Two schools that closed this year left an indelible mark on generations of island students, forging an academic and spiritual foundation that served them well over the years
The Hawaii Catholic Herald asked graduates of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Ewa Beach and St. John the Baptist in Kalihi to share their memories of the two Oahu Catholic schools. Both closed at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. St. John the Baptist had been around 60 years. Our Lady of Perpetual Help opened 53 years ago.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
“The teachers and staff were always so kind and compassionate, helping with all of my needs. God was always put first with every school day beginning and ending in prayer. OLPH has built such a firm academic and spiritual foundation for me that it has allowed me to have such great success in high school and in my day-to-day life. The mission statement of OLPH will always be in my heart because I am a firm believer in the importance of being an ‘Active Catholic, Responsive Producer, Holistic Learner, and Capable Communicator.’ All the lessons I have had at OLPH School have helped me grow in one or more of these qualities.
When I first heard the news of the closure I was heartbroken since OLPH was my home for so many years of my life. OLPH has always had and always will have an extra special place in my heart. The positive impact OLPH has had on my life is immeasurable.” —Blaise Babineck, Class 2019
“This school was the foundation of my education. I would have never become who I am today without the educational and spiritual foundation that I was taught at OLPH school. It’s so sad to see them close their doors. It’s a great loss to the Ewa Beach community.” —Myrna Leah Coronel, Class of 1992
“I am so thankful to have attended OLPH from K-8th grade. Many of my most treasured childhood memories were made here … playing on the field during recess, looking for caterpillars on the milkweed trees, hanging out on the eighth grade lounge, field day, May Day, Wednesday Mass, choir, and learning to altar serve. My sister and I were baptized and received our first holy Communion in the parish. OLPH will forever be our second home.
I want to especially thank my teachers for teaching me what the textbook couldn’t. Thank you for changing my life and truly caring for me. From the bottom of my heart, I wish the faculty and staff the very best. The most important thing I’ve realized through the years is that the OLPH alma mater is true. ‘We promise faith and love to reach the end of our goal as we serve the Lord with love.’” —Dominique Elento, class of 2010
St. John the Baptist
“I have been blessed with the Catholic education I had at St. John the Baptist. The teachings of the Dominican Sisters laid the foundation of my faith and how to have a relationship with God. It was at St. John the Baptist School that I learned about friendship. Originally, my classmates and I got together when our Mainland friends come to town. But with our now monthly get-togethers (pre-COVID-19), we just want to go out and enjoy each other’s company. We try to be there for each other, from attending a school fundraiser for one of my classmates who works at the school, to a graduation drive-by for a classmate’s daughter, to being there when a classmate’s family member passed away. Who can say they still keep in touch and go out with friends from elementary school? I’m thankful for the education and exposure of the Catholic religion at an early age, learning to pray not only for myself but for others as well. I am sad that the school will be closing but happy to have created many memories and have lasting friendships. They are not only my friends but my family.” —Arlene Cabanera Balicoco, student from kindergarten to seventh grade, 1983-1991
“St. John’s will always be my second home. I attended SJBCS since pre-K and I grew up in such a safe and caring environment provided by the nuns and teachers. SJBCS gave me memorable experiences and many more enjoyable memories. SJBCS shaped me to be the person I am today, and I truly wouldn’t be standing here as the person I am without it.” —Krystale Tumacder, Class of 2018
“The Maryknoll Sisters in the 1960s provided me a good educational foundation for high school, college and graduate schools. Their religious education along with the priests of the parish gave me a steady foundation for my life. Several graduates from the first two graduating classes from St. John’s got into the Kamehameha Schools as incoming freshmen, including me from the Class of ‘67. It is hard to get into Kamehameha now and it was then; our teachers gave us the opportunity for that Hawaiian education. Also, St. John’s exposed me to playing slow-pitch softball in the eighth grade, which I am still playing in my late 60s in the Oahu senior league. I hope St. John’s will reopen in the future … Kalihi needs it!” —Kerry Yen, Class of 1967
“St. John the Baptist Catholic School played a seminal role in my upbringing. Its holistic approach to learning taught me the value of not just a strong mind and a healthy body but even more, the incalculable worth of a compassionate heart and devoted soul. Thank you for helping to shape me into the adult I have become.” —Judith Garma Shinsato, Class of 1984
