Neal S. Takamori (’64) and Glenn K. Muranaka (’67) will be inducted into the McKinley Alumni Association’s 2015 Hall of Honor at its annual almni luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 31. Also at the event, Jacqueline “Jackie” Thuener will be presented the “Tiger Pride” Award.
Neal S. Takamori was a teacher, coach, student counselor, vice principal and athletic director. He was active in the McKinley Foundation and continued to be active with the school, after his retirement in December 2012.
One of his largest contributions was to the Department of Education as a whole. He was influential in having the state acquire athletic trainers at every public high school and lobbied the state to have athletic directors reclassified to allow for their advancement in the DOE educational officer system.
Glenn K. Muranaka is the first Hawai‘i-born and -raised president of the state’s largest dairy, Meadow Gold Dairies. He has been with the company for more than 40 years, working his way up from statistical clerk to president and general manager, a position he has held for the past 18 years.
Under his leadership, Meadow Gold was named one of the “Top 250 Companies in Hawai‘i.” The companies community service include sponsoring AYSO Soccer, the Healthy Baby Contest, the Milk Carton Regata (for middle and high school students) and partnering with the DOE to promote health, fitness and nutrition.
Muranaka is a long time supporter of McKinley fundraisers.
Tiger Pride Awardee Jacqueline Thuener is a 1975 graduate and currently teaches science at McKinley. She served as the Science department chairperson from 2000-2014 and was the Science Club advisor for 30 years and Science Fair coordinator for 17 years.
Other activities include serving as class advisor during her tenure and volunteering in various school functions and activities.
Her community service includes being a volunteer teacher in the Obedience Training Club of Hawai‘i; being an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college preparatory advisor; and baking goodies for Shriners Hospital and a nursing home in Käne‘ohe.
With her positive attitude, she instills the same feeling she had as a student to her students — that a goal can be achieved with determination and perseverance.
The alumni luncheon will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, Mänoa Ballroom. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for guests/nonmembers. Deadline to RSVP is Friday, Jan. 16.
Make checks payable to “McKinley Alumni Association” and mail to: McKinley Alumni Association, 1039 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814. For more information, call Jo Ann Abrazado at (808) 282-6828.
Photo by kalihikahuna74 (Ryukyu/Fugu Khan or Okinawa808) on Flickr.
