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

Wilbur Luna
Richard Keakahiwa
Mayor Joseph J. Fern Elementary School

Candy Suiso
Julia Malapit Smith
Makaha Elementary School

Hina Wong
Blaine Gaison & Wallace Wong
Kamehameha Schools

Jonathon Medeiros
Language Arts Teacher
Kauai High School

Janice Bond
HEA Board Member
Retired Teacher

Janice Bond
HEA Board Member
Retired Teacher

Jonathon Medeiros
Language Arts Teacher
Kauai High School

Hina Wong
Blaine Gaison & Wallace Wong
Kamehameha Schools

Candy Suiso
Julia Malapit Smith
Makaha Elementary School

Wilbur Luna
Richard Keakahiwa
Mayor Joseph J. Fern Elementary School
Community Testimonials
We are honored to share these memories from our community about the impact of Hawaii educators on their students’ lives.
“Dr. Michele Ebersole, an education professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, is one of my longtime mentors. I continue to lean on her for guidance, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to education.”
Whitney Aragaki
In honor of Dr. Michele Ebersole
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
“Patrick Yim is one of my many former orchestra students who accomplished what he strived for. As a professional violinist, he has toured around the world, from New York to Hong Kong to Milan, performing in orchestras and solo. But he still remembers his roots. Whenever he’s in town, he returns to Kawananakoa Middle School to talk to our students and treat them to his virtuoso violin playing. He also teaches as the Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Mahalo, Patrick, for sharing your interest in the performing arts with our public schools and keiki.
“
Dan Mew
In honor of Patrick Yim
Kawananakoa Middle School
“Mrs. Jan Zane-Chin was my 3rd grade teacher at Maʻemaʻe Elementary School. I always admired her kindness and patience. She showed us she cared and made us all feel important, and I wanted to be just like her.”
Emi Ching-Loo
In honor of Mrs. Jan Zane-Chin
Maʻemaʻe Elementary School
“Dr. Derek Taira was the best professor I had in the Master of Education program at UH Manoa. He taught the history of education in Hawaii in a culturally responsive and impactful way that informs my teaching today.”
Tara Wengronowitz
In honor of Dr. Derek Taira
University of Hawaii at Manoa