Mrs. Arecchi Joins Admin Team
We are thrilled to welcome a familiar and inspiring face into a new leadership role at Damien Memorial School—our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Deanna Arecchi. A lifelong supporter of Catholic education, Mrs. Arecchi’s journey has come full circle, and her deep-rooted connection to our school community makes this appointment especially meaningful.
“I am a product of Catholic education. I grew up in it. I believe in it,” she shares.
From her early days as a student at St. Joseph and St. Francis to earning her degrees at Creighton and Chaminade, Mrs. Arecchi has been shaped by the values and guidance of faith-based learning.
“Looking back on my education, I knew I wanted to inspire children like I was inspired. I thank all my teachers for that.”
Her experience in education spans over two decades, including 11 years as a teacher and 9 years as a principal at St. Michael School in Waialua.
“There is nothing more satisfying than getting up to do something that I love”
Since joining Damien six years ago, she has served as a teacher and the Middle School Director/Coordinator. What she’s most proud of isn’t tied to a title or milestone—it’s the simple yet powerful reality that she truly loves what she does.
“There is nothing more satisfying than getting up to do something that I love,” she says. “My enthusiasm for my career is compounded when students or colleagues tell me what an inspiring teacher or colleague I have been to them.”
This year holds extra significance for Mrs. Arecchi. The incoming senior class were her very first sixth-grade students when she joined Damien.
“I promised them in sixth grade that I would be with them when they graduate,” she recalls with a smile. Now, as Assistant Principal, that promise means a lot more and she looks forward to their graduation day.
In her new role, Mrs. Arecchi will be working alongside Ms. Paishon, building a strong and unified leadership team dedicated to carrying out the mission of Damien Memorial School. Her top priorities include working closely with administration, fostering relationships with faculty and staff, and ensuring that students remain the heart of everything they do. She’s committed to upholding the faith and tradition of Damien while strengthening communication with students, parents, alumni, and the broader community.
When asked about her leadership style, she describes herself as “firm but fair,” and emphasizes her belief in leading with love, celebrating successes, and modeling positivity. “I follow the DMS mission of Respect, Responsibility, and Community Mindedness.”
Her school spirit runs deep—literally. “I bleed mauve and gold!” she says proudly.
A DMS cheerleader during her student days, Mrs. Arecchi is also part of a proud Monarch family. Her husband Nick is a graduate from the Class of ’88, and their sons Ali’i (’14), Akila (’18), and Alohi (’21) have all walked the halls of Damien. From 2010 to 2021, she served as Team Mom for all of their sports teams, living and breathing the school’s spirit and motto, Viriliter Age.
Outside of school, she treasures time with her family, whether cheering on her sons at their games or traveling together. One of her most memorable experiences was a trip to Rome to witness the canonization of Father Damien—an event that further deepened her spiritual connection to our school’s namesake. Guided daily by the scripture Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and the simple mantra “Live, Laugh, Love,” she continues to walk a path of purpose and service.
“The one thing that I hope everyone will take away from working with me this year is my sense of love, dedication, and loyalty that I have for the success of Damien and everyone associated with Damien”.
