La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls bid a fond farewell to a pillar of its ‘ohana at a reception on the campus Thursday, August 16. Ed Keyes, longtime Director of Finance, has retired after a career with the school that spanned five decades.

Head of School, Mahina Eleneki Hugo and Board of Trustees Chair, Alice Guild congratulated Keyes on his stellar career, and thanked him for his many years of service. They presented him with gifts, including a photo of La Pietra signed by the school’s faculty and staff, and an exquisite koa calabash.

In typical Ed Keyes fashion, the man of the evening shunned the attention, saying a few words of thanks before encouraging guests to get back to socializing.

Keyes’ relationship with La Pietra began in the 1960s, as he and fellow Hawaii School for Girls parents helped to convert the former Dillingham Estate into a school. Over the years he also served as a board member before joining the staff as Director of Finance in 1989.

This spring, he received the National Business Officers Association (NBOA) Will Hancock Unsung Hero Award for his work on behalf of La Pietra. Sterling Yee was appointed La Pietra’s Chief Operations Officer in June and will assume Keyes’ responsibilities.