In 1914, an elementary school in Pahoa welcomed its first students. Years later a high school was added. In 1944, Pahoa High and Elementary School had its first graduating class of seniors. The school served students from the rural Puna District communities. Students were being bused in as far away as Volcano. The original buildings on campus are still in use including the front High School building, the gymnasium and two of the elementary school buildings.
In 1914, an elementary school in Pahoa welcomed its first students. Years later a high school was added. In 1944, Pahoa High and Elementary School had its first graduating class of seniors. The school served students from the rural Puna District communities. Students were being bused in as far away as Volcano. The original buildings on campus are still in use including the front High School building, the gymnasium and two of the elementary school buildings.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Pahoa High School Alumni Association is sponsoring a 70th anniversary of Pahoa High and Intermediate School. It will be an evening of great entertainment, ono Hawaiian food, and fun with friends. Event will be held at the Pahoa YBA Hall. Doors will open at 4 p.m. Ticket price is $20 for adults and students; children 12 years and under are $15.
The last reunion was held in 1994: the 50th anniversary. From the fundraising and donations of the 50th anniversary the Pahoa High School Alumni Association has been providing scholarships to graduates of Pahoa High School for 20 years.
According to Jason Hashimoto, president of the PHS Alumni Association, “In order to continue this worthy scholarship to deserving graduates, we need the support of our alumni, friends, and supporters of Pahoa High School. For the past 20 years, without any additional fundraising, we were able to offer the scholarship and we would like to continue this tradition so need to build up our account.”
Besides attending the reunion, there is a cookbook and T-shirt available for purchase. All proceeds from the sales of the tickets, cookbook and T-shirt will go directly to the scholarship fund. The cookbook will contain 600 recipes from alumni, attending students, faculty, and friends of Pahoa School. If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to make a donation, that will also be accepted.
Please purchase your ticket to the event by Friday. Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check payable to “Pahoa High School Alumni Association” to PHS Alumni Association c/o Kim Enanoria, P.O. Box 5779, Hilo, HI 96720. If you want an order form with the detailed letter, email pahoahsalumniassociation@gmail.com for a copy. If you have Facebook, “like” the Pahoa Daggers Alumni 70th Reunion for more details. For additional information, contact Hashimoto at 937-5941.