Welcome back class of 1965

On Friday, September 11, 2015, Kalani welcomed back the class of 1965 to the campus. Kalani welcomed the alumni with a special assembly, school tour, and mini pep rally. Roberta Conlan – Miss Hawaii 1965 and Stanford graduate, who made her mark in journalism and publishing, Patrice Tappe – Opera star in Europe, Vince Goo – Educator and UH Wahine Basketball Coach, DOE Principals – Peter Chun, Gail Awakuni and Kathy Mau,and former NFL Player from the Pittsburgh Steelers Roy Gerela are just some of the many people from the class of 1965.

Roy Gerela is from Alberta,Canada and is the youngest of 10 children. Despite having a rough childhood, Gerela bounced back by playing baseball and football at Kalani. He was a catcher and played under Coach John Nakamura for baseball. Gerela played multiple positions for football,  including offensive and defensive back, as well as being the punter. After high school, Gerela went to New Mexico State where he played baseball, football and soccer. In college, Gerela was a catcher for baseball, defensive back, safety and punter for football. He began putting halfway through his junior year. Because of his accomplishments and talent in college, Gerela was drafted in the fourth round by Houston Oilers as place kicker and punter. Gerela played in Houston for two years and later went to the Pittsburgh Steelers for nine years. He eventually won three super bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since Gerela was a part of a Super Bowl team, Kalani High School will receive a commemorative Wilson Golden Football featuring the school’s name and location, Gerela’s name, and also the Super Bowls that Gerela appeared in. His  advice to this year’s football team is, “If the mind can believe it, the body can and will achieve it.”

I also had the opportunity to interview three more graduates from the class of 1965. Here are their interviews.

Ms. Linda Kramer

1. How does it feel to be back at Kalani? Wonderful Memories.
2. Does it look different since you were a student at Kalani? No, kind of the same.
3. What was your favorite subject while you were a student? English.

Ms. Pam Agrimson

• How does it feel to be back at Kalani? Feels great. Lots of memories.

1. Does it look different since you were a student at Kalani? There has been a few new additions such as the elevator, the new ramp for handicap, and the gym changed.
2. What was your favorite subject while you were a student? English.

Mr. Stephen Nakasone

• How does it feel to be back at Kalani? Feels good.Really happy. Good experience. Once in a lifetime.

1. Does it look different since you were a student at Kalani? Not too much. Slightly different. Same looks. Slightly improvement.
2. What was your favorite subject while you were a student? Math and mechanical drawing.

Everybody here at Kalani had a fun time while the class of 1965 came back to school to spend some time at Kalani. The class of 1965 was very excited to be back at Kalani because there was special assembly and a tour of the school. Kalani High School wishes the best of luck to the class of 1965.