Today marks the anniversary of the opening of Hawaii School for Girls (HSG). An original HSG brochure states that the school opened on September 9, 1964 at Central Union Church. It was described as "a modern program of college preparatory courses" designed to prepare students for the nation's best colleges. HSG also hoped to differentiate itself by presenting students with extensive and "unusual opportunities" for study in the arts, music, and drama.

"As you may know, today marks the birthday of our school," says Head of School Josh Watson. "This marked a turning point not only in the field of education on O'ahu, but also created countless turning points in the trajectory of countless lives."

"You are no doubt one of those people whose life was forever changed by the friendships and learning you experienced at HSG or LP-HSG," he adds. "I'm sure you will join me in wishing our school a heartfelt 'Happy Birthday!'"

Thanks to the proactive and tireless Board of Trustees and the leadership of the first Head of School, Mr. Joseph H. Pynchon, HSG opened successfully, grew exponentially, and established a permanent campus. La Pietra - Hawaiʻi School for Girls continues to educate, nurture, and celebrate young women to this day.

Today, nearly 1,500 women have graduated from La Pietra. Phyllis Tsarnas '78 is one of those women, and today she is a sport photographer for a Georgia newspaper. The photo above pictures the track star passing the running baton during a one-mile relay, the same day the track team became ILH champions in 1975. The image hung on the walls during the grand opening and dedication of the gymnasium and for years to come. The memory served as her inspiration and love for printed photography.

"In my day, La Pietra was called Hawaii School for Girls," Tsarnas begins. "Mr. Joseph Henry Pynchon Sr., who we so lovingly referred to as Mr. P and Papa P, was the school’s first headmaster. HSG would never have gotten off the ground if it weren’t for the unstoppable Lorraine Cooke and Mr. Joseph Pynchon. The depths of their dynamic charisma and dedication are the foundation of La Pietra today."

Tsarnas goes on to say that some of her fondest memories are because of both Cooke and Pynchon. 

"I could go on and on with a dictionary of accolades to give Mr. Pynchon who was like a FATHER to many, and a FATHER to some. But most importantly, he was a HERO to ALL," she adds. "He had a heart of GOLD and simply gave all he had to us girls. Because of him, I look back at a hundred and one things I love about La Pietra."

Today, Tsarnas is the mother of Brianna, a sophomore in high school, and she's following in mom's athletic footsteps. Her La Crosse Varsity Team became the 2021 Regional Champs, and her Varsity Cross Country Team went all the way to the state championships to compete in 2020. Brianna even reps her mom's number, 15, on her La Crosse team. She hopes to earn a La Crosse or Cross Country scholarship while applying to colleges.

"When my daughter, Brianna, decided to engage in a sport of her choosing, I knew I had to capture her and her teammates due to my love for photography," Tsarnas says.

"Thank you, Mr. P., for always believing in ME and forever believing in ALL the girls that passed through the halls of HSG," Tsarnas says. "You truly were the very BEST! You were the cornerstone of HSG and made what La Pietra is today."