“AOF is a good opportunity for students who are not only interested in business,” Filamer Lloyd Doronio, the new president of AOF this year said.

Academy of Finance at MHS started in 1992 with a group of 17 sophomores. The purpose is to “give choices upon graduation to students interested in business,” AOF teacher Gwendolyn Maeda said.

“AOF can provide practical application for what students are learning,” Maeda said.

There are many activities including AOF conference like job shadowing and the stock trade simulation game online. There is also an upcoming two-day winners camp at Kamehame Ridge in October. It is a yearly field trip about goal setting, leadership training and team building.

Secretary Desiree Ancheta said her favorite activity was job shadowing.

“I could see different parts of a company and determine if I really like that career,” she said.

Doronio said that their teachers give them opportunities to go out into the work field to volunteer. 

“The academy is a great place to bond with others and start networking. It is also a place for learning life skills, not just those in the accounting field,” senior Michael Kamei said.

From the class of 1996 to class of 2013, the average percentage for students in AOF to go to college after high school is 87.2 percent. (Statistics provided by Ms. Maeda)

Students in AOF are required to take specific English and Social Studies classes, as well as some business elective courses such as Accounting and Directed Studies.

The officers are now planning their first social this year. Doronio said he wanted to “make AOF not just about work but also fun and memorable for everyone in the academy.”