Family, high school surprises woman with 1942 diploma while celebrating her 100th birthday

HONOLULU (KHNL/Gray News) - A family in Hawaii surprised their mother with her long-awaited high school diploma in a special birthday event.

Ethel Nishimoto was meant to graduate from Farrington High School in 1942, but her class was denied their ceremony following a remarkable sacrifice.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, the school closed in 1941.

It was later reopened to serve as a hospital for the wounded. But this meant Nishimoto and her classmates never graduated, nor did they receive their diplomas.

“I remember she did say ‘we would go to other people’s graduation ceremonies; I enjoyed my Farrington High School, but we got in the war when I was a senior, so we never had our diploma or graduation ceremony,’” said Nishimoto’s daughter Rene Mansho.

Over the weekend, Nishimoto got to celebrate two lifelong milestones in celebrating her 100th birthday and getting her diploma.

Nishimoto’s family pulled off the heartfelt surprise of awarding her high school diploma, 82 years later, while celebrating her becoming a centenarian.

“It was just going to be family and friends but as people found out the party grew,” Mansho said.

What initially started as a simple request, soon turned into a grand gesture with the help of Farrington High School leaders.

Mansho, who works with The Great Aloha Run and ROTC, got in touch with the group at school to borrow a cap and gown for her mother’s birthday.

The family’s story then inspired Efran Aguilar, first sergeant of the JROTC, and Farrington High School Principal Al Carganilla to join forces with Mansho for the surprise.

“Back in the 80s we were taught about the traditions that our school went through. As a student, I knew what it was, as principal I think now it even has a bigger meaning,” Carganilla said.

Farrington’s JROTC recognized Ethel with their honor guard and color guard ceremony.

“They [JROTC cadets] all volunteered to do that because she is one of our alumni, and that’s how we show the Farrington way. Show respect, take on that responsibility of serving our community,” Aguilar said.

Mansho describes her mother as always giving and known in the community as someone who was always there to offer her help to others.

Now, the community and Nishimoto’s family got a chance to pay tribute to her devotions with a memorable and deserving celebration.

“This woman is 100, who wears no glasses, no hearing aid, no walker, and she’s just out there independent, full of life, lots of personality. She’s just happy to be who she is,” Mansho said.

Nishimoto added, “I couldn’t believe it was happening, but I enjoyed it.”