Consecutive years. G.O.D.A is meant to recognize the accomplishments of crusaders who have made a difference in the public and exemplify what it means to be a Saint Louis Man. The recipients of this award was Gabriel Lee (SLS ‘76), Dr. Byron Yasui (SLS ‘58), and James Burns (SLS ’55), also, Dr. Joseph Ciotti was presented the SM Faculty Award for his life long commitment to education. Notable recipients of the award include Gov. John Burns, Mayor Neil S. Blaisdell, and Richard T. Mamiya. The intention for G.O.D.A is more than just recognizing these exceptional men; it’s meant to show the current high school seniors of Kalaepohaku that they can do extraordinary things in the community.

The four recipients who were recognized have made Saint Louis School proud by their continuous example for the future crusaders. After graduating from Saint Louis, Gabriel went on to work in the field of banking for a large amount of years, and has also contributed as chairman to organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Diamond Theatre, Hawaii State Board of Public Accountancy, and Saint Louis Schools. The next recipient, Byron Yasui, is a decorated musician who played music with extraordinary musicians. The last Alumni recognized, James Burns, served inside the military for twelve years and has been the Chief Judge of Hawaii for 25 years. The Faculty Award went to Joseph Ciotti, he served as a teacher at Saint Louis for 14 years, and after he went on to have an amazing career in astronomy.

The importance of G.O.D.A is significant to Saint Louis because it helps to recognize extraordinary alumni, the donations go to scholarships for students, gives motivation to students, and it helps to bring together Alumni. The President of the school, Dr. Glenn Medeiros said “this (G.O.D.A) is important because we take this time once a year, to pay tribute to graduates who went on from high school to do extraordinary things in their lives, it’s very exciting to see the effect it has on all these young men”.