Pride of Baldwin

Jaye Frances Chieko Arakaki, known by many as “Aunty Jaye,” was a proud 1977 Baldwin High School graduate and a beloved pillar of the Baldwin campus and Wailuku community for many years. After 28 years as Operations Manager for Ooka Supermarket, Aunty Jaye returned to her alma mater as an Account Clerk in Student Services & Academic Support, eventually becoming SASA. She later served as a private secretary for the Department of Education, and in 2014 was honored with the DOE’s Sustained Superior Performance Award.

Throughout her time at Baldwin, Aunty Jaye embodied her personal motto—shared in her email signature—“Be the aloha you want to see in the world.” Her impact extended far beyond the office as a mentor, role model, and steady source of support for countless students, faculty, and families. She was ever-present at Baldwin games, matches, and events, cheering louder than anyone and celebrating every achievement.

Aunty Jaye’s presence exemplified the very best of what it means to serve with humility and heart. She has left an indelible mark on the lives she touched and helped shape a school environment rooted in respect, kindness, and community spirit.

Wallace H. Fujii, affectionately known as “Uncle Wally,” dedicated nearly 33 years to H.P. Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Maui, where he began his career in 1962 as a business teacher and later served as registrar. From 1979 to 2001, he led the school as principal, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the Baldwin community.

Under Mr. Fujii’s leadership, Baldwin High School flourished. He played a transformative role in enhancing the school’s academic environment and student support systems. Among his many initiatives were the Ursa transition program, designed to ease the shift for incoming ninth-graders, and the Pono program, a cultural-sensitivity effort aimed at promoting academic success and cultural awareness among students of Hawaiian heritage.

His visionary leadership was recognized statewide: he was named Hawaii State Principal of the Year in 1995 and honored as a Milken Educator in 1997. During his tenure, Baldwin solidified its reputation as a high-achieving institution, thanks in large part to the foundations he laid for academic excellence and inclusivity.

In October 2011, the school honored Mr. Fujii’s decades of service by naming its campus library after him. Two years later, he served as honorary co-chair for Baldwin’s 75th anniversary celebration—further reflecting his deep, ongoing connection to the school. Together with his late wife, Gladys, Mr. Fujii generously provides an academic scholarship to graduating senior athletes and donated many books, materials, and other resources to the Baldwin library, further enriching the school’s academic life.

Even in retirement, Mr. Fujii remained a steadfast supporter, regularly attending school events, cheering on Baldwin’s teams, and serving on committees dedicated to student and community success. His legacy endures not only in the programs he built, but also in the opportunities and inspiration he and Gladys created for Baldwin students for generations to come.

Melvin Mukai was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor whose decades-long career at Baldwin High School left a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes. A member of Baldwin’s class of 1961, Mr. Mukai went on to graduate from Oregon State University, where he earned Phi Beta Kappa honors. Mr. Mukai combined academic excellence with a deep commitment to student success.

As a teacher, he was known for his kindness, patience, and unwavering support. Colleagues often sent students to his classroom for extra help, knowing they would be met with encouragement and understanding. Beyond academics, Mr. Mukai was a gifted coach who built championship-caliber teams in multiple sports, inspiring his players to compete with pride, discipline, and humility.

In high school, he was a well-rounded athlete, playing both baseball and football in addition to running track. At Baldwin, his passion for sports translated into a mentorship style that brought out the best in his teams and fostered a spirit of unity.

For many years, his classroom was also a gathering place for friendship and camaraderie. Colleagues like Spanish teacher Tom Valdez and counselor Bob Takahashi joined him daily for lunch and spirited games of cribbage.

After retiring in 2002, Mr. Mukai left behind not just a record of achievements, but a legacy of compassion, excellence, and dedication that continues to inspire the Baldwin High School community.