Mililani High School Faculty Farewell Letters

Jacob Nakasone and Hope Ishizaka

To the reader,

Aloha! We are Jacob Nakasone and Hope Ishizaka from Mililani Times. We know that these are very difficult times, so we wanted to give the faculty an opportunity to say farewell to the graduating class. The class of 2020 students were also invited to say their farewells to MHS (this can be found on another story posted on our Mililani Times website). We have also made a designed PDF version of the letter which can be found on our Issuu website (https://issuu.com/trojantimes/docs/mhs_faculty_farewell_letters)

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The letters are arranged in alphabetical order by last name. We hope you enjoy these farewell letters. Stay safe and take care!

 

Arai, Betty: 

To the Amazing Class of 2020:

 

Congratulations! You did it! All that hard work and determination has finally paid off! Special kudos to you for persevering through the most challenging moments of your high school career and especially now, through this uncertain time.

 

As your librarian, I feel as if I have come to know many of you in many different ways. Whether you visited the library with your class for a lesson, or you came in on your own to ask for research assistance, look for a book, do homework, take a quiz, print out an assignment, or just hang with your friends in a cool (well, for one year, not so cool) environment, I was happy that you were there. I saw your determination as you strove to complete a paper, your teamwork as you collaborated with project partners, your humor as you joked with friends, your mischievousness as you hid behind the book stacks, your kindness as you helped a struggling classmate, and your compassion as you comforted a distraught friend. I am truly thankful for having had the opportunity to serve as your librarian and watch you grow and mature throughout your high school years. 

 

I have always believed that the students at Mililani High School personify the aloha spirit, and you have repeatedly shown that you do. Your character and your heart along with the skills you have learned will help you lead joyful, productive lives. Best wishes and much luck to you in all your future endeavors.

 

Warmest aloha,

Mrs. Betty Arai

Librarian

Mililani High School

 

Brown, Malia: 

Dear 2020 Phoenixes, 

 

You made it! Congratulations to you on this amazing achievement of graduation! You have worked so hard over the years and deserve to be celebrated for all your accomplishments.

 

You were all put to the test during your last few months as seniors. These unprecedented times have demonstrated something about the Class of 2020 that your teachers, counselors, and Trojan Ohana have known all along: You are all survivors and resilient! Your ability to overcome obstacles and face adversity further proves that you are mature young men and women ready to move onto your next journey and make your mark on the world. Like our class mascot, the mighty Phoenix, you will all rise from this challenge with renewed strength and the determination to succeed. I am so excited for what the future holds for each and every one of you.

 

As my first graduating class, you will always be in my heart. I am so honored and proud to have been your counselor and worked with remarkable young adults. Your class has bestowed upon me many smiles, laughs and fond memories that will stay with me for years to come. Treasure all the memories you’ve made along the way. Be excited for what’s to come. Never stop pushing forward to achieve your goals. Class of 2020, “It’s been a good time together…and the best is yet to come”.

 

Aloha,

Mrs. Malia Brown

Counselor

 

Dazzeo, Robin: 

To the senior class of 2020:

 

Here you are, about to embark on the ending of a 13-year journey that we call “education.” I feel so honored to have been a part of that journey for many of you. Having you in my classroom to learn, share, listen, and grow has been one of my life’s greatest gifts. Although we are in uncharted territory that includes everything from shortages of toilet paper to new terms like “social distancing,” no one and nothing can take this accomplishment away from you. You have not only achieved, but excelled, in the face of uncertainty. Be proud of your accomplishments and do not dwell on disappointment or fear. Be the strong people your parents, teachers, and community have raised you to be. And, congratulations, class of 2020. You did it! I’m so proud of you. 

