The Castle Alumni/Community Association hosted a "Talk Story" session on August 20, 2026 at Castle High School Library featuring three panelists from the community with varied experiences in public and private institutions.
The first, Elissa Johnson is a Principal at a Kane`ohe elementary school who went to a private school in Honolulu, but now works in the public sector. The second, is Mr. Michael Park, who is a 1977 Alum from Castle, who taught in both the public and private schools and currently has taught for 40 years at `Iolani School. Finally, Cherisse Yamada is a product of Punaho`u School, and is an Academic Coach at Kane`ohe Elementary, with children in both public and private schools.
The title, "What school you went?" generated a lot of interest from the community and the exchange with the panelists at this Talk Story session was very engaging. The discussion was thought provoking and gave the audience some insight about public vs private education.