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Senate honors educators and STEM outreach leaders during Education Week; student showcase scheduled for tomorrow
Summary
During Senate Education Week the chamber recognized multiple educators and community contributors — including winners of school leadership and principal awards and a STEM outreach coordinator — and announced a Public Education Student Showcase tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Rotunda.
The Senate used a portion of the floor session to recognize educators and community contributors as part of Senate Education Week. Senators introduced awardees from across the state and invited the chamber to welcome honorees and their guests.
Senator Kidani opened remarks on Education Week and introduced Superintendent Keith Hayashi in the gallery and two interns from her office. "This week gives us the opportunity to recognize the many educators, students, and community members who go above and beyond to support learning across our great state," she said.
Senator Wakai presented the 2025 Masayuki Tokyoka Excellence in School Leadership Award to Baba Yim, principal of Keikula Kaiupuni O Anu Inui, noting his work to revitalize the indigenous language and coordinate transportation for students who travel across the island. Wakai also introduced Dr. Julia Kramer, the Mark Takai JVEF Outstanding Civilian Contributor Awardee and STEM outreach program coordinator at Pearl Harbor Navy Shipyard Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and cited her 85 outreach events across 20 DOE schools in 2025 and funding secured from the Office of Naval Research and Department of Defense STEM grants.
Senator Morawaki recognized Lorelei Aiwohi as the 2025 Hawaii Association Secondary School Administrators State Principal of the Year for 29 years of administrative service and work improving English learner outcomes and cultural programming at Kaimaki High School. Senator Hashimoto introduced Jacqueline McCandless as a state Principal of the Year honoree and highlighted her leadership at Maui Waianae Intermediate and her work launching student programs including an esports elective.
Senator DeCourt recognized Sergeant Becky Akers for outreach at Daniel K. Inoue Elementary and additional honorees, while Senator Favela highlighted Courtney Summa from Kapolei for district-level recognition. The presiding officer invited honored guests to the floor for photographs after the session.
Senator Kidani reminded members that the Hawaii Public Education Student Showcase will be held tomorrow from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Rotunda, with 33 participating schools and at least one school representing each Senate district.
The recognition remarks were ceremonial and did not propose legislation or formal action; they were recorded as part of the day's proceedings before the Senate moved to routine committee and referral business and adjourned.
