Elva Uyeno ’48 Yoshihara

Elva Uyeno ’48 Yoshihara, a recipient of the Old School Award, embodies the true spirit of class loyalty and Punahou pride. During the award ceremony, she took the stage with a fellow 1948 classmate, unrolling a buff ’n blue banner that proudly proclaimed “’48 4-Eva,” a loving gesture that reflects Elva’s lifelong commitment to her classmates.

Elva has been part of her class reunions for decades, and she was the chair for this year’s 75th Class Reunion. She also coordinates events with her fellow Buff ’n Blue at Arcadia, where she and a tight-knit group of ’48ers live.

In 2010, Elva collaborated closely with Tūtū Marilyn Blaisdell ’48 Ane to plan their Class 80th Birthday Party at Turtle Bay Resort. Together, they crafted a memorable experience for their classmates that included a Saturday night bash filled with old school songs, cheers, hula dancing and heartfelt reunions.

Elva shared her disbelief at learning she was being honored by the Punahou Alumni Association, “In my 92 years, I never dreamed that I would receive an award from Punahou School, the best school in the whole wide world. It must be because I’m the oldest one here,” she joked.

Elva’s unwavering dedication to her class, her exemplary reunion planning, and her caring, compassionate nature exemplify the essence of Punahou’s alumni ‘ohana. Her infectious spirit and genuine love for her alma mater continue to leave a lasting imprint.