"You are each capable of making powerful change in the world. We are so proud of you."
—Scott Bradley '80, Chair, Board of Trustees
"We are here today to celebrate you. Not only your achievements and your presence, but also your potential; your promise. Celebrating your potential is to celebrate what you will make of it. Not my image of your potential, and not anyone else in this room. The only failure, again, is if you don't dare to pursue it."
—Robert McKendry, Head of School
"Kumu Kuwalu Anakalea said something that I believe sums up this entire year. She said that this moment is important because never again will we be in this place, with this specific group of people, at this specific time, but we will always have the experience."
—Janelle Laros ʻ17, Student Council President
"Seniors, your true character was revealed by your convictions and statements, the choices you made, the promises you kept, and what you did to help others. This defines you and how you will be remembered."
—Lupe Diaz, Upper School math teacher and senior class advisor
One hundred three members of the Class of 2017 were awarded diplomas during the Sixty-Sixth Annual Commencement Exercises on May 26 in Castle Gymnasium.
The Reverend Diana Akiyama offered the invocation and Head of School Robert McKendry welcomed students, family, and friends.
Speakers included Scott Bradley '80, Board of Trustees chair; McKendry, and Janelle Laros ʻ17, student council president. Lupe Diaz, Upper School math teacher and senior class advisor, gave the commencement address.
Laros received the Head of School Award and Sidney Vermeulen was named the Senior Scholar.
During a senior awards ceremony held on May 25, the following seniors also received awards: Janelle Laros, National Center for Women and Information Technology Award; Tanner Riley, Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Scholarship; Shanae Butler, Founder's Award, Elijah Anakalea-Buckley, Walter Liu '65 Memorial Leadership Award; Adam Pigott, Kevin Kitagawa '77 Memorial Bootstrap Award; Sarah Emmons, Phyllis A. Richards Theatre Award; Jasmine Buerano and Kai Miller, Spirit of 2012 Award; Sabrina Marvin and Noah Wise, Stanford W. Shutes Athletic Award; Taylor Doherty and Braden Kojima, Athletes of the Year.
After receiving their diplomas, the Class of 2017 presented their gifts of song and dance—Hole Waimea, No Kohala (chant and hula kahiko), and No Kohala Ka Makani Āpaʻapaʻa (ʻauana).
The Reverend Diana Akiyama closed the ceremony with benediction, followed by a mahalo chant from the class, Hawaiʻi Aloha, and the Class of 2017ʻs Lei O Hilo.
Congratulations, Class of 2017!