The Punahou Alumni Association’s recognition of outstanding alumni has become a regular part of the school’s Alumni Week in the last few years. Despite 2017 being a non-reunion year, Punahou74’s presence at the ceremony was hard to ignore. You should’ve been there!
AWARDS READY TO GO. Marcia’s and Scott’s are the second and third in line. Since they were first given out in 1954, 165 awards have been made to alumni. The oldest recipient? O-in-Life winner George Paul Cooke of the class of 1895. Twelve 1970-decade graduates have also won over time: four of them members from the great class of 1974!
No, it’s not because of the kalua sliders, chicken potstickers, shrimp cocktail, and caramel cuts that filled our plates that attendance was a must-do. It’s because it is no small feat to be recognized by the Punahou Alumni Association. With more than 400 alumni and others being added to the potential award pool each year–and given the renown of the Punahou family–walking home with one of these trophies is an accomplishment for which many are called but few are chosen.
But then there are the members of the great Punahou class of 1974!
Classmates Recognizing Classmates
Yes. Classmates. As in the number two.
That Punahou74 should have two classmates recognized this year is an outstanding accomplishment. And many of us wanted to be there to watch history being made.
PUNAHOU74 CELEBRATES ITS OWN: (L-R) Mike Mikasa, Haven Young Rafto, Gaye Miyasaki, Lynne Gartley Meyer, Marcia Barrett Wright, Galen Kitamura, Babs Miyano Young, Nancy Dew Metcalf, Wendell Ho, and Earl Nakaya. (Gaye Miyasaki photo)
Also in attendance, but not pictured, were Alan Lau, Taren Taguchi, and Lisa Matsumoto Nakamura. Thanks to all of you for showing your support.
Recognizing Marcia Barrett ’74 Wright
PAA President Randy Kam ’76 led the ceremonies. Here’s what he said about Marcia:
Marcia waits to be called to the stage. She is sitting between her parents. (Mike Mikasa photo)
To think of Marcia, one has to think of our many signature events such as Luau, trustee receptions, Carnival, Senior Parent Night, and our many donor events, as well as the daily cafeteria operation that serves 3,700 students. It is hard to imagine all of this running so smoothly and successfully without Marcia’s professional guidance.
One of the many letters written in support of Marcia summarizes her leadership style: “When the boss rolls up her sleeves and works with everyone in the trenches, you have a sense of real teamwork.” Her willingness to try new things and her love for Punahou underscore Marcia’s contribution to the school as she is always looking for ways to improve our Food Service Operation.
Marcia is the proud parent of Matt, Class of 2010. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Marcia Barrett Wright for receiving the Old School Award.
Recognizing Scott Metcalf ’74
Babs Miyano Young’s nomination helped Scott be a part of the evening’s ceremony. Here’s how he was remembered:
Scott had three guiding principles in his life:
Ashley Metcalf ’04 accepts Scott’s award on behalf of the Metcalf family. (Gaye Miyasaki photo)
- Lead by example and do what is right;
- Anticipate the needs of those you are helping;
- Treat every worker in the Punahou family from the janitor to the President with equal fairness and respect.
Scott bled buff and blue, and if it were related to the Punahou Athletic Department, he bled BUFF AND BLUE in CAPITAL letters.
Scott Metcalf was a true son of Punahou. The love he had for our school could be seen every day. Whatever the task, no matter how big or small, Scott ensured that it was handled quickly and efficiently, but more importantly, with care and pride.
Scott’s reputation extended to others outside of the Punahou family. When other athletic teams came to play at Punahou, they knew Scott would go out of his way to make them feel at home. Growing up on campus helped shape Scott’s love for Punahou.
Scott is a 1974 graduate who also coached for a number of years, sharing his passion with athletes in our soccer program. He was the proud father of Ashley ’04 and Michelle ’02. Congratulations to Scott’s family for this significant award celebrating Scott’s life and his support of the school.
Congratulations!
Other award winners were Nainoa Thompson ’72 (in absentia), Francis Duhaylongsod ’78, Kelvin Taketa ’72, Joyce Salmon, Leonora Espania, and Gordon Scruton ’51 (posthumous recognition). Thanks for all you do!
2017 PAA AWARDEES: (L-R) Kevin Taketa, Joyce Salmon, Ashley Metcalf, Leonora Espania, Marcia Barrett Wright, and Francis Duhaylongsod. (Gaye Miyasaki photo)
Leave a Reply