Alvin Okami is considered by many to be one of the best musicians Hawaii has ever produced and has distinguished himself as an innovator and master craftsman. It is Okami’€™s benevolent nature and resilience during times of difficulty which makes him a role model for other McKinley Tigers. In high school, Okami was a member of the school band as well as the Starlighters€ school dance band and became a professional vocalist and bassist after graduation. He played as an oboist with the 264th Army Band and as an oboe soloist with the Royal Hawaii Band. In 1995, Okami founded KoAloha Ukulele, Inc. His business was recognized by CNBC in 2006 as one of the fastest growing and most successful businesses in Hawaii. Unfortunately, trouble arose in 2004 when a competitor copied the designs of his ‘ukuleles to market its own. Through their persistent efforts and support from their friends and fans, the Okamis were finally able to establish contact with the company. The family received a letter of apology promising to cease production of the ‘ukulele. Aside from being a successful musician and entrepreneur, Okami is also a generous man. He and his family work to give back to the community by donating their hand-crafted €˜ukulele to raise money for MHS programs such as Project Graduation. Since graduating from MHS in 1949,

Kenji Sumida has worked tirelessly to serve his community in hopes of improving the lives of those around him. The former Brigadier General for the Hawaii Air National Guard and president of the East-West Center, designates countless hours of his time to serving charitable causes. Of his many awards, Sumida’€™s most prominent was the Thomas Doig Award he received from the Credit Union National Association. Sumida earned this high honor by passing all 48 modules of CUNA’€™s Volunteer Achievement program. He was the chairman for the Hawaii Federal credit Union Board and Hawaii Credit Union League Government Affairs Committee. He also served as the Secretary General for the North American Committee of the Northeast Asia Economic Forum and as the Board President for the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council. To add to his already impressive resume, Sumida was the dedicated vice-chairman and Program Committee co-chair for the Japan-American Society of Hawaii Board of Directors. Sumida is now joining the ranks of other MHS alumni honored for touching the lives of those around them. Through his selfless acts and dedicated work, Sumida has made a difference in the lives of his family, friends, fellow citizens, and even his alma mater.