Hawaii Senate honors students and educators during Education Week

The Hawaii Senate paused routine business to honor students, teachers and librarians during the second day of its 2026 Senate Education Week program. Senators recognized a series of honorees from across the islands, including student delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program and recipients of statewide teaching and librarianship awards.

Senator Kidani opened the recognitions by noting the week’s purpose: “The accomplishments of our students are made possible through the encouragement and guidance of a strong school community,” she said, and introduced Lotus Yesuta, a Waipahu High School student chosen as a 2026 United States Senate Youth Program delegate.

Senator Inoi recognized Judith Elise Hannigan as the 2026 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year and described Hannigan’s role as Freshman Academy coordinator and senior mentor teacher, saying the academy has produced “a notable drop in ninth-grade retention rates.” Senator McKelvey, speaking for herself and colleagues, introduced Anna Nguyen of Maui Preparatory Academy as a US Senate Youth Program delegate and detailed Nguyen’s leadership roles in mock trial and student government.

Senator Fukunaga presented the Hawaii Association of School Librarians Golden Key Award to Mira Garut and highlighted Garut’s work in digital instruction and coordination with the Department of Education. Senator Lomasao introduced Kalana Ola Domingo as the Public Charter Schools Teacher of the Year, noting more than three decades of service in Hawaiian-medium education.

Several senators invited honorees’ family members and school officials into the gallery and asked that their names be entered into the Senate Journal. The recognitions concluded with brief floor remarks thanking participants and reaffirming the chamber’s emphasis on elevating student voices during Education Week.