|
|
May 28
Editor’s Note: Ho‘oha‘aheo will be taking a break over the summer but will be back when the new school year kicks off in August. Wishing you all a fun and safe summer!
Editorial Mission: As the Department's primary publication, we aim to live up to the meaning of ha‘aheo – to cherish with pride – by bolstering and sustaining pride in public education and touting the successes happening across our system.
|
|
Aloha, HIDOE Community –
Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter.
Class of 2025 graduation highlights
Our goal has always been to nurture students who are not only globally competitive but also deeply committed to their local communities. I’m confident that the Class of 2025 is more than ready to embrace what lies ahead. Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, the military or jumping straight into the workforce — the world eagerly awaits your ideas, your courage, your leadership and your unique voice. We couldn’t be prouder of each of you and will be cheering you on every step of the way, no matter where life takes you.
This month, I’ve had the joy of attending 12 graduation ceremonies, each filled with its own special traditions and celebrations unique to our communities. Check out the highlight video produced by our Communications Branch to see some of these memorable moments!
|
68 public schools to offer free summer meals
Having access to nutritious meals during the summer break is essential for students to support their physical growth, cognitive development and overall well-being. We’re pleased to offer the Seamless Summer Option program once again to provide free meals for all children ages 18 and younger – regardless of public school enrollment status.
Aloha & mahalo
It’s bittersweet to share that two veteran educators, Kapa‘a-Kaua‘i-Waimea Complex Area Superintendent Daniel Hamada and Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area Superintendent Esther Kanehailua, will be retiring at the end of this school year. Together, they have dedicated an incredible 77 years of combined service to shaping minds, inspiring students, and making a lasting impact on our school community. Please join me in wishing both of them well in retirement and in welcoming Leila Maeda-Kobayashi and Kasie Kaleohano, who will be the incoming complex area superintendents for Kapa‘a-Kaua‘i-Waimea and Hilo-Waiākea, respectively.
|
|
Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week
 As a reward for completing the Smarter Balanced Assessments statewide exam, Kaʻimiloa Elementary School students got to “pie” an administrator or teacher of their choice on May 20. In the back row, from left to right, TA Vice Principal Adrian Hill, Principal Anela Pia, TA Vice Principal Shely Chang and resource teacher Eden Monteilh volunteered to be on the receiving end of over 375 whipped cream pies smashed by eager students.
Credit: Shely Chang / Ka‘imiloa Elementary School
|
|
#HIPublicSchoolsProud
Social media highlights of the most engaging posts of the week.
Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!
|
|
 Nānāikapono Elementary
» Last Wednesday, we celebrated May Day at Nānāikapono Elementary — and what a beautiful day it was! 🌺🌞🌈 Our theme this year was Life in the Plantation, where each grade represented a different culture that came to Hawaiʻi to live and work during plantation days. 🌾🥭🍍 Our haumāna danced with so much heart, aloha, and pride! 💃🏽🕺🏽❤️🔥
|
 Lānaʻi High & Elementary
» Following each graduation ceremony, as a gesture of appreciation, each graduate bids their final farewell before departing Lānaʻi High & Elementary campus. Graduates place a lei on the TORCH to honor our past, celebrate the present, and inspire our future. 💚💛 #finalfarewell #graduation #pinelasses #pinelads #WeAreLanai #HIgrad2025
|
 Kaua‘i High School Red Raider Productions
» It’s been a busy Spring! Here’s a quick recap of Kōloa Elementary School’s Ukulele band performing at one of our boys volleyball games! Mahalo to our halftime sponsor @kukuiula ❤️🦉#kauaihighschool #kauaihighredraiders #redraiderproductions #koloaelementaryschool
|
|
Important Dates & Upcoming Events
|
 Congratulations to our graduates, families, teachers, faculty and administrators on an amazing school year! This year marked the 190th graduating class of Hawaiʻi's oldest public high school and next year, in 2026, we'll celebrate the inaugural graduating class of our newest high school. Which schools are these?
- McKinley High and Niʻihau High
- Olomana School and Ke Kula ʻo ʻEhunuikaimalino
- Kaʻū High and Kauaʻi High
- Lahainaluna High and Kūlanihākoʻi High
Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.
|
|
Kapaʻa High alum makes history with dual graduation
 Kapa'a High School Principal Tommy Cox presents Veronica “Bonnie” Nagahisa with her diploma at the school's commencement ceremony on May 23 at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a. Photo credit: Kimberly Yuen / HIDOE Communications Branch
Kapa‘a High School alum Veronica “Bonnie” Nagahisa became the first student on Kaua‘i to simultaneously receive her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chaminade University along with her high school diploma this year.
Nagahisa’s college journey began after eighth grade, when she started taking online courses at Kauaʻi Community College. She plans to pursue her master’s degree from Chaminade University in education.
|
|
Waipahu High students part of first special education class to earn credit through Early College
 Students from the ‘Ohana of Excellence Academy at Waipahu High School celebrated their Early College credits at a certificate ceremony on May 7 at Waipahu High School. Photo credit: Eliot Honda / HIDOE Video Production Branch
A cohort of 13 students from Waipahu High School’s ʻOhana of Excellence Academy made history as the first special education class to earn college credit through an Early College course. Their achievement was celebrated on campus after they completed their final project — a mock job interview.
