As the kids would say, “the vibes were immaculate” at Castle High School’s recent open house and community event Friday, July 31, held at its Upper Campus in Kāneʻohe. The fundraiser kicked off celebrations for the school’s 75th anniversary, which is in March of 2027, with exclusive merch drops and perks for alumni.
The event, which ran from 4 to 9 p.m., included food trucks and vendors — school partner organizations, alumni groups, student clubs and retailers from the neighborhood — as well as live performances from Castle’s Poly Dance Group, alumni Kawika Kahiapo and Hoku Zuttermeister, and more.
Principal Bernadette Tyrell, who holds a Ph.D, told Aloha State Daily at the event that Castle has always had "a strong sense of belonging."
“We have gotten a lot of support from Castle alumni and the community over the years,” said Tyrell, who lives on the Windward side of Oʻahu and is going into her 12th year in the role.
When asked what it means to be part of Castle’s 75-year history, Tyrell said that she’s been reflecting on the school’s legacy, while finding ways to sustain the momentum of growth. Work-based learning opportunities that lead students to meaningful careers here in the Islands is top-of-mind going into the new school year.
“Looking back at our history, Castle has been strong in the arts and technical trades,” she said. “We want to stay relevant and build partnerships that allow the kids to live and work in their community. So, our doors are wide open for that.”
As for recent improvements around campus, Tyrell told ASD that there has been some roof repairs done since the heavy rains this past spring; the track and field lights and sounds system have been updated; and work is underway to “improve the space for students to hang out with their friends and stay current on technology.”
“We are also part of [Hawaiʻi] Afterschool Alliance, which provides students with a health and wellness center to use during and after school,” Tyrell said, adding that local volunteers can come engage with the students there.
She noted that staff retention has been good overall and that she feels “blessed that so many people have come back to work here.”
According to its school profile at the state Department of Education, Castle High School “has a way of keeping its people, as many alumni have returned to teach, work, or volunteer.”
“I also want to thank the staff who came together to put on this event — they planned this over the summer to really honor our alumni and school,” Tryell said.
Alumna Renee Omori, who has served as Castle’s student council lead for eight years, was bouncing around various vendor tents for part of the evening to check-in with folks.
“It’s never a dull moment,” she said with a laugh. “I oversee all of the student-led events, including this one, as well as fundraisers, assemblies, spirit days, etc."
Her favorite part of the job, she says, is working closely with the high schoolers. In return, she adds that the students often teach her new things, too, including “how to think about things differently.”
When asked what she’s most looking forward to this school year, Omori told ASD, “The possibilities with a new group of kids.”
“As an alumnus, its surreal being part of this legacy,” she continued.
James B. Castle High School was formerly called Benjamin Parker High School — the original Kāneʻohe School (1st through 8th grade) that launched in 1927— as documented by local newspapers, per the school’s alumni/ community association website. A newspaper clipping from June 8, 1944, said that Harold K. L. Castle offered to donate 40 acres of land for the site of the high school, which was named after Castle’s father, James Bicknell Castle, who was a businessman and son of missionary Samuel Northrop Castle. The high school opened January of 1951 “in [a] 28 room plant at Kāneʻohe” read a headline at the time, and it was later dedicated on March 14, 1952.
Founded in 1953 by Hank Iida, The Castle Alumni/Community Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims “to promote and support the development of James B. Castle High School, Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School, and the elementary schools in the Castle Complex,” according to its website. Castle High School alumni, former students, parents of students or former students, faculty and staff are encouraged to become members of the association, which is “dependent solely on donations from the public.” Robert Morita, class of ’82, serves as the association’s president. To learn more or donate, click here.
While at the recent anniversary kick-off, ASD also spoke with Castle junior Yuko Obatay, who wore many hats to help pull together the event with the help of teacher, Lauren Pokipala.
Born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Obatay said she wants to become the first lawyer in her family. She is in the school's Academy of Innovation, leader pathway, she notes, and a member of various school clubs and volunteer groups. Her hope is to attend college on the Mainland.
“I’ve always had a passion for politics and government,” Obatay said, adding that she enjoys taking action with fellow students and giving back to make positive change in the local community.
What has gotten her most prepared for life after high school? “Mock interviews and getting her resume ready,” she said with a smile.
Her advice for the younger generation? “Be ambitious, stay motivated; be supportive and open-minded.”
Follow Castle High School on Instagram for more upcoming events this school year celebrating its 75th aniverssary.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
