Page 3 - MidWeek Leeward - July 21, 2021

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pearl City High School continues to offer opportunities and ac- tivities that will create great memories and have a lasting impact in all of our students’ lives. As they leave us, it is our hope that they will use what they have learned to become the next future lead- ers of our Hawai‘i,” says the school’s student activities
This will include two nights with alumni. The first night will be a lū‘au on cam- pus, school tours, entertain- ment, photo opportunities and a tree planting ceremo- ny.
Former PCHS social studies teacher Joanne Ing worked at the school 27 years and led the committee that chaired the anniversary book project.
Veteran sports writer Dave Reardon touches upon his memories of the sports program.
Meanwhile, the chorus teacher Cristobel Kealoha wrote the lyrics to the alma mater. Jack Ofoia from the class of 1974 assisted her with the music.
The school has also earned many athletics and robotics team state champi- onships, too, just to name a few accomplishments.
The second night will be a more formal event that will honor five alumni who made a difference for the state. Commemorative books will be sold at both events.
“For me it’s a very spe- cial place. I have a lot of good friends that came out of Pearl City High School and many of our students impressed me how they grew and matured,” Ing says.
Separately, he discusses being named editor-in-chief of The Messenger school paper in his junior year — earning the state’s best high school newspaper award in 1978.
Gerald Suyama spent 20 years as principal, the longest-serving person at the helm by far. He helped obtain funding for the cul- tural center and auditorium, along with establishing and expanding programs. Cur- rent principal Halfmann has implemented “wall-to-wall” academies spanning culi-
For updates on the anni- versary celebration, alumni can check the website pchs. k12.hi.us or visit the alumni association website at pch- salumniassociation.com. Visit pchs808ohana.weebly. com to purchase the com- memorative book.
This limited edition
Purple and white are the
JULY 21, 2021 3
Pearl City Gets ‘Charged’ Up For School’s Golden Anniversary
FROM PAGE 1
Back then, students attend- ed Highlands Intermediate for ninth grade, then went to Waipahu High School for the remainder of their educa- tion.
coordinator Kyle Miyashiro, who’s also a member of the class of 1990.
book, titled Excellence With Honor: 50 Years of Charger Pride, is also being sold now. The cost is $25 if picked up in person, or $33 if mailed. This volume will feature a myriad of interesting tidbits of information about the school. It also features es- says and photographs from more than 150 people.
Famous alumni who con- tributed a story or photos in- clude actor Jason Scott Lee, comedian Paul Ogata, and entertainers Natalie Ai Kam- auu, Makana, Garry Moore and Sean Na‘auao. Kevin Asano, meanwhile, recalls how he fulfilled his dream to win a silver medal in judo at the Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.
school colors, and the Char- ger—ahorse—istheoffi- cial mascot.
nary, health and leadership, to business, technology and design.
When PCHS opened in 1971, ninth graders were its only students, and there were about 600 in that class.
He adds that although the final date has not been set yet due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions this year, the golden anniversary milestone will be celebrated in June 2022.
Although some students wanted to be the Vikings, that name was already taken by Hilo.
Among the exciting el- ements that make up the PCHS timeline through the years, the band has per- formed at the Tournament of Roses and Macy’s Thanks- giving Day parade.
We are proud to be part of PCHS’s 50 year history!
Traci Isara
PCHS ‘03 Alumna
REALTOR-ASSOCIATE
P: 808.382.8136 | E: traci.isara@cbrealty.com W: traciisara.cbintouch.com | RS-83109
Everett Arakawa
PCHS ‘03 Alumnus
STRATEGIC MORTGAGE ADVISOR NMLS #845669 | P: 808.256.3000 E: everett@smartmoneyhawaii.com
Whether you are Buying, Selling, or Refinancing,
if you are looking for Real Estate Professionals, contact us!