Friel received high honors, the award for students having grade point averages ranging from 3.5 through 3.79.
Woman turns 100
Haruyo Kitagawa recently celebrated turning “100 years young” with family members and the Rev. Sohko Kuki of the Hilo Hooganji Mission. At a small gathering at Life Care Center of Hilo, daughters Peggy Yoshizumi and Lillian Sakae and others joined in the party. Kitagawa’s great-grandchildren helped blow out the candles on her birthday cake.
Born in Hakalau, Kitagawa was a self-employed seamstress for many years. In retirement, she enjoys crafting, crocheting and listening to Japanese music.
Parker students study sharks
For one of their fall field trips, Parker School marine science students traveled to Pelekane Bay to observe blacktip reef sharks. The excursion provided the students with an opportunity to do research in conjunction with the Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium (HMMC), a nonprofit organization based in Kawaihae.
HMMC “conducts marine research and education, seeking to provide high quality information to the local community as well as state and federal marine resource agencies.”
Parker School’s marine science teacher, Susan Rickards, also a founder of HMMC, said “This involvement in ongoing field research is a way to provide the students in my class an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in scientific methodology, while fulfilling some of their community service credit.”
Woman receives master’s degree
Narrissa Piilani Spies graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a master’s degree in molecular biology on Dec. 17.
She is the daughter of Jonathan and Nani Spies of Kohala Estates and granddaughter of Dr. William Spies of Vancouverk, Wash., and Melvin and Audrey Ah Sing of Hilo.
She is now working toward her doctorate degree.
Student earns honor roll spot
The outstanding academic achievements of undergraduate students, including Rebekah S. Friel of Volcano, have been rewarded at the University of Tennessee at Martin with publication of the Fall 2011 Chancellor’s Honor Rolls.
Friel received high honors, the award for students having grade point averages ranging from 3.5 through 3.79.