 

Enomoto, Kaui: 

To the senior class of 2020,

 

While this school year unfolded much differently than any of us could have ever imagined, I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you all on this remarkable achievement of graduation. You have all worked very hard over the last four years and I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. You are my first graduating class, and it has been an honor and privilege to have served as your school counselor. I will cherish all the relationships and memories over these last four years. I truly believe that what you have lost as a result of this pandemic, you have gained the resilience, grit, and creativity needed to overcome the unique challenges in this ever evolving world. You are all survivors, and have been tested unlike any other class before you. With that, never stop fighting and pushing forward. As tomorrow’s leaders always be part of the solution, not the problem. I trust that you will be the light that this world needs and will do your part to make it a better place. Continue to choose hope over fear, and be kind, generous, and helpful. No matter what is happening in this world today, YOU determine what your attitude will be, make it positive! As I write this, I truly miss you all. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Continue to stay safe, healthy, productive, and connected.

 

Best wishes,

Mr. Enomoto

 

Futch, Evon: 

To all of the beautifully talented graduating class of 2020,

   You are all an inspiration to many of us, your teachers and staff here at Mililani High School. You have already overcome many obstacles and through them you have grown into capable young adults. I am very proud to have been a part of your journey. Please remember to let no one stand in the way of your greatness, ask for help when needed and give help when you can. Congratulations Trojans! 

 

Mrs. Evon Futch, EA

 

Garo, Jeremy: 

To the MHS Class of 2020,

 

Your time has come to join the ranks of the 45 classes who came before you. Though the circumstances of ceremony and celebration will undoubtedly be different, it does not change your accomplishment, it does not change what you have earned, and it should not change how much this moment means to you.

 

Congratulations!

 

Each one of you has made an positive impact on our school; whether it was supporting a friend in need, succeeding academically or in extracurriculars, sharing stories with your teachers, or through a simple smile, there is so much good you have collectively brought to Mililani High School. I can only urge you to do the same as you leave and enter the real world.

 

Know that everything up to this point in your education has been planned for you, structured in a way to support this moment of graduation. However, now that you have met this planned version of success, it is now time for you to define your own. Whether it is through joining the military, serving in restaurants, becoming a parent, becoming a doctor, building homes, selling cars, performing on stage, running a business, all are forms of success that each require greatness that I know you have.

 

You will soon see that the learning does not stop at doors of our school. We could only provide you with so much. Use every experience you encounter beyond this point as your personal educator, reflect and analyze to continue to build a better version of yourself. 

 

This year alone has proven your class of 2020 has the strength and resilience to weather any storm, fight any battle, and conquer any challenge. Continue to harness this intrinsic power and self-determination of yours and you will no doubt thrive in the face of any adversity. 

 

You are a Trojan and you will forever be, but now you have the opportunity to be so much more than that. I can’t wait to see what your generation has to offer this world.

 

Congratulations again to the Class of 2020! I wish you all the best of luck in whatever success you have planned for yourself.

 

And to all my 2020 kids, Kristi, Kylie, Marcus, Jaelyn, Kelli, Jarren, Kaylee, JR, Serena, Jana, Jeiley, Quinn, TJ, Isen, Mehana, Brianni, Kiana, Lisette, Gabby, Kaitlyn, Tati, Ethan, Nicole, Noa, Tiana, Kennedy, Nika, Kia, Kaila, Riky, Brooke, Hope, Shaise, Janel, Laila, Lauren, Kealii, Muelu, and Jaylen, thank you so much for being awesome and look for me in your gmail. But I am proud of each and every one of you, and I will continue to wish the best for you and cheer you on for being the awesomest people ever.

 

-Mr. Jeremy

 

Herklotz-de la Rosa, Michelle: 

To the Class of 2020:

Although your year didn’t end as planned, know that this will be an event to remember. It will remind you all of how strong you all are and more importantly, you will overcome any obstacles along your journey of Life. May the pandemic not define you, but make you stronger young men and women to know your achievements throughout your schooling has been a major accomplishment no matter what the circumstances. Stand proud, be confident and journey through your next destination may it be college, the workforce etc. May you continue to thrive and take in all the lessons learned throughout your 12 years of schooling and apply it into your everyday lives and choose to be that person of change. Congratulations to you all, and remember this is only the beginning of a life that you will lead into your future. Make sure that you always challenge yourselves and never ever give up. Life is what you make of it, so how will you lead your life? Aloha, Mrs. de la Rosa

 

Higuchi-Delos Santos, Kristi Lee: 

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS! 

