Building on progress: Vision 2049

Back in 2015, I had the privilege of working with my fellow HPA leaders, including then-Head of School Lindsay Barnes, on a new vision statement and strategic plan for HPA. Looking back on that effort, I clearly remember how excited and inspired we were about the new educational programs we envisioned. I also know we could not possibly imagine the growth that lay ahead—for our students and for ourselves as educators.

Fast forward to 2023, and I am amazed once again at the capstone showcase work presented by our fifth-, eighth-, and 12th-graders this past spring. Their poise was impressive, but above all, each demonstrated their ability to pursue independent research; receive and benefit from adult mentorship; and connect their learning to the needs of the larger community. I also take great pride in how their projects demonstrated our sustainability vision — Mālama Kaiāulu — in so many different ways.

Each day at HPA is so joyously crammed with learning and activity, it can be difficult to stand back and see the big picture. But whenever I do, I'm thrilled to see the progress we've made. Four years ago, we were only just elevating our capstone program to be comprehensive across all three school divisions. Five years ago, we had no clear aspirations to become a leader in sustainability education. Today, HPA is thriving in both arenas, and we are just getting started.

HPA Board of Trustees 2022-23

Laurie T. Ainslie P’12, ’15

Robert R. Budway ’76, chair

Michael J. Chun

Warren Doi P’22

Allison Holt Gendreau P’08

Building on our progress, we just announced a new vision statement for HPA. Named with our 100th anniversary in mind, Vision 2049 expands our current aspirations: “Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy will be the premier educational community committed to living and learning sustainably.” With our declaration, we set innovative goals; among them, a campus master plan that will deliver our carbon net zero commitment and set global standards as a sustainability teaching laboratory.

I know the next five years will be filled with even more progress and ingenuity. While we celebrate big growth for our children today, I invite you to also imagine what HPA’s leadership contributions could be in 2049. How will we get there? By what we accomplish together—this year, next year, and the one after that.

Please join me in dreaming big for our school—stay tuned, spread the word, draw your fellow Ka Makani back into closer connection, and consider becoming a regular financial supporter. I look forward to sharing more news in the weeks ahead, AND for many years to come.

Nona Hasegawa ’78

Ana Yarawamai Hiyane ’00

Hans P. L'Orange III '73

Rob O’Donohue ’95

Samuel Pratt ’84

William D. Pratt ’86

Michael S. Spalding ’66

Maxwell Unger '04

Bonnie Bogue Wedemeyer ’86

HPA mourns the loss of Nona Frances Sumi Liliokalani Catherine Hasegawa, class of 1978, who passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2023. Hasegawa was HPA’s first female student body president, and she served as a deeply dedicated and inspirational trustee of the school, beginning in September 2001 until her death. In her honor, a koai‘a tree was planted next to HPA’s star compass, Pānānā o Kainoa, shortly after her passing. A tribute will follow in the next issue of Ma Ke Kula