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

Kevin Matsunaga
Digital Media Teacher
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Jessica Pagtulingan
Former student of Mrs. Lori Fujimoto
Kapalama Elementary School

Nicole Tam
Former Student of Shareen Murayama
Kaiser High School

Natanya Friedheim
Former student of Ms. Alexandra (Armstrong) Taylor
Kailua Intermediate School

Yunji de Nies
Former student of Mr. Colin More
Honolulu Waldorf School

Tord “Harald” Ivarsson
2021 Hiroshi & Barbara Kim Yamashita HEA Scholarship Recipient
Kapiolani Community College

JoAnn Oshiro
Former student of Mr. Edwin Ginoza
Maui High School

Holden Suzuki
8th Grade Student
Maui Waena Intermediate School

Ben Cayetano
Former student of Howard Higa
Kalakaua Intermediate School

Augie Tulba
Former student of Millie Murakami
Dole Middle School
Community Testimonials
We are honored to share these memories from our community about the impact of Hawaii educators on their students’ lives.
“Czeara welcomes constructive feedback, demonstrates genuine compassion towards others, and works collaboratively with her mentor teacher, her peers, and her professors.”
Czeara Rae Santos
2021-22 Continuing College Students Scholarship Recipient
UH Manoa
“Ms. Dorothy Aspinwall from the University of Hawaii was my FR 101 professor and later became my mentor. She encouraged me to study abroad, seek higher education and eventually become a French professor myself.”
Jean Toyama
In honor of Dorothy Aspinwall
University of Hawaii
“Mr. Kawahara at Farrington High School helped me become the educator I am today. He cares about his students and he kept in touch with me after graduation, offering any advice when I needed it.”
Brooke Gascon-Vea
In honor of Marc Kawahara
Farrington High School
“Mr. Cox at Kapaa High School had a passion for teaching science and helped his students see the value in STEM. His passion led me to pursue my degree in chemistry education and become a licensed teacher.”
Joshua Cram
In honor of James Cox
Kapaa High School