This past June, Hawaii Baptist Academy graduated its most recent class, when 107 students from the Class of 2008 walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. This brings the total number of HBA graduates to 3,399 men and women.
But it all began with three individuals in 1954: Kiyo Itokazu, Phillip Perreira, Jr., and Harry Uyeunten, the first graduates of Hawaii Baptist Academy.
Kiyo Itokazu enrolled in the ninth grade at HBA in the fall of 1950 and became the class’ valedictorian. He continued on to Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Soon, he worked as a pastor, then a military chaplain in the Vietnam War. In 1988, he retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 20-year career in the Army. In 1989, he became a full-time chaplain for Kuakini Medical Center. “When I recall HBA and the faculty and staff, I am always grateful to God for the role HBA played in my life,” said Itokazu. Even though he is now retired, Itokazu continues to be active at Waialae Baptist Church. Serving in ministry most of his life, Itokazu recalls, “My four years [at HBA] have been vital in laying the foundation for my further preparation.”
Phillip Perreira, Jr., entered HBA in the tenth grade in the fall of 1951. Perreira was a devoted athlete during his time in high school. Upon graduation, Perreira went into the Air Force, where he played football and served in various locations, including Greenland. Other items on his résumé include being a Honolulu police officer from 1959 to 1962, a Federal Aviation Administration employee for over 40 years, Hawaii’s Olympic and Power Weightlifting State Champion in 1977, and a ballroom dancing champion. “Just being able to go to HBA was a turning point in my education,” said Perreira. “The teachers set a good example that rubbed off on me as I decided to continue following the footsteps of Christ.”
Uyeunten was the president of his class. However, his enrollment in HBA in the ninth grade in 1950 was an unlikely story, in which he had to overcome financial difficulties, family resistance to the school’s Baptist association, and his past behavioral problems. Nevertheless, God provided him a way to attend HBA. “The missionaries wanted me to go to HBA for high school, and I thought it would be a good idea” said Uyeunten. “It was the best thing for me then to keep me out of trouble.” At HBA, Uyeunten also served as president of the journalism club and member of the Student Council. He is now retired after working more than 35 years for the U.S. Postal Service.
In 2004, these three men were honored on stage HBA’s commencement ceremony, marking their 50th year since graduating from the school. That same year, they had 100% participation for their class at the annual HBA Ho‘olaulea alumni gathering. They still find ways to support their alma mater, reminding us that HBA’s mission is the same today as it was nearly 60 years ago.
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