Mr. & Miss HBA: A Tradition Since 1955

The highest honors bestowed on an HBA student are the titles of Mr. and Miss HBA. This tradition began in 1955 when David Paco and Jean Itokazu (see picture above) were recognized by the student body in the first year the school had both male and female graduates. Since then, 54 men and 55 women have received the honor, intended to recognize the best in HBA students in citizenship, contributions to school life, and character.

The process of selection begins with a preliminary vote of all eligible students (based on grade point average, citizenship grades, and years at HBA), which narrows the field to about five males and five females. Then a final ballot voted on by ninth to twelfth graders determines the winners. There have been three instances of “irregularities.” In 1963, no Mr. HBA was chosen; in 1984, a tie resulted in two Miss HBAs; and in 1989, another tie resulted in two Mr. HBAs. The announcement was first made in 1955 as part of the May Day celebration. Today, the announcement is made during the annual yearbook assembly.

Many of the honorees have returned to HBA to teach or to serve on staff. Those individuals who currently work at HBA include: Katherine Ching Lee (’69), Marsha Ishida Hirae (’72), Todd Yokotake (’84), Lisa Kakimoto Lichtenberg (’84), Deren Oshiro (’87), Valerie Stackel Coryell (’88), and Matthew Stevens (’97).

The latest recipients of this top honor are Class of 2008 graduates Jordan Nakamura and Nicole Ing.