Young Leaders Do Lunch
by Phoebe Jordan ‘10
On April 7 the second semester leadership class met with thirteen local leaders at the Waialae Country Club.
After much thoughtful research and a few practice sessions, we were ready for the day. Everyone donned dress clothes and set out for this special luncheon date.
There were four people at each table, two students and two adults.
Such an arrangement allowed for easy conversation, and we could ask the questions we had prepared for our specific guests.
Devin Anderson and I sat with Mr. Mark Yamakawa and President David McClain.
They made us feel comfortable and asked us about school and our activities.
They also shared their own personal experiences and tips for success.
After everyone was finished eating, each leader took a few minutes to tell us what he or she considers the most important aspects of succeeding and achieving one's dreams.
Many mentioned the need to remember who helped us along the way and our obligation to help others in return.
Representative Scott Nishimoto left us with a powerful quotation: “It’s not the skill, it’s the will.”
Mr. Yamakawa’s advice to me also made me think. He said, "We do not become leaders to tell everyone else what to do; we become 'servant' leaders to help those around us."
Students thanked Mr. Evan Leong who gave us copies of his book, The Greater Good.
Thank you also to Mrs. Gail Hannemann for giving us each a box of yummy Girl Scout cookies.
This luncheon was an amazing experience for all of us. We are deeply grateful that these leaders made the time to meet us and to share with us their advice for success.
Our thirteen guests were:
Matt Catingub (Director of the Honolulu Symphony Pops)
David McClain (President of UH)
Val Iwashita (Headmaster of `Iolani School)
Mark Yamakawa (Chief Operating Officer of Queen’s Health Systems)
Nainoa Thompson (Executive Director of the Polynesian Voyaging Society)
Scott Nishimoto (State Representative)
Connie Lau (CEO of Hawaiian Electric and American Savings Bank)
Kenneth Silva (Chief of the Fire Department)
Gail Hannemann (CEO of the Girl Scouts of Hawaii)
Evan Leong (entrepreneur and founder of Greater Good Radio)
Marie Milks (retired Circuit Court Judge)
Glenn Uejio (President of The Slipper House)
Steven Ai (President of City Mill)
