In Weinberg room W-206, an English class is in session. “I agree with that. Especially since, like-” A sharp CLICK! sounds out, interrupting the student. A chorus of good-natured groans is heard, and a teacher holds a clicker triumphant, standing under a poster saying, ‘This is a LIKE free zone!’ But who exactly is this person? Well, Ms. Cate Waidyatilleka, known affectionately as Ms. Till, is a staple figure at ‘Iolani. Retiring after 37 years, she has changed our school for the better, and is a bright light to all who meet her.

One impressive thing about Ms. Till is her extensive volunteer work, which eventually led her to ‘Iolani. Ms. Till set out, first to Africa, and then went and completed her degree at Colby College. After that, she worked in Sri Lanka under the Peace Corps, where she realized she wanted to become a teacher. After her term was over, she studied at Stanford University, where she was then hired by Father Coon to teach at ‘Iolani.

Since then, she has instructed multiple English classes, in grades 7 through 10, in core English, Creative Writing, and American Literature. Not only that, but she also started several new courses and initiatives: Illuminating Literature, where students would link words in a book to a paper on that topic, and One Mile, where students develop a plan to combat climate change within a mile radius around the campus, and she also founded and coached the ‘Iolani diving team. Ms. Candice Sakuda ’95, the Director of Community and Civic Engagement, said Ms. Till has helped immensely. “Ms. Till helps by being an amazing connector who always makes sure students know about the opportunities that are available at our school.” One of her successes was advocating for each seventh grade English class to be granted $1000 the first year to start their own class library so her students would be able to choose what to read. Ms. Till said, “Why do kids think reading sucks? Because they don’t get to choose, and they forget that reading is fun.”

But this is only one example of Ms. Till’s empathy and kindness. Her main goal has been to make her classroom as safe and comforting as possible. Alexandra J. ’25, a previous student of Ms. Till’s English and elective classes, said, “No matter how many things she has on her plate, she’ll always make time for her students. Even if it’s academically, outside of school, or mentally. She always talks about how mental health is important, and it’s always made her class a safe space.” Ms. Till also understands that the life of a student is not easy; offering flexible deadlines and a listening ear, citing how she never wants her class to be a “source of stress for people.”

Mrs. Till is much more than an English teacher. She has brought so much good to the world, whether outside with her volunteering, or inside with ‘Iolani. Ms. Till will be dearly missed by all those who were able to meet her, and although she will be leaving physically, the impressions she left on ‘Iolani, on its campus, teachers, and students, will have a lasting impact for years to come.