As you graduate from Mililani High School, a HUGE congratulations on your accomplishments. Not only your academic accomplishments during this, your senior year, and not only on your academic accomplishments throughout the last 13 years, but also for ALL that you have accomplished and gained in life experiences through your lifetime! School has just been a part of your journey in life, and we applaud you in ALL that you have accomplished through this time both in and out of school! With all that you have been a part of – from being born into the 9/11 world, through enduring COVID-19 in this, your senior year – you have persevered, succeeded and become strong(er) young adults! To those of you who I’ve been blessed to be part of your educational journey with – whether at Mililani Baptist Preschool, Mililani Mauka Elementary or here at Mililani High School – thank you for giving me the honor of being part of your life! All of you hold a special place in my heart then, now, and always. May all of you in the Class of 2020 go forth with your futures knowing that Mililani will always be your home and that we have all had an impact in each other’s lives. Trojan Pride, best wishes and much success to all of you! 

 

Hood, Kyler: 

Aloha graduating seniors, you are graduating in uncertain times. People around the world are putting their minds, resources, and indomitable wills together to push out the alien invader of the coronavirus while you celebrate your independence day, the day you walk across that stage and step into adulthood. This moment is like what the President in the movie, Independence Day, says, during such a pivotal moment, “We’re fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice: ‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight (1:48:21-1:48:46)!'” You can choose this moment to seize the day in dramatic fashion and continue to learn and grow or sleep and fade into unproductive complacency. Life can always get difficult, so we hope that during those difficult moments you will remember lessons from your family, friends, and other members of the Mililani Community. Take a moment and acknowledge those special people in your life with some sign of respect that provides the appropriate amount of thoughtfulness and sanitation. We have full confidence that you will make a positive difference in the whatever community you choose to serve. Thank you for sharing your time and talents in my classroom. Congratulations class of 2020!

 

Humphreys, Vanessa: 

Congratulations Class of 2020! Despite the circumstances, know that you are a part of a unique historical moment. Moving forward, you will all be known as a group of students that have displayed true hearts of gold, even as you faced unprecedented challenges. We are all extremely proud of your innovation, resilience, perseverance, & accomplishments throughout the school year. We cannot wait to see what you do with all you have learned. Take care and best wishes!

 

Kaya, Kat:

To all of my former and present Ceramics and summer school PE students…I enjoyed having all of you in my classes. I hope you enjoyed and have at least one good memory about something that happened in my classes. I hope you all have at least one ceramic piece you are proud of or at least one healthy habit from PE. This has been one of the best years I’ve had in all of my years of teaching, so I was sad when school closed and I wasn’t able to see you. Thank you so much for being wonderful students who would only grumble when I told you to clean up at the end of the class. Come and visit when you can. Hugs to all of you…I miss you and love you guys!

 

To my advisory class…You are a very special and unique class where the majority of you came from different schools, islands and states. We saw around 20 of your classmates come and go within the past four years which didn’t happen in any other advisory. I hope you all had good memories of being at Mililani High School. I was happy to talk with you and have at least one good memory of each and every one of you. I’m sorry I didn’t get to hug and say “goodbye” to you, but you know that I will miss you since you made me teary eyed several months ago when I was thinking about you guys leaving me when you graduate…remember?…that was pretty embarrassing. Since I didn’t get to give you a formal farewell and all this quarantine stuff happened, give me a call when this all clears and I’ll treat you to lunch. If you ever need to talk story, please give me a call. Keep in touch and come and visit me sometimes if you are here in Hawaii. Love you guys!

 

To all of you…Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, take care, love yourselves, be safe, and use protection! Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors! 

 

Love….

