Celebrating La Pietra's Class of 2022
June 7th, 2022
La Pietra's Class of 2022 celebrates after receiving their diplomas.
Congratulations to La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls' Class of 2022! On Thursday, May 26, the 27 seniors took their final walk across the Great Lawn, celebrating the culmination of their high school accomplishments during a beautiful ceremony with friends, family, and lots of lei and hugs. After their time at La Pietra, the new graduates are ready to embark on their next chapter with confidence and purpose.
"As the members of this class make their way into the wider world beyond high school, I know that they will continue to accomplish wonderful things individually, while bringing others along with them," said Head of School Josh Watson. "They will certainly make their mark elsewhere, as they have done here."
Guest speaker and alum Taeler Akana '12 joined the new graduates on this special evening to share some wisdom since leaving La Pietra to start her own new journey. Taeler was just recently crowned Cherry Blossom Princess as part of this year's 70th Cherry Blossom Court. She currently works in the mental health field at Kalihi Palama Health Center and is pursuing a graduate degree at Chaminade University School of Nursing, aspiring to be a psychiatric nurse. During her address, she urged the class to never limit themselves to life's endless possibilities.
COMMENCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Though our physical distance will widen, and maybe even our emotional distance, we’ll always be connected to each other because of that narrow passage that connected us to the very core, that core which is La Pietra.
- Victoria H. '22
Valedictorian Victoria H. gives her address to the graduating class.
When valedictorian Victoria H. took to the podium, she placed an hourglass at her side. The device stood as a metaphor to showcase the class' time at La Pietra, which she likened to the narrow passage between the top and bottom globes. This narrow passage connected these 27 young women during this significant time of growth, creating a sisterhood.
"This narrow passage has been the most diverse and growing period of our lives in which we found our interests, preferences, identity, and learned to set our own boundaries," Victoria explained. "Through our experiences at La Pietra, we’ve grown 27 strong, and conflict has taught us the virtues of understanding, patience, and respect for another."
Class President Dayna N. and Valedictorian Victoria H. talk about their ambitions and next chapters after graduation.
Victoria went on to expand her hourglass metaphor explaining that today, on the day of their graduation, the class would now diverge at the bottom globe. It was now time to share their experiences with others and deepen the expertise in their passions. She finished by sharing a few pieces of advice with her class. The first was to be on time and take advantage of every opportunity. The second was to not sweat the little things.
"When we encounter challenges in college and life, we must reflect and realize that we’ve only got this much time, and this much sand left," Victoria said, holding up her fingers. "Be patient with yourself, listen to your gut, have an open mind, and live, laugh, love."
Members of the class perform their senior hula, “Nā Pu’uwai Haokila,” by Keauhou.
Before the new graduates were handed their diplomas, Dr. Watson presented three members of the senior class with special awards in recognition of their contributions throughout their time at La Pietra. First was the Joseph H. Pynchon Headmaster's Award, which went to La Dayne P. This award goes to the senior whose years at La Pietra have been marked by significant personal contributions to the life of the school and service to others.
Next came the Barbara Cox-Anthony Scholar Athlete Award. Named for one of our school’s founders, this award recognizes the senior who demonstrates athletic excellence as well as high academic achievement, and who has participated in several community service activities. We proudly presented this award to Dayna N.
And finally, the Lorraine Day Cooke Founder's Prize was awarded to Victoria H. Also named for one of our school’s founders, this award is presented to the senior who has best combined high academic standing, extracurricular achievements, and outstanding citizenship.
Class President Dayna N. receives her diploma.
The awards presentation was followed by the senior hula, “Nā Pu’uwai Haokila” by Keauhou, performed by six members of the Class of 2022: Madison B., Alexa C., Gavriella G., Victoria H., Jazi K., and Lauren T.
Finally, it was the moment the graduates had been waiting for: the moment their names were called to receive their high school diplomas! Members of the class were called one at a time, each receiving the degree and words of congratulations from Dr. Watson with big smiles.
Congratulations to the members of La Pietra's Class of 2022! We know they will bring forth strength, compassion, and an unrivaled sense of purpose wherever they go, and we look forward to seeing their next chapter unfold.
Miss the commencement ceremony livestream? You can still watch the full video here or share the YouTube link with family and friends!
