'Iolani School Podcast

Standout scholar-athlete C.J. Villanueva '26 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past six years. Two days before Commencement, he shares stories and thoughts that kept relating back to resilience, gratitude and teamwork. His speech at Baccalaureate about dealing with hard times, healing through community and building character through adversity was a gift to his classmate...

Deeply committed educator Mrs. Leia Yongvanich is in her first year as our Dean of Lower School. She shares stories about her path to Hawai'i, which includes many different locations and formative experiences. She also discusses the growth mindset approach to teaching and what it's like to be an 'Iolani School parent. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

One of 10 neighbor island students in the 2024-25 Residential Life Program, Miley Cox '25 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past four years. She provides an insider's perspective on the boarding program and its cultural connections, and also shares stories about the 'Iolani fine arts program, independent science research and the Chapel Council. Truly an extraordinary yo...

While on sabbatical during the upcoming 2025-26 school year, Mr. Chase Wiggins '06 will be researching and completing a doctoral dissertation that will connect 'Iolani School's 19th-century founding with its 21st-century future. An Upper School English teacher since 2018, he also discusses his experiences within the school's boarding program and shares thoughts about his path to becoming a teacher...

At the end of the 2023-24 school year, the 101st edition of Ka Mo'olelo O 'Iolani was dedicated to fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Robin Hiraki. She became the first Lower School teacher in 11 years to be honored as the 'Iolani yearbook dedicatee. The beloved longtime educator offers her humble perspective about the day of that surprise announcement. She also shares thoughts about many people who make ou...

United States Presidential Scholar Michael Kostecki '24 shares his thoughts about a wonderful 13-year journey through 'Iolani School, which included a senior year that also saw him serve as a proconsul, earn the title of valedictorian, captain the boys soccer ILH championship team and publish his research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Truly a remarkable young man, Mikey is headed to Harva...

A cherished member of the faculty since 1977, Dr. Carey Inouye '66 shares his unparalleled perspective on 'Iolani School. Topics of discussion include his days as a student, The Rev. David P. Coon, Eddie Hamada '46 , Gina Wang '22 and the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership . Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

After an award-winning career as a documentary filmmaker, Mrs. Risa Beer has taught Film Production in the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership since the day it opened in 2013. During the past decade, several of her students have earned local, national and international accolades for their work. She helps 'Iolani School's young filmmakers develop critical life skills as communicators and...

A beloved member of the faculty and administration since 2005, Mr. Erik Yamamoto '99 has contributed to our 'Iolani School community and "One Team" culture in many roles and ways, most recently as Associate Dean of Students. Ha'aheo Dela Cruz '23 joined the podcast as a student co-host, helping listeners understand Mr. Yamamoto's particularly strong bond with the Class of 2023. Please subscribe to...

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 troph...

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...

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 peop...

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 w...

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 Upp...

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 Scho...

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 g...

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 s...

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 t...

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. Mah...

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 '...

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 live...

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...

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!