Aunty Kat (Kaya)

 

Keaunui, Christy: 

To the Class of 2020,

 

I never thought that when we said goodbye in March that it would be the last time that we would be together. I expected to hear all about your fun Spring Break when we returned and planned to finish out the semester with more animated discussions and the sound of your infectious laughter. I was also excited to watch your anticipation as we counted down the days until graduation (on my whiteboard)!

 

Though things did not quite work out as planned, I want you to know that it has been an honor and a privilege to be your teacher. You have shown me kindness and taught me patience. I am a better teacher because of you.

 

Each year, I like to share a few final thoughts with the graduates. I prefer doing this live and in person, but this forum is the next best option.

 

Congratulations on your commencement! I choose the word commencement because it signifies the beginning of something spectacular. As I have said many times in class, your whole life is ahead of you. This is your opportunity to seek out your dreams and turn them into realities. I realize that the end of this school year may seem a bit disappointing, but that will make your future accomplishments that much sweeter. This adversity has made you stronger and more resilient to the challenges that lie ahead. You have shown me your perseverance, hard work, and determination, so I know that you will all be successful in whatever path you choose. 

 

Wherever life may lead you, always remember that your Trojan family is here rooting for you – and I’m in the front row! Know that this will forever be your home and you will be forever in my heart!

 

I love you and wish you all the greatness you deserve!

Much love and aloha, Mrs. Keaunui

 

Kochi, Denise:

What an end to what was supposed to be your most exciting year yet! Although it may not have turned out exactly the way you hoped, it surely will be something you will never forget. 

 The Class of 2020 will never be just another graduating class. You will forever be known as the first class to graduate during a pandemic. You are special. You are strong. You are resilient. And as you make your way out into the ‘real world’ never forget that. Never forget that you are special. Never forget that you are strong. And never forget that you are resilient. No matter what life throws at you, you got this. Congratulations Class of 2020! Love you all!

 

Kuwahara, Jennifer: 

Aloha Seniors,

 

What we wouldn’t give to spend Quarter 4 with you. All of the fish and Karin wonder where you are, too. The positivity, smiles, and laughs that you bring to class daily are so missed. This time of year is especially exciting though. The energy in class is high. Any feelings of senioritis turn into joy and anticipation as we count down the weeks to celebrate your graduation. 

Each year we look forward to pinning stoles and cords on students in the gym and having a final moment with you. We will miss pinning you, hugging you, telling you how proud we are and how handsome or beautiful you look before we send you on your way. Even though we were just with you for a moment of your 13 year journey we still feel like proud mamas.

We are certain that each of you will do amazing things in life and make positive impacts wherever you go. Please come see us when you can and tell us all about your new adventures. We can’t wait to give you a proper hug. We miss you guys and we are so proud of you!

 

Love, 

Ms. Santos & Ms. Kuwahara & Ms. Kim

 

Miller, Robin: 

Dear Class of 2020,

 

Who knew four years ago when you picked your class mascot how perfect the Phoenix would be for your class. Rise from the ashes you will! 

 

Every class is unique; your class is no exception. To me, the Class of 2020 is defined by their passion and loyalty. I have seen many unwavering friendships, passionate opinions, and thoughtful altruism. I have no doubt as you take the step out into our precarious world you will strive to make it a better place. I hope as you enter this next phase of your lives, you continue to stand up for what you believe in, find what motivates you to push yourself further, and, most importantly, do things that help others along the way. 

 

I know each of you have your own memories and experiences at Mililani High School. I was glad to be a part of some of them. I know I enjoyed watching you grow from nervous freshmen on orientation day to senior leaders working to be part of the solution. You all have a lot to be proud of in reaching this important milestone. You create your own paths now. High school is a memory. Don’t be afraid to take risks and reinvent yourself, just always embrace the values you hold close. The world is what you make it. 

 

Thank you for making my job most of the time enjoyable, sometimes entertaining, and always heartfelt. I feel lucky to have gotten to know many of you. I sincerely wish the best for all of you and hope our paths cross again.

 

Have fun and stay safe. Also, remember to give yourself a break. You don’t have to be perfect, just be perfectly yourself.

