Stories About Hawaii Educators
Watch and read stories about the life-changing impact of local teachers and professors.
Community Testimonials
We are honored to share these memories from our community about the impact of Hawaii educators on their students’ lives.
“I struggled with long division at Punahou School until Miss Lani Ann Tomita pointed out it’s the opposite of multiplication. I still recall her joy when I aced the next homework, and that’s why I’m a math teacher.”
Janet Oshiro
In honor of Lani Ann Tomita
Punahou School
“Judith Naniole was my surrogate mom at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama. She encouraged me to compete in statewide speech competitions and the Hawaii’s Junior Miss Scholarship Program, which funded my UH degree.”
Marsha Bolson
In honor of Judith Naniole
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
“My success now traces back to when I was finding myself in my 8th grade English honors class at Kalakaua Intermediate School. Ms. Lois-Ann Yamanaka encouraged me to get out of my shell and pursue my dreams.”
Clayton Wakida
In honor of Lois-Ann Yamanaka
Kalakaua Intermediate School
“I didn’t have a role model growing up, but Mr. Marc Kawahara at Farrington High School pushed me to shoot for the stars. Because he believed in me, I graduated with honors and college scholarships.”
Barbara Martin
In honor of Marc Kawahara
Farrington High School