'Iolani School Podcast

Having learned in the spaces that he’s now teaching in, Manny Dayao ’97 shares his unique perspective on the performing arts at ‘Iolani School. As the director of the marching band and current head of the Performing Arts Department, he stewards traditions of excellence established by the late Wayne DeMello, who was his teacher, colleague and friend. While sitting in a band room filled with trophies, he also explains why a letter written to his wind ensemble a decade ago is among his most...

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Andrew Park '22 arrived at ‘Iolani in 2018, as a member of the school's first cohort of boarding students in 59 years. Two days before graduating as one of the Class of 2022 valedictorians, he shares an insider's perspective on the boarding program. He also talks about his experiences with the ‘Iolani robotics team and what is was like to be accepted to his dream college, Stanford University. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

For the past three decades, every visitor to the College Counseling Office has been greeted by Sue Lee. No matter who you are or what you are looking for, she's there to help. Often times, "Aunty Sue" knows what you need before you ask. During this heartwarming discussion, she shares priceless stories about Eddie Hamada and others who helped shape our school's culture, and talks about all the people who continue to make ‘Iolani such a special community. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani...

Upper School English teacher Lisa-Anne Tsuruda is also the co-advisor of the Class of 2022. Prior to joining the ‘Iolani faculty in 2016, she was honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award while teaching at Mililani High School. Her son Ryan Tsuruda is a member of the Class of 2022, one of three senior proconsuls and one of the football team's four co-captains. Tears of joy and gratitude were shed as a wide variety of topics were discussed during this heartfelt...

An integral member of the ‘Iolani School community since 2001, Melanie Pfingsten is in her first year as Dean of Lower School. While overseeing our K-6 campus, which has exciting new spaces and continues to be transformed, she is also a parent of two Lower Schoolers. Previously, she was our Dean of Studies, a K-12 administrative position, after serving several years as a history teacher in the Upper School. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

A beloved member of the ‘Iolani School faculty since 1984, Dr. Michael LaGory has contributed to our community in many special ways and hundreds of graduates regard him as their favorite English teacher. He shares amusing stories about growing up in Ewa Beach, his college years in California and the projects he has worked on to support ‘Iolani and its students. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Before heading to Georgetown University, John Vierra '21 shares his message of "small things that make big impacts." A remarkable young man, who has contributed to our community in so many special ways, he also talks about his 13-year journey through 'Iolani School, what goes into being a valedictorian and his love affair with golf. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

In addition to providing a delicious and diverse menu, Mr. Kevin Wada and his dedicated staff organized and implemented new food service procedures that were an integral part of the campus reopening plan in September of 2020. Of course, one of the many topics discussed is the overwhelming popularity of ‘Iolani School’s mochiko chicken. The Sodexo general manager is also a talented performer and grateful ‘Iolani parent. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

A trailblazing educator, Mrs. Lisa Lee Simon '88 teaches "creative movement" to our youngest students in the new Sidney & Minnie Kosasa Performance Studios. She discusses the process within her curriculum and her deep passion for teaching. Of course, she also shares special stories and insight about her father, Mr. William Y.S. Lee '53, the legendary former Upper School Dean of Students. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Teaching design and technology to our youngest students in the new Kaneshiro Science & Innovation Center is Mr. Michael Fricano’s dream job. An award-winning educator, his impact is further magnified since he also assists fellow teachers, helping them become comfortable with new technologies, which was particularly important in 2020, during preparations for distance learning. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Teaching in the new Kaneshiro Science & Innovation Center is a recent "dream come true" for Mrs. Kathe Nose-Warner '82. An earlier one was becoming an ‘Iolani student in 1980, just a year after the school went co-ed. She discusses her longtime love affair with ‘Iolani School, which includes several fascinating recollections and touching memories. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

A native of Vietnam, Minh Ngo '21 arrived at 'Iolani in 2018, as a member of the school's first cohort of boarding students in 59 years. Now a senior, he provides an insider's perspective on the boarding program and explains what drew him to 'Iolani. Known to many for his unforgettable portrayal of "Adolpho" in our spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, he also discusses his experiences with the 'Iolani Dramatic Players. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

An iDepartment teacher since Day 1 of the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership, Mr. Gabriel Yanagihara also has served as the head coach of ‘Iolani School's eSports teams since 2019. The video game design teacher gets us up to speed on the eSports scene, in addition to providing valuable insight on other issues related to video games and the gamification of many aspects of our daily lives. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

With a connection to ‘Iolani School that spans seven decades, Mr. Jeffrey Hackler '71 has been a campus favorite as a student, teacher, colleague and friend. A U.S. History teacher for 37 years prior to his recent retirement, he shares stories, reflections and insights on a wide variety of subjects, including his fascinating sabbatical trips. Please subscribe to the ‘Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Local sports legend Benny Agbayani, who coached the 'Iolani varsity softball team to the HHSAA State Championship in May of 2019, chats remotely a year later, after the 2020 season was officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A parent of an 'Iolani graduate and current student, he also shares his thoughts about the school and its "One Team" culture. Of course, Agbayani's 17-year career in professional baseball is discussed, including his memorable World Series season with the New...

After just a few months on campus, Upper School Chaplain Rev. Tim Morehouse provides a newcomer's perspective of 'Iolani School and its unique culture. He also shares his refreshing insight on a wide variety of other subjects, including "One Team" lessons found in the Bible and the importance of non-digital experiences. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

More than a dozen years ago, Mrs. Allison Blankenship ’02 researched and envisioned what a community partnership between 'Iolani School and Pālolo Valley would look like. This past summer, the KA'I Programs, which has continued to grow, celebrated its 10th anniversary. She takes us behind the scenes of the program and its creation, before touching upon several other topics. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Senior class president Taylor Venenciano '19 shares her thoughts about her seven-year journey at 'Iolani School, which concludes as a United States Presidential Scholar, championship athlete and indispensable leader. Truly a remarkable young woman, she is headed to Pomona College. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Three-time state champion boys basketball coach Dean Shimamoto '94 surprised many people when he stepped down from his coaching position on March 1, 2019. Also a member of the school's Information Technology Services Department, he discusses his big decision, explains why he loves coaching so much, recounts memories of his playing days at 'Iolani under Dr. Mark Mugiishi '77 and describes what "One Team" means to him. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Internationally acclaimed jazz music critic Nate Chinen '94 returned to 'Iolani as the 2019 Harold Keables Chair Holder. The Director of Editorial Content at WBGO (Newark, N.J.) and longtime New York Times writer touches on a little bit of everything, including how his 13-year journey as a Son of 'Iolani shaped his life. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!