We planned a perfect start to our Centennial Year 2018-2019! Our first assembly was a joyful one featuring our beloved Mrs. Lillian Yajima '32.  Each time she visits us on campus, she inspires and awes us with her vivid stories and special memories of her learning at Hanahau'oli.  She was a student here 92 years ago when she entered our school is 1926! 

The school is so lucky that she frequently comes to school throughout the year! For example, we may see her celebrating Halloween with the children or teaching origami to faculty.  Because she is such valuable resource to the school in a multitude of ways, this Assembly was dedicated to her.  How appropriate she was our special person in Sunshine Chair!  We had the wonderful opportunity to hear her remarkable stories and pay tribute to her.  

She shared her framed wedding invitation and her 25th wedding anniversary announcement.  These were important events in her life and she recounted that she invited then Hanahau'oli principal, Mrs. Louisa Palmer, to her wedding.  She was astonished because not only was each invitation was carefully guarded by Mrs. Palmer but also adorned artistically along the edges with an assortment of hand-cut, tiny flowers.  They were gifted to Mrs. Yajima by Mrs. Palmer to commemorate both events.  Mrs. Yajima described how touched she was with this act of kindness, thoughtfulness, and love.  Mrs. Yajima said, "this is Hanahau'oli."  

Mrs. Yajima also shared 2 key life messages she learned while being a student here:  Always try and girls can do what boys can do!

We showed slides from Archives of Hanahau'oli during the years 1926 - 1932 and we were all pleasantly surprised that we found a photo of Mrs. Yajima wearing kapa and lei!  

As a tribute to Mrs. Yajima and all she does for the school, she was presented with a plaque given with love from the school. The inscription read:

Lillian Noda '32 Yajima
Hanahau'oli School's Centennial Year 1918 - 2018
With deep appreciation of her aloha and dedication

It was a lovely tribute and expression of gratitude to Mrs. Yajima from the entire school. We can look forward to seeing Mrs. Yajima at the Birthday Bash on 9/22/18!