By Earl Walker
Special to the Herald
The Kailua community gathered Jan. 25 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of St. John Vianney School at its 15th annual “Breakfast With the Bishop.” The special guest at the Sunday morning event was Bishop Larry Silva.
A delicious buffet breakfast was served by teachers and parents to more than 425 people over three seatings. Entertainment was provided by the school’s young singers and musicians, directed by Kekoa Kato and Tiffany Gore, and its hula halau, directed by Jack McKeague and Michael Borsa. Bishop Silva spoke on the school’s success, and Hawaii Catholic Schools Superintendent Llewellyn Young spoke on the value and importance of a Catholic education.
The buffet included a celebrity pancake station that was operated by Drew Davis and Mark Carpenter of Hawaii News Now; stage actors John D’Aversa and Celia Chun-Wright; and surfers Kekoa and Andrea Cazimero. Other well-known people in attendance were Miss Hawaii Emalia Dalire, Mrs. Hawaii Kiki King and University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball players.
Many alumni were present, including sisters Helen Chang and Niki Boulter. “We loved the school so much that we enrolled our own children here,” Chang said.
Attendee Ellen Huntley said: “As a former SJV teacher for 23 years and the parent of two SJV graduates, I can confidently say this school is truly one of the best.”
More than $60,000 was raised to support the school’s tuition assistance programs.
“Mahalo nui loa to all who made this event a success,” said Principal Caryn DeMello.
Above: From top, volunteers working at the buffet breakfast included, from left: Teena Souza, Helen Chang, Dienna D’Olimpio, Mary D’Avirro, Jennifer Legault and Jimmy Lui-Kwan, with Bishop Larry Silva joining them for a photo. Center, students in the beginning hula halau performed during the event. Bottom, the third and fourth grade choir also performed for “Breakfast With the Bishop” attendees. (Photos courtesy St. John Vianney School)