ownership. Working in partnership with Habitat For Humanity Honolulu, volunteers donned hard hats and grabbed power tools to further the contstruction of a home in Waialua for the Vasconcellos family. Alumni primed siding, helped with the addition of roof trusses and drywall studs to the home's frame, and learned more about H4H's mission to address the homeless problem in Hawaii. They got the opportunity to work alongside members of the Vasconcellos family and other skilled volunteer workers who dedicate their Saturdays for projects such as this. Thank you to Maya Tatsuno '03 and Jon Nouchi '93 for their work in organizing the project.

In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-based alumni rolled up their sleeves to help Food Lifeline achieve their mission of feeding Washington State's hungry. More than 20 alumni gathered at Food Lifeline's Shoreline warehouse to package and sort donated food that would later be distributed to the area's needy. Though at times the work was a little messy (think old potatoes), all of the alumni had a great time getting to know each other and doing good work for their community. Thanks to Karlyn '07 and Krystal '06 for stepping up as the local point of contact and hosts for this event.

A group of more than 50 alumni volunteers participated in the Los Angeles One Day. One Team. project at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Volunteers helped to sort and package food that would later be distributed to the area's hungry through the Food Bank's partner organizations. At the end of the day, our alumni had packed scores of boxes for those in need, and had also had the chance to meet and talk story with alumni from all over the area. Thanks to project coordinators Joel Hamaguchi '01 and Aaron Kandell '01 for their leadership of the project, and to Lyndon Pham '01 for taking photos.

The 'Iolani Gumi in Japan joined in on One Day. One Team. events, making it a truly international day of service! Alumni, under the leadership of Mitzi Ing '00 and Lea Okudara '00, traveled to Wakatake Home outside of Tokyo. The home is an orphaniage for abused and neglected children, and our alumni brought a little aloha spirit to brighten the children's day. They played basketball and soccer games with the kids, cooked an elaborate BBQ, and taught the children how to make lei. In the process, both the children at Wakatake and our alumni laughed and enjoyed themselves while exchanging cultures.

A beautiful day greeted alumni volunteers in New York City as they gathered to participate in a clean-up of the Hudson River as part of the One Day. One Team. international day of alumni service. Alums worked on the area between 145th and 155th Streets, making a visible impact on the appearance of the river bank. Mahalo to Mariana Lee '02 and Mike Maii '95 for spearheading the event.

New England's 'Iolani alumni came together for "One Day. One Team." at the American Red Cross Food Pantry, helping to package and sort food for the region's hungry. At the end of the day's work, the group had boxed several huge containers of food for distribution to the area's needy. Mahalo to everyone who came out in support of "One Day. One Team."! Special thanks to Bryan Ho '03 and Ivy Lee '05 for serving as project coordinators for the event.

'Iolani School recognized the 'Iolani Alumni Association's volunteers at the Annual Mahalo Dinner, held October 1 at the Pacific Club. Honored at the event were planning committees for the IAA Golf Tournament, organized by the Class of 1979, and A Touch of 'Iolani, which was spearheaded by the Class of 1991. Also recognized were members of the 'Iolani Alumni Association Board of Directors. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a $20,000 check from the Association to the IAA Scholarship Fund. Special thanks to Norman Cheng '95 for taking photos of the event.

On September 1, the 'Iolani Alumni Association offered a nice hump day treat at their first pau hana event at the Pearl Ultralounge. Alumni got a chance to kick back and relax with friends, happy hour drinks, pupu, and live music. The event was the first in a regular series of pau hana events that will be hosted by the Association. Stay tuned to www.iolanialumni.org for announcements of future events.

The 15th Annual A Touch of 'Iolani was a wonderful evening of wine, food, and music under the stars. The Class of 1991, under the direction of co-chairs Marc Okumura, Greg Young, and Gary Young, organized the evening and added their special touches to make in unique. Master Sommelier Roberto Viernes '91 selected wines for the evening, giving wine lovers a treat. For music lovers, Bruce Hamada and his quartet entertained. The silent auction featured many treasures for all interests, including a Bentley sedan valued at over $200,000! And of course, the food was wonderful as well, served by many of Hawaii's top restaurants. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Alumni Service Award to Calvin Miyamoto '58, who has dedicated his life in service to the school. Cal's family was on hand the enjoy the presentation of the award.

