Kamehameha Schools announces new high school principal for Kapalama Campus

May 11, 2005

Contributed by Liz Ahana

"As we proceed towards the goal of strengthening our Hawaiian identity here at Kamehameha, I am confident Julian will provide passionate and compassionate leadership in this very key initiative," said Dr. Chun. "He will serve us well."

Ako, a 1961 graduate of Kamehameha School for Boys went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Macalester College in 1965, a Master of Arts in Slavic and Soviet Area Studies in 1970 and a Master of Philosophy in History at the University of Kansas in 1977.

Ako returned to Hawai'i in 1979 as Assistant to the Director of Kamehameha Schools' Extension Education Division for one year before joining the faculty as a social studies teacher. He also served as department chair and part time dorm advisor at the secondary school before being appointed Dean of Student Activities, a position he held until January, 2000 when he was asked to co-lead the development of Kamehameha Schools' Strategic Plan.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to have been selected for this new leadership role," said Ako. "An awesome task lies ahead, but I am confident that the faculty, staff and I will work well together towards the achievement of Kamehameha's important mission. It was an inner calling that persuaded me to apply for this position, to come home to Kapalama, ka home ho'ona'auao (home of enlightenment) to serve our beloved Princess Ke Ali'i Pauahi."

Kamehameha Schools is a statewide educational system founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Currently, more than 5,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry are enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at more than 30 preschool sites statewide. Kamehameha Schools also serves thousands of other Hawaiian learners each year through a range of outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.

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