Standout scholar-athlete C.J. Villanueva '26 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past six years. Two days before Commencement, he shares stories and thoughts that kept relating back to resilience, gratitude and teamwork. His speech at Baccalaureate about dealing with hard times, healing through community and building character through adversity was a gift to his classmates as they head off to college. Truly an extraordinary young man, C.J. will be attending Washington University in St. Louis. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Deeply committed educator Mrs. Leia Yongvanich is in her first year as our Dean of Lower School. She shares stories about her path to Hawai'i, which includes many different locations and formative experiences. She also discusses the growth mindset approach to teaching and what it's like to be an 'Iolani School parent. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

One of 10 neighbor island students in the 2024-25 Residential Life Program, Miley Cox '25 contributed to 'Iolani School in many special ways during the past four years. She provides an insider's perspective on the boarding program and its cultural connections, and also shares stories about the 'Iolani fine arts program, independent science research and the Chapel Council. Truly an extraordinary young woman, Miley is headed to the Savannah College of Art and Design. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo! PHOTOS SHOWN TO MILEY: Move-In Day (Aug. 16, 2021) -- outside Move-In Day (Aug. 16, 2021) -- inside Science Symposium (April 21, 2025) MILEY'S SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS: Mixed Media Gold Key -- fawn Mixed Media Gold Key -- dress LINK: 'Iolani School Podcast episode with Mrs. Holly Chung (Mixed Media Art Teacher -- Dec. 27, 2018)  

While on sabbatical during the upcoming 2025-26 school year, Mr. Chase Wiggins '06 will be researching and completing a doctoral dissertation that will connect 'Iolani School's 19th-century founding with its 21st-century future. An Upper School English teacher since 2018, he also discusses his experiences within the school's boarding program and shares thoughts about his path to becoming a teacher, which stretches back to his days as an 'Iolani student. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

At the end of the 2023-24 school year, the 101st edition of Ka Mo'olelo O 'Iolani was dedicated to fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Robin Hiraki. She became the first Lower School teacher in 11 years to be honored as the 'Iolani yearbook dedicatee. The beloved longtime educator offers her humble perspective about the day of that surprise announcement. She also shares thoughts about many people who make our school special, recounting several fascinating stories and touching memories. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

United States Presidential Scholar Michael Kostecki '24 shares his thoughts about a wonderful 13-year journey through 'Iolani School, which included a senior year that also saw him serve as a proconsul, earn the title of valedictorian, captain the boys soccer ILH championship team and publish his research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Truly a remarkable young man, Mikey is headed to Harvard University. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo! PHOTOS SHOWN TO MIKEY: First day of kindergarten for Class of 2024 (Aug. 26, 2011) Sixth Grade Moving Up Ceremony for Class of 2024 (May 30, 2018)  

A cherished member of the faculty since 1977, Dr. Carey Inouye '66 shares his unparalleled perspective on 'Iolani School. Topics of discussion include his days as a student, The Rev. David P. Coon, Eddie Hamada '46, Gina Wang '22 and the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

After an award-winning career as a documentary filmmaker, Mrs. Risa Beer has taught Film Production in the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership since the day it opened in 2013. During the past decade, several of her students have earned local, national and international accolades for their work. She helps 'Iolani School's young filmmakers develop critical life skills as communicators and collaborators, while guiding them through the process of finding their voices and telling bold stories. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo! LINKS: 2023 'Iolani School Happy Holidays video produced by Film Production students 091319.MOV by Kunwoo Kim '21 'Iolani School Podcast episode with Mihn Ngo '21  

A beloved member of the faculty and administration since 2005, Mr. Erik Yamamoto '99 has contributed to our 'Iolani School community and "One Team" culture in many roles and ways, most recently as Associate Dean of Students. Ha'aheo Dela Cruz '23 joined the podcast as a student co-host, helping listeners understand Mr. Yamamoto's particularly strong bond with the Class of 2023. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!

Having learned in the spaces that he's now teaching in, Manny Dayao '97 shares his unique perspective on the performing arts at 'Iolani School. As the director of the marching band and current head of the Performing Arts Department, he stewards traditions of excellence established by the late Wayne DeMello, who was his teacher, colleague and friend. While sitting in a band room filled with trophies, he also explains why a letter written to his wind ensemble a decade ago is among his most valued possessions. Please subscribe to the 'Iolani School Podcast. Mahalo!