A good time was had by all who attended the 47th Annual Father Bray Memorial Football Classic and pregame tailgate. More than 600 alumni and friends partook in the festivities before the Raiders took on Waialua on the stadium turf. At the pregame dinner, the school honored five men who have demonstrated the One Team spirit throughout their lives. The honorees were: Alfred Wong '48, Ray Hatate '49, Larry Cundiff Sr. '55, Tommy Oye '55, and Ken Yonamine '55. Prior to the introduction of this year's honorees, guests enjoyed a bountiful buffet of food and the music of Beach 5, featuring Christian Yrizzary '94. Later that night, the Raider fans cheered as the football boys defeated Waialua, 37-7.

Reunion classes celebrated their special year on campus at the 5th Annual Alumni Weekend Dinner. Hosted by Headmaster Val and Cynthia Iwashita, the evening featured campus tours, a sumptuous dinner buffet, hosted drinks, and live entertainment from Milo Shade. More than 200 alumni attended the event.

The 2010 Alumni Summer Basketball League concluded with the team captained by Jon Takamura '06 taking the title over the upstart team led by Chad Takesue '94. Takamura's team consisted of Jon, his brother Mark '03, Daniel Adachi '06, Gage Eberlin '03, Berton Wong, 08, Leo Shimizu '06, and Taylor Mounts '08. In the third place game, perennial powers Tanaka '95 defeated Kuioka '00.

The Class of 1955 celebrated their 55th reunion with a series of events, including golf at Waikele Golf Club, a stag night at Roy Nishioka's '55 house, and a closing banquet at Oahu Country Club. A good time was had by all.

A huge crowd gathered at the 'Iolani campus for the 'Iolani Alumni Association's 6th Annual Summer Concert. As in year's past, the featured performers were legends of the Hawaii music scene, Na Leo Pilimehana. They entertained the crowd with their own classic songs as well as covers of other songs from the 60s and 70s. Prior to their performance, Milo Shade, featuring a lineup almost entirely composed of alumni, opened the show with some terrific original music and their versions of songs from C & K and other legendary bands.

More than 70 of 'Iolani's "Golden" Alumni - those who graduated more than 50 years ago - attended a special event at the 'Iolani campus on June 9, 2010. Alumni from classes as far back as 1940 and as recent as 1959 arrived early that morning for a memorial service for fallen classmates in St. Alban's Chapel. After the service, alumni went on a campus tour, followed by a brunch at the Headmaster's home. A good time was had by all, as many stories were shared and friendships rekindled.

With pick axes, machetes, and wheelbarrows in hand, members of the 'Iolani Community Action Network (ICAN) ventured into Na Pohaku o Hauwahine, a state park at Kawainui Marsh, to help its curators, Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi restore the area. Na Pohaku o Hauwahine is the rock formation of the Hawaiian goddess Mo'o and the guardian of the marsh. It is AML's goal to restore the dryland forest ecosystem and repopulate it with native plant species. Prior to the start of work, ICANers learned about the cultural significance of the area and its history. Volunteers worked hard clearing invasive species, laying down mulch and compost, and weeding.

About 100 alumni came together at the beautiful Palisades Restaurant in Seattle on February 27. Alumni enjoyed meeting Dr. Val '67 and Cynthia Iwashita and Director of Development Chris Shimabukuro '85 while connecting with other alumni in the Pacific Northwest.

Alumni in the Bay Area have eagerly awaited an alumni event since 2002, the last time 'Iolani sponsored such a gathering. On February 25, they came out in force, with more than 250 alumni and friends descending on Roy's Restaurant in downtown San Francisco for great food, drinks, and fellowship with fellow NorCal alumni. Attending from the school were Headmaster Val '67 and Mrs. Cynthia Iwashita, Director of Development Chris Shimabukuro '85, and several members of the school's Board of Governors, including new Board Chair, Jenai Wall. A good time was had by all. Hopefully we won't have to wait 8 years to get together again!

On the evening of January 22, East coast 'Iolani alumni and friends were invited to a very special cocktail reception held at Landmarc at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan. Bringing a little taste of Hawaii to NYC, guests were joined by a strong turnout of over 40 fellow graduates and members of the 'Iolani ohana. Alumni spanning classes from '76 to '06 braved the winter cold and were in attendance, enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and good company as they reconnected with familiar faces, caught up with peers and formed new and lasting friendships. Special thanks to Michael Maii '95 and Robynne Maii '92 for assistance in planning the event.