 

Congratulations and Enjoy,

 

Robin Miller

Vice Principal

 

Muraoka, Douglas:

Dear Class of 2020 

 

While it’s easy to think about how the events over the last few months have ruined your senior year, I’d like to offer another perspective and with that, hopefully, a bit of closure. Rather than focusing on all the things that were missed during these very difficult times, think about all of the other important life lessons you’ve learned which now make you more prepared for your life to come. Some of these things take a lifetime to learn, and you’ve learned them in a few short months. 

 

Because this global epidemic, you now know that nothing in life is guaranteed, and all things that seem permanent are merely temporary. Suddenly, things that seemed monumentally important a few months ago don’t seem so important now. Since March, 2020, you have managed to take inventory of your life and learned to cherish those things which are most important: your health, family, friends, and your emotional well-being.

 

The confusion and indecision over the last few months have taught you that many of the world’s most difficult questions and problems simply have no answers. Through all of this, you learned sometimes it’s necessary to simply take the ride and when it’s over, you say, “bring on the next.”

Knowing that the world offers no guarantees prepares you for the many obstacles you will encounter as you embark on a new phase of your life. The things you work hardest for are the things you will most cherish. The things that come easy are the most forgettable. 

 

I sometimes ask my class, “Where are all of the short necked giraffes?” The answer, they became extinct because you can only depend on low-hanging fruit (easy things) for a short time. The giraffes that were able to stretch out beyond their capabilities were able to overcome and survive. It’s just a metaphor, but that’s really what you’ve learned — how to stretch, how to achieve beyond your limitations, and how to adapt and overcome. Try and remember your graduation year not by what you lost, but by the knowledge you have gained and how you learned to adapt and overcome. So, 2020, with this new knowledge in hand, go be a long-necked giraffe and GO CHANGE THE WORLD!

 

Riehle, Patrick: 

Dear Class of 2020,

 

Congratulations! It has been a privilege watching you grow over these last four years. Thank you for the honor of being your teacher! I am riehle, really proud of you! You have accomplished amazing feats and have much to be proud of and thankful for. This is not the way anyone expected your senior year to end, but a single quarter does not define a high school experience. It is fitting that you are the Phoenix, rising from the ash to tackle obstacles in your way. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” This is one of those times, and I have seen time and time again that the class of 2020 is up to that challenge. The future is unwritten and will be filled with successes and challenges every step of the way. I am excited to see the heights you will soar to, and more excited to see you pick yourselves back up each time you fall, and to see the incredible Phoenix you have become.

 

Aloha, Mr. Riehle

 

Schrock, Cindy:

To the Class of 2020 – As we close this school year, I know that this is not how you imagined your high school career would end. I grieve with you that our world is in a situation that has really changed your daily life and yet, what you’ve experienced will shape your future and how you view people and the world. With this unique situation, I believe you will be even more persevering, successful, compassionate, and connected to family and friends, all because you have not and will not take your close relationships and friendships for granted. You have learned how to rest and balance family time with activities and work, and I believe that is what will help you to be successful in all you do. 

Your futures are blessed and as you begin this next adventure, appreciate every day! 

 

Stinefelt, Steve: 

Hey Seniors! This is Mr. Stinefelt. Sorry that we are not having a traditional graduation ceremony this year. You all certainly deserve it! Oh well… I guess we gotta do what we gotta do. I just wanted to take this chance to give you some good advice. If there is something you want to do in life…GO FOR IT! Don’t let somebody talk you out of it, or even worse, don’t be too afraid to give it a try. 

 

There are two kinds of regrets to deal with in life; 1) regretting something that you did, and 2) regretting something that you didn’t do. So far in my life, my biggest regrets are for things I did NOT try to do. I am not going to lie to you and tell you that trying, and failing, at something doesn’t hurt. It does! However, that’s nowhere near as bad as not trying at all, and wondering what would have happened if you tried something and succeeded. So…GO FOR IT! 

