Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 1, 1 January 1988 — Students Say Aloha and Mahalo to Tom Yokoyama [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Students Say Aloha and Mahalo to Tom Yokoyama

HI-CTC Graduates 18 During Class III Ceremonies

By Kenny Haina, Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA It was graduation time onee more on Nov. 25 and also a time to say aloha and mahalo to "an outstanding instructor and friend" during commencement ceremonies for the third class of the Hawaii Computer Training Center (HI-CTC) in the school's meeting room at 33 S. King St. HI-CTC is a 16-week intensive program established by Alu Like ine. It is the first such training center designed to empower members of disadvantaged and minority populations in Hawaii to develop the skills necessary for gainful employment in the emerging hightech communications age. International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is one of the primary supporters of the program. Other corporate sponsors are Hawaiian Telephone, Hawaiian Electric Industries ine., James B. Campbell Estate, NYNEX Corporation, United Airlines, Alexander & Baldwin ine. and First Hawaiian Bank.

tighteen students received their graduation certiticates Nov. 25, six of them with honors. The school has a maximum enrollment of 28 for eaeh class. The 18 graduates match the same number from the first class whieh got their certificates last Mar. 6. The Winona Ellis Rubin Award for the student judged the Most Improved went to Dennis K. Montervon who was described by one instructor as the student who made the greatest impact on his class and showed eonsistent progress. The Anton Krucky Award for the student showing the Most Outstanding performance in all areas went to D. Ululani Stephenson, one of the six honor graduates. The other honor graduates are Helen Kawailani Chun, Bernice Kahulu Kaiama, Gerri Ann Kehaunani Paiakiko, Lee Ann Sheldon and Christina K. Thibodeau.

Mrs. Rubin, former director of Alu Like and now director of the Department of Social Studies and Housing, and Krucky, Pacific area manager forIBM, were on hand to present the awards. Mrs. Rubin was also the day's keynote speaker. As in the previous two classes, many of the students found the 16-week program very gruelling. There were single parents, housewives, husbands, recent high school graduates and a few who were out of school a number of years.

Class President Kelle Johnson recalled how tough it was for most of the students to carry a full Ioad, take care of domestic chores, children and in some cases, holding part-time jobs. She also recounted some good times and how mueh the feeiing of ohana existed among the students. The staff was especially cited for their "strong support and help" throughout the 16 weeks. Tom Yokoyama, one of those staff members who was the PC (personal computer) instructor was especially singled out by Johansen and graduates from the other two classes. There were high words of praise and presentation of several gifts to Yokoyama who taught his last class at HI-CTC.

Yokoyama, IBM site manager, had been with the school since its inception. He will be going back to the IBM main office in Honolulu where he expects to be transferred to a Far East post. He told Ka Wai Ola O OHA he may be going to Tokyo or Hong Kong. Yokoyama added that he had a great time with HICT C and will have many good and satisfying reflections. He enjoyed his tenure with the school and especialiy the rapport with students. "It was always a joyful moment

for me as well as for them when it eame down to graduation day and watch with great happiness at their aecomplishments," Yokoyama declared. Ironically, the first Krucky Award winner from Class I, Marlene Kintaro, will succeed Yokoyama as PC instructor.

According to HI-CT C Director Estelle Liu, seven students had been placed in jobs at graduation time, one decided to become a fulltime college student, some were waiting for job interviews and others are going to college part-time. Among those already employed are an unele and nieee from Nanakuli. Clayton Ioane Palakiko is with Alu Like while his nieee, Gerri Ann Kehaunani Palakiko, is working for a law firm. HI-CTC Class IV starts Jan. 4. While it may be too late for this class, interested Hawaiians may apply for Class V by calling 538-0035 for full particulars. The complete list of graduates for Class III: Sandy Kahaholani Bode, Hele Kawailani Chun, Lea K. Iwamoto, Kelle Moana Johansen, Dorreann Kawaipiolani Kaehuaea, Melani Noelani Kahanaoi, Bernice

Kahulu Kaiama, Aliee Jennifer Kuie'e, Dennis K. Montervon, Kelly Marie Kaipoleimanu Muller, Clayton Ioane Palakiko, Gerri Ann Kehaunani Palakiko, Lee Ann Sheldon, D. Ululani Stephenson, Christina K. Thibodeau and Millicent Lokelani Thomas. In addition to the corporate sponsors mentioned earlier, these individuals and their organizations donated time and money.

Fran Baumer, First Hawanan Bank; Lynn Ching, State of Hawaii, Department of Civil Service; Glenn Chock, IBM; Darlene Costa, Sheraton Corporation; A. Van Hom Diamond, State of Hawaii, Judiciary; Bonnie Freitas, Aloha Airlines: Jalna Keala, Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Lynden Keala, Vanier Graphics; Ed Mar, American Airlines; Larry Marietti, IBM; Pua Mitchell, Bishop Estate; Betty Moore, Bank of Hawaii; Joseph Tassel, State of Hawaii. A reception was held for the graduates, friends and family members who attended the ceremonies. Money for the catered food was raised by students through a laulau sale.

Dennis K. Montervon is kissed by Winona E. Rubin during presentation of the Most lmproved Student award named in her honor.

Anton Krucky presents his own award to D. Ululani Stephenson who was honored as the Most Outstanding Student.

Helen Kawailani Chun, one of six honor students, gets a warm hug from Nanea Sai, employment and training coordinator with Alu Like O'ahu lsland Center.

Class President Kelle Johansen recalls hardships and joys of Class III students.

Estelle Liu, HI-CTC director, expresses some of her feelings about the departing Tom Yokoyama pietured to her left.