The 'Iolani Community Action Network (ICAN) sponsored a service project on December 26 at Waimea Valley. More than 60 alumni participated, helping to clear invasive species from the Kau Hale and Ethno-Botanical Garden in the Valley, which both house valuable and endangered native plant species. In addition to the labor of clearing plants, hauling trash, and removing moss from the rocks, volunteers also learned much about the history of the valley and its importance to the Hawaiian culture.

More than 60 alumni legal professionals and 'Iolani alumni who are currently at the William S. Richardson School of Law attended a pau hana event on November 5 at Oahu Country Club. The event was designed to help current law students make connections with alumni who are currently in practice and for established professionals to network with colleagues and perhaps find a future employee. Special thanks to Dale Lee '66 and Edward (Mickey) Knox '00 for their assistance in planning the event.

Members of 'Iolani's new alumni service group descended upon MA'O Organic Famrs in Waianae for the farm's regular G.I.V.E (Get Involved. Volunteer Environmentally.) Day. About 30 alumni participated in the event, along with 70 or so other community volunteers. 'Iolani's representatives worked hard pulling weeds, fertilizing trees, and moving rocks to help the farm. In addition, they learned about MA'O's organic farming techniques, local produce, environmental sustainability, and the wonderful educational programs and internships that the farm offers to youth from the Leeward Coast. Following the work in the fields, alumni enjoyed a tour of the farm and a huge buffet lunch featuring some of MA'O's greens.

Members of a new alumni service group got into the Raider spirit at 'Iolani's Homecoming game on October 30. The alums offered face painting and temporary tattoos for 'Iolani students prior to the game, while collecting donations for the American Red Cross. Donations went to help victims of the many recent natural disasters in the Pacific. The group raised almost $300 while painting the student body red, black, and white.

Amateur alumni chefs enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of culinary instruction (and eating) when the 'Iolani Alumni Association presented an Italian Cooking Class at Sergio's Kapahulu on October 3. Under the direction of Executive Chef Del Valdez, participants learned how to make such favorites as bruschetta, pomodoro sauce, osso bucco, and tiramisu. Several lucky alumni had the chance to assist the chefs in the preparation of these dishes, and all went home with recipes they could try at home, and full bellies.

The 2009 football season kicked off with the 46th Annual Father Bray Football Classic on August 15, 2009. On the field, 'Iolani's Raiders, coached by Wendell Look '78, beat the Kaiser Cougars, 30-19. Prior to the game, the school and the 'Iolani Alumni Association held its annual pregame tailgate, featuring terrific BBQ, live entertainment by Beach 5, and the presentation of the Father Bray Honorees. Recognized for their commitment to the One Team spirit were Gordon Chang '52, Tamotsu Tanaka '53, George Taoka '53, and the 1968 Football team.

On June 27, alumni and their families were treated to a wonderful concert by the incomparable Amy Hanaiali'i. Hanaiali'i entertained a crowd of hundreds in 'Iolani's main courtyard, who enjoyed the music for free, courtesy of the 'Iolani Alumni Association.

On July 30, 'Iolani School and Headmaster Val Iwashita '67, hosted alumni celebrating reunions to a dinner on 'Iolani's campus. The event kicked off Alumni Weekend, and was attended by more than 250 alumni and friends from the classes of 1949 to 2004. While guests enjoyed a generous buffet dinner and open bar, they were entertained by the local band Beach 5, fronted by Christian Yrizzary '94. In addition, alumni were taken on campus tours to see how the campus has changed since graduation.

The first Saturday in August is always a special day for the 'Iolani alumni community. That's because for 14 years, the 'Iolani Alumni Association's flagship event, A Touch of 'Iolani, has kicked off the month with an exciting array of food, entertainment and fellowship. This year, the Class of 1990 organized a wonderful jazz-infused evening featuring Hawaii's top restaurants, excellent live, local jazz music, and a terrific silent auction that generated close to $30,000. Special thanks to the Class of 1990 and co-chairs Marcus Kawatachi and Shari Tapper for their hard work in making the event such a success.