 

Also, I want to send a special message to those of you that went through my Physics classes. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say “THANK YOU!” These last two years have been AWESOME! I wouldn’t trade them in for anything, and I have many of you to thank for that. If you were one of the students that I was fortunate enough to teach, I hope you had as much fun in class as I did. You ROCK!

 

Tangaro, Kimberly: 

Aloha Seniors,

I have heard it said that every beginning has an end, and every end is a new beginning. Due to this unprecedented pandemic, the end of high school in 2020 and your new beginning is blurred together. I encourage you to make time with your family and loved ones to symbolically and creatively end high school and embark on your new path. Some ideas are to plant the seeds of your favorite fruit that you ate together. Write a message, put it in a glass bottle and drop it in the ocean. Buy a new pair of shoes and donate an older pair! Be creative and strong. Choose life. Choose kindness and choose hope. You are loved. You are missed. I want all the best for each and every one of you! Sincerely, Profe T

 

Tsukamoto, Lori: 

Dear Class of 2020,

 

Congratulations on your Graduation! ごそつぎょう おめでとうございます。You have gone through many trials, but you have finally made it!

 

I have not been able to meet all of you, but I have been fortunate enough to have gotten to know some of you in Japanese 1 or 2. You have really demonstrated your perseverance and ability to focus by taking a foreign language and enduring my puns. (I’ll miso you berry matcha!) I hope you will continue to learn Japanese or at least remember how to say, “Can I go to the restroom?”

 

There are others of you I met through the Interact club this year. You have definitely shown your dedication to “Service Above Self.” I have really enjoyed getting to know you during the service projects like the Friends of the Mililani Public Library Booksales, Salvation Army bell ringing, Mililani Holiday Parade, and 1st Saturday Community Garage sale.

 

Additionally, if you have just popped by the classroom to say “Hi” thank you for making my day brighter. 

 

To all of the seniors:

Best wishes on all of your future plans!

これからも がんばってください!(Keep doing your best!)

いつも おうえん しています! (I’ll always be cheering for you!)

 

Ms. Tsukamoto

 

Wagner, Sean: 

Hey Phoenixes,

I’ve had the honor of having you all as students once, twice, and for some of you three times over your high school career. In getting to know a great deal of you, I have full confidence in the future you will provide for yourselves and the rest of us when I’m old and grouchy. You’ve shown time and time again how self driven, motivated, and in the face of adversity, resilient. With all the uncertainties going on, let that tenacity drive you, but don’t let the craziness of this year’s events define you. Define yourself and follow your goals and dreams which will be coming up in a very short amount of time. After 13 years, it’s time to move on to the next stages of your lives, we will for sure miss you, but are definitely excited for what the future holds for you!!! Best wishes in your future endeavors Class of 2020!!!

 

Laters,

Mr.Wagner

 

Ward-Riehle, Janet Leilani:

Class of 2020, as an alumna of Mililani High School, I know how these four years in Trojan Nation have given you opportunities to grow, learn from mistakes and thrive in your own unique ways. Appreciate the experiences you’ve had and may the years ahead of you be filled with new adventures and possibilities. I’m grateful for all the students I get to serve as Student Activities Coordinator and I am excited for you to forever bleed brown and gold (see you at Homecoming)! To the student leaders (in all capacities) who have given hours of dedication to your class, organization and school, thank you. Thank you for your service, heart and legacy that you’ve left.  To the senior class officers and councilmembers (of all 4 years): The memories you’ve made on council will last a lifetime and your smiles will not be forgotten. Know Batman and I are always here for you. To ASMHS: Our S.N.A.C.K. team and your council will forever be cherished. You left your mark in Chicago when you presented about Passion, Purpose, Optimism, and Growth Mindset. Mahalo for being the strongest team and always looking out for your school, faculty and community. I pray you continue applying your leadership skills, keep that positive mental attitude and never forget the good times together in B105. #DestinationTrojanNation #Tagatrojansharethepride #period2laughter #toleadistoinspire #takingleadershiptonewheights 

Love and Aloha, Mrs. Janet Leilani Ward-Riehle

 

