Grandparents, great-grandparents and other special friends and relatives filled Thurston Memorial Chapel for Kupuna Day, as kindergartners celebrated their elders and shared what they are learning during their first year at Punahou School.

“Life in kindergarten is certainly full of light and love — a love that we’re so happy to share with you on this day of honoring all the love and light you share with us,” Chaplain Joshua Hayashi told the congregation during the annual service on Feb. 15, 2013.

In poetry, Scripture, song and prayer, the children expressed how much they love and appreciate their families, praying in gratitude “for the dreams of youth, for incredible potential and hope and for the special people — Na Kupuna — who love us and support us in those dreams.”

Punahou President Jim Scott ’70 joined the celebration, introducing the children as all six classes recited gems of wisdom from the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

Kupuna reacted with smiles, laughter and tears throughout the service, which also featured “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa,” and “You are My Sunshine.”

There were more surprises from the Class of 2025 following Chapel, as family members ventured to the Omidyar K – 1 Neighborhood to explore the exciting educational environment and learn more about the Punahou experience.

Throughout the morning, children were eager to share their learning, and to welcome kupuna to the School that they love. The beloved annual tradition ended as it does year after year: with lots of love, hugs and treasured memories, from keiki to kupuna.

2013 Kupuna Day Slideshow