The Hilo High Foundation recently took steps to encourage seventh-grade students at Hilo Intermediate School. In a December school assembly, Foundation President Allan Ikawa and Foundation Secretary Newton Chu presented the entire seventh-grade class with T-shirts emblazoned with the Hilo High Viking logo and a statement, “Vikings in Training, Class of 2025.”
The foundation believes that by encouraging students to graduate with their classmates, in five years the percentage of students who drop out will decrease.
To assist the foundation in its endeavors, please consider attending the Distinguished Alumni Awards 10th Annual Recognition Dinner at Sangha Hall on at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28.
The foundation will recognize the late John T. Masuhara, who died Nov. 7, 2019, at the age of 75. He was born in Aiea, Oahu, on Jan. 1, 1944, and graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Ohio State University, where he received a Ph.D in education. He was an educator for the state Department of Education, and served as the principal of Hilo High School from 1996 to 2000. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Taishoji Soto Mission in Hilo and sixth-degree black belt in Judo.
The foundation will also recognize the late Barry K. Taniguchi, (HHS Class of ’65)who died Sept. 20, 2019, at the age of 72. Taniguchi was the former chairman and CEO of KTA Super Stores. He was the president of the Hilo High School Foundation from 2010 up to and including his passing. He was very active in the community, and served as an officer and director of numerous charitable and civic organizations throughout the state.
During the course of his career, Taniguchi received many awards for his compassion and community service. He truly exemplified the Viking spirit and tradition of community service.
Please consider attending this dinner. Tickets are $50 and include a special dinner catered by Don’s Grill. Special tables for group sponsors are available: Platinum, $2,000; Blue, $1,500; Gold, $750.00, and Viking, $500.
This would be a great time for alums to put together a table with classmates while helping Hilo High and the Foundation. The Hilo High Foundation is a tax-exempt foundation dedicated to enhancing the educational opportunities for students at Hilo High. For sponsors and purchasing tables, please contact Art Taniguchi at 987-0287. For individual or small group ticket information, please contact Foundation Secretary Newton Chu, 961-0406.
