Local News

Mink quarter unveiled at alma mater

FIRST PHOTO: Congresswoman Jill Tokuda describes some of the accomplishments of late Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink during an unveiling ceremony for the U.S. quarter bearing Mink's likeness Tuesday morning at Maui High School. Mink was Maui High's valedictorian in 1944 before going on to serve 12 terms in Congress. Tokuda said Mink was the first woman of color elected to Congress, where she waged a "lifelong fight for equity." Mink is best known for authoring Title IX, which bans gender discrimination. "She changed the course of history," Tokuda said. "She made the impossible possible for all of us." Mink is the 12th woman featured in the American Women Quarter Series. Her quarter was officially unveiled last week in Washington D.C. Maui High principal Jamie Yap said Tuesday's ceremony in Matsui Gym was the only other unveiling and that those in attendance were part of an "historic event." SECOND PHOTO: Maui High sophomore Dea Asuncion holds a shiny new Patsy Mink quarter Tuesday. School officials brought in 1,600 of the quarters to hand out to students. "She's really cool," Asuncion said. "I love her. She's my inspiration."