Stories About Hawaii Educators
Watch and read stories about the life-changing impact of local teachers and professors.

Pascal “Kawehi” Cabuzel
2021-22 Graduating High School Seniors Scholarship Recipient
Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Denise K. Karratti
2021-22 In-Service Public School Educator Scholarship Recipient
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Jeff Stallman
Jonathan (JP) Price
University of Hawaii at Hilo

Stephen Ching
Mrs. Dorothy Ono
Kaimuki High School

Coleby Kim
Joseph Doike-Foreman
Pearl Ridge Elementary School

Brooke Gascon-Vea
Former student of Mr. Marc Kawahara
Farrington High School

Kurt Dela Cruz
Former student of Carolyn Irvine
Ka‘ū High School

Alexandra Obra
Former student of Dr. Noreen Mokuau
UH Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work

Sarah Kern
7th Grade Teacher
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

U.S. Representative Ed Case
Former student of Paul Knauff
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Community Testimonials
We are honored to share these memories from our community about the impact of Hawaii educators on their students’ lives.
“Miss Mae Tsugawa at Kalakaua Middle School inspired thoughtful conversations and inquiring debates with topics relevant to real life in her class. Because of her, I became a Social Studies educator too.”
Jan Javinar
In honor of Mae Tsugawa
Kalakaua Middle School
“In college, I ran into William Hancock, who was my advisor at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy. He told me, “Security about the future is only in your mind.” At a time when I was worried about my future, this was an epiphany.”
Tom Sofos
In honor of William Hancock
Hawaii Preparatory Academy
“I was a troublemaker in school, but Mr. Hena from Keolu Elementary School showed me the meaning of patience. He took the time and little moments to correct me, always keeping me on the right path. I could tell that he really cared about my future and wanted me to grow to be a great individual.”
Jesse Rife
In honor of Mr. Hena
Keolu Elementary School
“Mr. Dewey Gottlieb was my class advisor at Pearl City High and continued to guide me later in life. When I became a math teacher, he taught me to value the relationships with my students and make math relatable.”
Daphne Okunaga
In honor of Dewey Gottlieb
Pearl City High School