After living near McKinley High School for many years, Dianne Boons, a local neighborhood resident with a passion for writing, found a way to become involved with and contribute to the school community.
Boons is a former newspaper reporter who worked for The Daily Times-Call in Longmont, Colorado. She has written on a variety of topics, including mental health, for which she received a Mental Health Association award.
“People would stop me in the street and thank me for helping them,” Boons said.
She later relocated to Hawaiʻi in 1982 to help her brother with administrative duties while he was establishing a law firm. Her involvement with the school began in 2022 when she learned about the band booster program. She said she loved playing in the band throughout her childhood and wanted to be involved again.
“I’ve seen the McKinley band in parades. Their skill and showmanship are impressive,” Boons said. “I’ve always wanted to support them.”
Because of her interest in the program, she was invited to attend a band booster meeting, where she eventually became a member.
“I’m really glad to support these young musicians in achieving their dreams,” Boons said.
During the meeting, a fellow booster member also suggested that she join the School Community Council (SCC) to help make key decisions regarding school programs and policies alongside parents, teachers, and community members.
“I’m really happy to be a part of it,” Boons said. “I think it’s a great way to give back to the community and support the school.”
In addition to her work with the band booster program and SCC, she volunteers every Tuesday with The Pinion’s student journalists, providing feedback on their articles based on her experience as a reporter.
“The skills and lessons I learned from my newswriting career have greatly impacted me in both community service and professional work,” Boons said. “Once a journalist, always a journalist.”
Boons said both student and professional reporters should be aware of the language their community uses to express itself.
“Language isn’t necessarily English or Spanish. It’s what the people around you are speaking and writing,” Boons said. “Everywhere you go—every job, every university—has its own language.”
She said she wants to help young journalists become influential writers in the future.
“I want them to be aware of that sociology so they can inform, inspire, and illuminate the stories they write for others,” Boons said.
Boons said she has always wanted to be part of the school community and to support students in tangible ways.
“You’re supposed to help and support your local community, but I never really figured out how until now,” Boons said.
She added that many people in the public are unaware of the numerous events held at McKinley.
“When I became a band booster, I only then learned about the free concerts, plays, and parades this school has,” Boons said.
Boons hopes to spend her time as a band booster, volunteer, and local resident spreading opportunities for the community to come together.
“After 40 years in this neighborhood, I finally can support the school,” Boons said. “Many of us would love to help.”
