Celebrating La Pietra's Class of 2023
June 2nd, 2023
Some members of La Pietra's Class of 2023 celebrates after receiving their diplomas.
Congratulations to La Pietra – Hawai‘i School for Girls' Class of 2023! On Friday, May 26, the 11 seniors celebrated the culmination of their high school accomplishments during a beautiful ceremony on the Great Lawn with family, friends, 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.
"This class is a high achieving class," said Head of School Josh Watson during his welcome address. "As a testament to their high school achievements, collectively, they have earned over $1.2 million in merit scholarship offers from colleges."
But the members of the Class of 2023 don’t only achieve, they also contribute. They have served as peer leaders, Big Sisters, National Honor Society tutors, food and clothing drive organizers, and even school event planners to name just a few examples. "They have given their time, their effort, and their aloha in countless ways throughout the years and each time they have made our school a better place to be," Dr. Watson said. "For that, seniors, thank you."
COMMENCEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Laurie Callies '70 addresses the Class of 2023.
While this class of '23 might be small, you are a mighty bunch and will undoubtedly pack a powerful punch. I'm certain you are bound for an abundance of great things.
- laurie callies '70
Guest speaker and alum Laurie Callies '70 joined the new graduates on this special evening to share some wisdom since leaving La Pietra to start her own new journey. Callies was among the first students to enroll at La Pietra when its doors opened at Central Union Church as Hawaii School for Girls in September 1964. Her class was also among the first group of students to step foot on our Diamond Head campus.
Since graduating, she has played many roles at La Pietra. She has been a substitute music teacher, advancement director, alumnae coordinator, Alumnae Association president, All-School Reunion chair, and trustee. For the volunteer work Callies did at La Pietra, she was recognized as a Volunteer in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Aloha Chapter in 2003.
Hear Class President Jade H. and Valedictorian Nina B. talk about their La Pietra experience and future plans.
During her address to the soon-to-be graduates, Callies spoke of her "Cerulean Sisters," a small group of La Pietra alumnae, and the close bonds they formed during the pandemic. "At La Pietra, there is an innate sense of sisterhood among students; a bond that is unbreakable," she said. "It is likely that you are already aware of it, and you are now a valued and respected addition to our extended sisterhood."
To welcome the Class of 2023 into La Pietra's alumnae association, Callies closed out her address by giving each graduate a $100 gift card. "This gift has no strings attached; you can do with it what you want," Callies said. "And perhaps one day you, too, will be able to pay this gesture of kahiau forward."
Members of the class perform their senior hula, “Mele ‘Ohana” by Keali‘i Reichel.
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. Both the Joseph H. Pynchon Headmaster's Award and the Barbara Cox-Anthony Scholar Athlete Award went to valedictorian Nina B.
The final award, the Lorraine Day Cooke Founder's Prize, went to salutatorian Sabrina C. 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. The awards presentation was followed by the senior hula, “Mele ‘Ohana” by Keali‘i Reichel.
Valedictorian Nina B. receives her diploma.
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 with big smiles.
Congratulations to the members of La Pietra's Class of 2023! 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!
