Did you know that eight members of our faculty/staff are CA graduates! Their presence speaks volumes about the lasting impact CA has on its students and their desire to come back and contribute to the very place that helped shape them.
One of these alumni is Hiroki Sera (or Mr. Sera as our students fondly call him), from Class of 2005, who now brings his passion for sports and mentorship into the classrooms, gyms and fields of CA. From student-athlete to teacher-coach, Hiroki’s journey is a powerful reflection of how CA alumni come full circle, uplifting the next generation of Falcons with the same heart, dedication, and spirit they once received.
We sat down with Mr. Sera to learn more about his journey:
Can you introduce yourself and your current role at CA?
I'm Hiroki Sera, and I’m currently the PYP PE teacher here at CA. I also coach MS Baseball and Basketball and HS Basketball and Soccer.
When did you attend CA and what clubs, activities or sports did you participate in?
I attended CA from 1994 - 2005 and played baseball, basketball and soccer. I was more on the sporty side! (Mr. Sera was voted as “Future Olympian” by his classmates in 2005!)
What is your favorite memory?
Winning APAC baseball and soccer
Were there teachers or coaches who left a lasting impact on you?
Absolutely. Mr. Rabb, Mr. Mosser, Mr. Hengal, and Ms. Ota all influenced me in different ways. Mr. Rabb, in particular, had a big impact. I took a sports science class with him in high school, and I loved it so much that it inspired me to pursue a career in sports and coaching. Mr Labreque is still here at CA - he was my MS Science and PE teacher, as well as MS soccer coach!
What did you do after graduating from CA?
I studied kinesiology and played collegiate soccer for two years. I’ve always wanted to stay connected to the world of sports, so this path made sense.
How did you find your way back to CA professionally?
It started with coaching high school soccer under Mr. Rabb while I worked part-time elsewhere. Later, I took on a role as a tech manager assistant at CA and gradually picked up more coaching responsibilities for both middle and high school. I realized that coaching was something I really loved, but I also wanted a full-time role. So I worked on earning my master’s and teaching license, and eventually stepped into a full-time PE teaching position. I have been here for 15 years now!
What has changed the most from your time as a student to now?
Certainly CA is still going through physical changes with the renovations. For example, the elementary PE classes are now in the ELAC gym. Back when I was in elementary, we had PE in what’s now the fitness room, and we only used the main gym occasionally since CA only had one gym! However, the passionate teachers and coaches still remain!
Why do you think so many alumni feel drawn back to CA?
Because of the positive impact the school had on us - through relationships with teachers, classmates, and friends. CA leaves a lasting impression.
What would you say to parents about CA, from your dual perspective as an alum and educator?
As an alum, I can confidently say CA has amazing teachers who truly care and push students to grow. As a teacher and coach, I see firsthand the incredible opportunities available for students to learn, lead, and develop into well-rounded individuals.
What message would you share with alumni or future alumni?
It’s always great to see alumni back here at school and reminisce about the good old days! Stop by any time!
What would you say to a current student who might one day consider returning to CA to give back?
Teaching and coaching is such a rewarding thing and being able to guide students through the challenges that they may face in life is priceless. The experiences that you can share with student athletes both on and off the field is truly remarkable.
And lastly, what would you say to a student considering going into the field of sports and education?
If you really love sports, then there’s always a career in it!
Hiroki Sera’s journey is just one example of the many lifelong connections built at Canadian Academy. Whether it’s mentoring the next generation, contributing to the school’s mission, or simply walking familiar hallways again, alumni like Hiroki remind us that the spirit of CA lives on long after graduation. And when our alumni return, not just to visit, but to mentor, give back, teach, lead, and inspire, it strengthens our school in the most meaningful way.
Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.