Question: McKinley High School celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2015. Special items were sold to commemorate this historic moment. One offered was their “MHS 150th Book.” Orders were taken on-site during the celebration. I placed an order that very day. I later received a call to pay for my book in advance. I have the canceled check. It’s now two years later and no book. Calling the person in charge, I was told they’ve had printing problems but that the book is coming out. Could you please find out what is happening?
Answer: It took more time and effort than initially expected to put the book together, but it is on track to publish this year, said Jennifer Agena, the McKinley High School librarian who is now assisting alumni volunteers spearheading the project.
The organizers never planned to release the book during McKinley’s sesquicentennial year, because they want it to include photographs from events throughout the 2015-16 school year, including a luau that September, a campus fair in March and a Waikiki gala in April. That final anniversary celebration was held April 28, 2016, one year ago, not two.
Still, they didn’t anticipate it taking this long and apologize for the delay.
“We are sorry about that and appreciate everyone’s patience. It’s been a big undertaking, and we appreciate the interest and support,” Agena said.
Records were kept of all preorders. Anyone who already paid for the book and wants a refund may request one by emailing MHS150 years@gmail.com, Agena said, “although everyone who has called so far has been willing to wait a little longer. They mostly want to find out if the book is still going to come out, and it is.”
Although Agena could not give an exact release date, she said it would be this year. The pre-publication price is $20 per book, she said.
About half the book is devoted to the school’s history, traditions and events, and the other half is a cookbook, Agena said. Both sections relied on submissions of photographs, recollections and recipes from alumni. Collecting and compiling them took longer than expected, Agena said, as did editing the content and designing the book’s pages.
Some of the recipes came in handwritten, for example, and “we had to call people to make sure we understood it and double-check everything so the recipe is accurate.”
The project is now past the compilation stage and awaits printing, she said.
“Everyone involved in this project, most of whom are volunteers, is working hard to get it done,” Agena said.
Founded in 1865, the public high school is among Hawaii’s most notable, having produced numerous illustrious alumni through the generations.
Q: Do people nominated for Living Treasures have to be Japanese?
A: No. “Living Treasures of Hawaii recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence and high achievement in their particular field of endeavor, and who, through continuous growth, learning, and sharing, have made significant contributions toward enriching our society,” states Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, which sponsors the annual awards. See a list of past honorees at 808ne.ws/treasureslist. It’s a diverse group.
Auwe
Auwe to a middle-age lady at Longs Drugs at Manoa Marketplace. As I entered the Ewa entrance on Thursday around noon, I stopped to look at the garden display. Before I knew it, this lady was in my face, trying to walk through me. I took a step back, and she commented, “Can’t even move for a lady.” Sorry, lady, but we senior citizens cannot move and think as fast as you. … I was taught to walk around people, not through people. Be humble and show respect to others. — A Vietnam veteran
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