By Jannah Kalai

Jannah.Kalai@mililanihs.k12.hi.us

After 39 years of work with the Department of Education in both Missouri and Hawaii, Complex Area Superintendent (CAS) Dr. John Brummel is set to retire. A former MHS principal, he has worked in the CAS position for four years, after being promoted in 2012.

“I have just thoroughly enjoyed working in Hawaii. It’s like no other place that I’ve been and it’s because of the people. The students, parents (and) community members have (all) just been terrific,” explained Brummel.

Mililani was home from the beginning. “I loved Mililani from the day that I arrived at the school and I enjoyed following all activities—band, sports, plays and musicals. Everything that was extracurricular I tried to get involved with because I enjoyed it so much,” stated Brummel. Leilani Ward-Riehle, MHS Student Activities Coordinator worked alongside Brummel during his eight years as principal. “I think he laid the foundation for MHS to be the number one school in the state. He’s left a legacy for leadership,” said Ward-Riehle.

Reflecting back on his positions while in Hawaii, Brummel’s fondest memories are of Mililani. “I just absolutely loved (working in Mililani). If I had to go back, in my experience in Hawaii I never would have left Mililani High School. I just loved the excitement of the school, and the students and being with teachers,” stated Brummel. “Dr. Brummel knew what he wanted out of his school, students and faculty. He lead his faculty in the right direction,” added Ward-Riehle.

Brummel will officially retire at the end of December—decades of service to his name.