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Stories About Hawaii Educators

Watch and read stories about the life-changing impact of local teachers and professors.

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#MyAwesomeTeacher

Our teachers are great sources of encouragement, inspiration, and positive life transformations. Many of us have had a teacher who made a major impact on our lives or helped us to simply do better.

Here, HEA showcases testimonials about amazing teachers to highlight the importance of our local educators. These stories were collected and featured throughout our website, newsletter, and social media in 2021 as part of our 100th anniversary celebration.

Community Testimonials

We are honored to share these memories from our community about the impact of Hawaii educators on their students’ lives.

“Teaching social studies at Kawananakoa Middle School, Mr. Albert Domalavage made me understand and care about the world I lived in. He awakened my love for learning and the confidence to express myself.”

Stacy Yuen

In honor of Albert Domalavage

Kawananakoa Intermediate

“In 1st grade, I learned to read by the sight method. My 2nd grade teacher, Emma Silva at Kapalama Elementary School, worked with me after school to teach me phonetics and make sure I understood what I was reading.”

Pili Lee Loy

In honor of Emma Silva

Kapalama Elementary School

“As the Kahuku High School judo coach, Ray Imada-sensei said even if you’re not good, you’ll be considered for the team if you work hard. I wasn’t the best, but he believed in me. He taught me honor and humility.”

Gary Nakata

In honor of Ray Imada

Kahuku High School

“Though Mrs. Amy Watanabe had my sister at Kailua High School, she never compared us. She changed my perspective on life, big and small. I ended up being her TA, and I still think about her class decades later.”

Dora Wang

In honor of Amy Watanabe

Kailua High School