Congratulations to Our 2021-22 Scholarship Recipients!
The Hawaii Education Association is proud to announce 10 scholarship recipients for the 2021-22 year. These outstanding educators and students impressed us with their commitment to excellence and drive to succeed. We are pleased to support their professional development and college studies.
In-Service Public School Educator Scholarships
Amount: $2,000 each
Kari A. Handley
Lehua Elementary School, Oahu
Kari Handley is a Special Education teacher and Grade Level Chair at Lehua Elementary School. She is a specialist with 15 years of experience in servicing students from the Leeward and Central District who require an aural/oral component as part of their individualized educational program. She is also a member of the school’s leadership team, and represents her fellow teachers as an HSTA leadership member. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado.
Denise K. Karratti
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Kauai
Denise Karratti is currently an academic coach at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, a Hawaii State Teacher Fellow and a National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy. She has a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is currently attending Chaminade University to receive her master’s degree in Education Leadership, School Administrator Certification.
Her goal is to eventually be an administrator where she may be both a champion of teachers who champion students and serve as an ambassador who brings stakeholders together to create public schools where our keiki can thrive.
Ronald K. Toma Professional Development Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 each
Lori Ann Koyama
Lahaina Intermediate School, Maui
Lori Ann Koyama has 25 years of teaching experience at Lahaina Intermediate School, where she began her teaching career. To further her learning and fulfill a lifelong desire to learn the Hawaiian language, she enrolled and immersed herself in a Hawaiian language course offered by the University of Hawaii. She freely shares this new knowledge with her students (haumana). The Toma scholarship will help to cover the tuition expense for the next higher level Hawaiian language course that is available.
Laurie L.Q. Luczak
Hokulani Elementary School, Oahu
Laurie Luczak is the principal at Hokulani Elementary and has led that school since 2015. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Educational Finance from Georgetown University. The Toma scholarship will help to cover the tuition expense of the certification. Coursework from the certification will focus on boosting leadership knowledge and expanding on topics such as finance, economics, public policy and administration.
Helen McKay Student Teacher Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Mary G. Ward
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Mary Ward is currently student teaching and pursuing her master’s of education in Teaching from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is scheduled to graduate in 2022. Recognizing that not all students may have someone they can connect with or are able to count on for support, Mary strives to be a cheerleader for her students as they move through their challenges.
Hiroshi & Barbara Kim Yamashita Undergraduate College Students Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Tord H.M. Ivarsson
Kapiolani Community College
Tord Ivarsson is currently attending Kapiolani Community College with the goal of eventually becoming a full-time elementary school teacher, like both of his parents. As an ESL speaker himself, he would like to one day contribute to Hawaii’s school system by building a culture-rich classroom that includes all types of learning styles, ethnicities, and cultural diversities to streamline effective learning.
Continuing College Students Scholarships
Amount: $1,000 each
Stephen O. Aisabokhae
Prairie View A&M University
Stephen Aisabokhae is currently attending Prairie View A&M University and pursing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. His passion and goal is to be a change agent in the educational sector, ensuring equity and access to educational resources. He has been engaged in research examining resilience and retention in the age of COVID-19, as well as intervention research with a focus on black male development and strategies for academic excellence.
Czeara Rae D. Santos
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Czeara Rae Santos is enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Her goal is to complete her degree and teach at a Hawaii public school where she can be a positive and motivating figure for her students by creating an inclusive, multicultural, and dynamic classroom environment where they all feel supported and valued.
Graduating High School Seniors Scholarships
Amount: $2,000 each
Pascal Y.K. Cabuzel
Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Grandson of HEA Member Maring Gacusana
Pascal Cabuzel graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy and plans to attend University of Southern California. He is interested in pursuing a degree in Architecture and/or Economics. His childhood interest in creating incredible structures with Lego continues to inspire him to pursue a degree in Architecture. He has already completed two college architecture courses at Hawaii Community College which has piqued his interest in tiny homes’ ability to maximize space and live minimally. A recent Economics class at HPA has opened up his awareness of the various financial markets and has sparked his desire to learn more and even teach others about it.
Rhynne T. Lee
Moanalua High School, Daughter of HEA Member Janice Lee
Rhynne Lee graduated from Moanalua High School. She plans to attend Whitworth University and major in Strategic Communication and Technology with a minor in Public Relations. Facing COVID-19 this past year has shown her how critical communication is for individuals, organizations and our community. She has been actively involved in many community service organizations and held leadership roles at her school. She served as president for the Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra, captain of the Marching Band’s Color Guard, and was a Senator in the Student Association for the past four years.
Visit our Scholarships section to learn more about our scholarships for current and aspiring educators.