White (Blanco), Kehaulani:

Aloha ‘oe a mis queridos Seniors,

 

I have to admit I feel cheated of a proper goodbye with you all. We won’t get to do our usual in class celebrations, group send-offs, photos, and hugs. I know all of this sudden change has been disappointing and shocking but don’t despair! Think about everything you’ve been new at. Think about every first time you tried something new. You are not unfamiliar with the first new and intimidating step toward something great. Each of you graduates have taken all the steps necessary to get here successfully and you should be very proud of your achievements. To each of you that have been my amazing students, my hard-working and creative SHH members or officers, share an amazing out of country travel story with me, used my microwave everyday for lunch, lived in my classroom during recess, emailed me past 10pm, been waiting for me to open my classroom door at 7am, or have shared a story or a daily smile in passing, I want you to know that the world is still yours. You were chosen to rise above and show the future generations what tenacity, resilience and strength of character look like. If anyone can do it, it’s you!! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, and for continually inspiring me to create and teach with pasión & aloha. I cannot wait to hear about the positive impact you all make on this world! You will be very missed (as you are missed already!) You know what I will say- send me a postcard in Spanish from a Spanish speaking country and I will be so happy. ¡Sí se puede! (And come back to visit!) Con mucho amor, Chau- Sra. Blanco

 

Yamamoto, Denise: 

Dear Seniors,

 

I remember the first day of your freshman year like it was just yesterday, and I’m sure you can relate. You were all sitting in the gym and when they introduced you as a collective group, I thought “Wow. The Class of 2020… that’s so cool!” You can attach so much symbolism to the number 2020 – starting new, clear vision, a step into another decade. 

 

Fast forward 4 years, and you are on the cusp of leaving MHS as our next graduating class. I never would have dreamed that I’d be writing this letter to you from my dining room “office”. However, the same thoughts are going through my mind right now. Seniors – you are about to start “anew”. MHS has prepared you for life beyond our walls – whether you are heading to college, defending our country in the armed forces or entering our workforce. You are ready, so take that Trojan Pride with you wherever you go. You will have “clearer vision” – you will never take for granted a lunch with friends, the health and safety of your loved ones or a hug and a handshake. And you are stepping into another “era” – things will be different moving forward. But like your mascot, The Phoenix, the Class of 2020 will always be remembered for your sense of strength, resilience, perseverance and renewal. 

 

It has been my honor and privilege to work alongside you as one of your College and Career Counselors. Please keep in touch. Continue to take care of yourselves and one another. 

 

From your class song: “It’s been a good time together, and the best is yet to come.” 

 

Virtual hugs to all of you!

Mrs. Denise Yamamoto

 

Yamamoto, Eri: 

Dear Dylanディランさん,  Raesonレイソンさん, and Elijahイライジャさん, 

You three have been such a blessing to me. Your hard work with sincere attitudes set great examples for the rest of the class. I will miss you…

Dear Ian 牛肉さん, Kyle 肥田野さん, Reyn 久本さん, Megan 堀内さん, Paige 前田さん, Landon 鶏肉さん, Henry 敬太さん, Chance 雨さん, Alyssia 星さん, Zen 瑞慶覧さん. Kaitlyn 山口さん, Joyce 塩さん, 

Thank you for being kind and patient with me. I was so blessed to get to know you. Let me share my favorite verse with my wholehearted best wishes for each one of you.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

これからも、がんばってください! 

ヤマモト先生より (*^_^*)

Yamamoto sensei 

 

Yuasa, Sheila: 

Aloha Seniors,

I’m sorry that we missed the opportunity to have a proper celebration at the end of the year. Please know that I am extremely proud of you and that I was honored to work with you in Expos 2. Our class discussions always made the days more exciting! Remember that writing is a powerful tool, so please continue to use it, especially during these challenging times. You are living through history, so perhaps your class notebook will someday be used as a primary source document 🙂 Wherever the future takes you, I wish you good health and “success”, however you define it. 

Take care,

Mrs. Yuasa