Eleven Susan Hagiwara Scholarship Recipients

Special education teachers cannot be thanked enough for their commitment to nurturing special education students and helping them realize their full potential.

The HEA Susan Hagiwara Special Education Teacher Micro Grant Program is making sure special education teachers receive the recognition they deserve. Named in honor of long-time special education teacher Susan Hagiwara—who embodied perseverance, joy, and optimism in the face of challenging work—the program continues her legacy by empowering educators who share her commitment.

HEA awarded its first Susan Hagiwara scholarships of up to $500 each to 11 inspiring special education teachers for improving student learning and well-being.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Sarah Dennis, Elston Fujimoto, Chrystie Isaacs, Bibiana Ivie, Iona Kaai, Maluhia Kekuawela, Stephanie Keseday, Vera McCabe-Silva, Elizabeth Short, Daniel Simeon, and Natasha Skaltsas.

These educators were selected for their thoughtful, innovative, and purposeful project proposals. Each recipient shared how the micro grant will help bring their ideas to life at their respective schools, fostering meaningful learning experiences for special education students in their respective communities.

Sarah Dennis
Makaha Elementary School

Sarah Dennis’ Lei of Aloha project helps kindergarten special education students practice kindness, communication, and fine motor skills by creating monthly leis and gratitude messages. Activities build social-emotional growth, expressive language, confidence, and connection to the school community.

Elston Fujimoto
Wilson Elementary School

Elston Fujimoto will strengthen early literacy and numeracy in an inclusion kindergarten class through targeted small-group instruction. Leveled readers, phonics games, and interactive tools will support differentiated learning, boost engagement, and build academic and social confidence for all students.

Chrystie Isaacs
Moanalua Elementary School

Chrystie Isaacs will create a flexible seating classroom to improve engagement, focus, and inclusion. By offering diverse seating options tailored to students’ learning and sensory needs, she aims to boost collaboration, reduce distractions, and foster a dynamic environment that supports academic success and student empowerment.

Bibiana Ivie
West Hawaii Exploration Academy

Bibiana Ivie will enhance inclusive, hands-on science learning through field trips, investigations, and differentiated lessons on sustainability, biology, energy, and wildfire science. Her Fire on Land project engages students in exploring wildfire causes and community response, building real-world skills, confidence, and connections to local environmental resilience.

Iona Kaai
Makaha Elementary School

Iona Kaai’s Life on the ʻĀina project engages fourth graders in place-based science and social studies. Through weekly farm visits, students study plant and animal structures, practice sustainability, create ʻāina-based products, and build problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and Career and Technical Education skills.

Maluhia Kekuawela
Haʻaheo Elementary School

Maluhia Kekuawela will revitalize the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports store with high-quality rewards to boost positive behavior, reduce disciplinary referrals, and increase student engagement. Collaboration with staff, the Parent Teacher Organization, and student leaders will support a more respectful, responsible school culture.

Stephanie Keseday
Maui Waena Intermediate School

Stephanie Keseday will take two to three college science courses to strengthen her content expertise and improve instruction in her special education resource classroom. The grant supports her goal of enhancing science teaching through deeper subject knowledge and updated best practices.

Vera McCabe-Silva
Kahului Elementary School

Vera McCabe-Silva will provide fourth- and fifth-grade students with diverse, culturally relevant books—especially Hawaiʻi-based titles. With personal copies for each student, her project boosts comprehension, critical thinking, engagement, and equity, supported by related classroom visuals and activities.

Daniel Simeon
‘Ewa Makai Middle School

Daniel Simeon will provide a restaurant-style learning experience where special education students practice table manners, etiquette, and social skills. His general education students will prepare and serve farm-to-table meals, giving all students real-world practice in cooking, serving, communication, and confidence-building.

Elizabeth Short
Hickam Elementary School

Elizabeth Short will develop a themed dramatic play center for Early Childhood Special Education students. Seasonal setups like a pumpkin patch or post office will support Individualized Education Program goals through play-based learning, enhancing communication, literacy, math, cooperation, and independence.

Natasha Skaltsas
Ewa Makai Middle School

Natasha Skaltsas will implement hands-on cooking projects that build functional reading, math, and collaboration skills for sixth graders. Aligned with Individualized Education Program goals, activities foster independence, cultural learning, and confidence, with progress measured through ongoing assessments.