Dr. Helen Kuoha-Torco, Class of 1960

The 2012 FACF Annual Luncheon was made very special by having three FHS Governors recognized as Alumni of the Year. Dr. Helen Kuoha-Torco, Class of 1960, was recognized for being a role model to the Farrington students. She is an example where hard work creates more opportunities to achieve and maximize their potentials. Helen’s achievements include receiving a Doctorate in Education and obtaining a position as a Professor of Business at Windward Community College while remaining an active participant in the DOE’s Honolulu District. Helen also found time to become a Kumu Hula, a company Director with the Mary Kay Cosmetic Company, and appear in a few recent commercials.

Laura Sakata Fukumoto, Class of 1962, dug deep into her own years of being a student to decide that her life objective was to be “The Teacher that makes a difference!” In 1979, Laura was selected as the Central District Teacher of the Year! Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and true commitment to teaching was evident as she spoke of her life, her students, and her true love of the education profession. Laura had an article printed on her in the Summer 2011 Island Scene Magazine. A second article will be featured in the Spring 2012 Island Scene Magazine.

Associate Justice Simeon R. Acoba, Jr., Class of 1962, was properly introduced as a proud Governor and the Class of 1962’s Senior Class President! What an achievement! Since those glorious high school years, Justice Acoba completed law school and served in various judicial positions. Justice Acoba was sworn in as Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Hawaii on May 19, 2000. Justice Acoba is only the third American-Filipino to be appointed to the Hawaii Supreme Court!

What a day for Governor’s everywhere! We joyously welcomed three worthy recipients to the honorable role of the Farrington Alumni and Community Foundation’s Alumni of the Year. Dr. Helen Kuoha-Torco, Laura Sakata Fukumoto, and Judge Simeon R. Acoba clearly articulated the true spirit of our alma mater of “Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve” in Praise of Farrington! GO GOVS!!

If you have an alumni Governor in mind that would be a great recipient of the 2013 Alumni of the Year award, now is the time to get started with your write-up and submission. Contact Steve Takekawa at stevet@hawaii.rr.com or at (808) 330-9441, for more information.



For more information and a nomination form, please contact Selection Committee Chairman, Mike Gamiao by email or call (808) 265-9123. The annual deadline for nominations is January 31st.



We also have a few years where we have no record of who won this award and need your help! If you were one of the awardees in years past or know someone who received the award, please email the GoGovs.com staff. Mahalo!