The students are part of a fully self-contained special education classroom, serving learners with significant disabilities and support needs. Despite the intensive challenges they face, the students completed IS 105C: Professional Employment Preparation in person through Windward Community College — a course designed to build real-world employment skills and confidence.
|
|
Alumni Spotlight
Globally competitive, locally committed
Dillon Gabriel
Occupation: NFL Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
What school you grad? Mililani High School ‘19
College: Attended University of Central Florida, University of Oklahoma and University of Oregon
Location: Cleveland, OH
Dillon Gabriel’s route to the NFL started at Mililani High School and it’s also a place he keeps returning to. Under coach Rod York, the quarterback set the high school football state record for all-time passing yards, a mark that held up until this past fall. That success followed him at the three colleges he played for over a six-year span, culminating with a Heisman Trophy nomination in December. In his final year at Oregon, he led the Ducks to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten title and finished his career as the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision all-time leader in total touchdowns (189), tied for first in passing touchdowns (155), and second in career passing yards (18,722) and total yards (19,931). In April, Gabriel was selected in the third round of the NFL Draft as the 94th pick by the Cleveland Browns.
Though his football career has taken him on many routes, Mililani remains in Gabriel’s heart. He has returned several times with donations of uniforms and equipment for his alma mater’s sports teams. His father, Garrett Gabriel, was a quarterback for the University of Hawai‘i football team in the late ‘80s and is currently a behavioral health specialist at Mililani Middle School and boys basketball head coach at Mililani High School, where he coached his youngest son, Roman.
Q: Briefly describe your journey after high school.
A: After graduating from Mililani High School, I went on to play college football at University of Central Florida for three years, then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where I earned my degree. I completed my college career at the University of Oregon. Every stop along the way taught me something new — on the field and off — and helped shape who I am today.
Q: What are you up to these days?
A: I'm currently playing in the NFL, living out a lifelong dream. Off the field, I'm focused on giving back to the next generation through philanthropic projects in my hometown and managing my brand and business ventures that were built during college. I’m proud of where I come from and passionate about giving back to the community that shaped me. I’ve started a foundation focused on inspiring the next generation and continue to look for ways to create opportunities for kids in Hawai‘i to dream big and chase it.
Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: Football has always been my passion. I love the competitive nature of the game, the discipline it requires, and the relationships you build through it. It’s also opened doors for me to inspire others and invest back into the community that raised me.
Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud?
A: Growing up in Hawai‘i’s public school system gave me a strong foundation. I’m proud to be from a place where people genuinely support one another. It means a lot to go back home and still see the same teachers, friends, and families who’ve always had my back. You don’t need to leave Hawai‘i to get a high-level education — and I’m living proof of that.
Q: Favorite subject in school?
A: Math. I’ve always liked working with numbers and solving problems. It’s something that still plays a role in my daily life — especially when it comes to managing business and personal goals.
Q: What type of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: Football was my main focus, but more than a sport, it was my outlet. It gave me a place to compete, connect, and grow as a person. It also taught me structure, leadership, and resilience.
Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank?
A: Coach Agsalda – PE. He had a big impact on my journey and played a key role in my development both as an athlete and as a person.
Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: The habits you create now — whether good or bad — will show up later in your life. Make decisions today that set you up for a better tomorrow. And always surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.
|
 Mililani High School alum Dillon Gabriel was joined by his father Garrett, Principal Fred Murphy, Athletics Director Joy Matsukawa and his mother Dori for a blessing ceremony on April 22 to unveil the newly renovated athletic facilities that he donated to his alma mater. Photo credit: Kimberly Yuen / HIDOE Communications Branch
Are you or do you know someone who exemplifies the Hawai'i State Department of Education's mission to prepare all graduates to be globally competitive and locally committed? We are looking for individuals who graduated from a Hawai'i public school and are passionate about their communities. Please fill out this form for a chance to be featured as a future alumni spotlight.
|
|
HIDOE Headlines
A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.
|
|
 » Ho nah! Ten students from Waipahu High School donned Seal of Biliteracy medals at their graduation for proficiency in what is commonly referred to in Hawaiʻi as Pidgin English. “While I took the test, I would ask myself, ‘What would my uncle say?’” said graduate Cara Jurison. (Note: demonstrating proficiency in English is part of the eligibility requirement, and Hawaiʻi Creole is not replacing English proficiency.)
|
 » Students from Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School received top honors with the Super Sleuth Awards for high student participation and classroom engagement in the “Digital Detectives” initiative, a statewide effort to map internet speeds and identify gaps in broadband access.
|
 » Over 1,000 students from 15 Maui elementary schools participated in the “Agriculture in the Classroom,” an annual hands-on learning event put on by the Maui County Farm Bureau. Students learned about canoe plants, soil, watersheds, ranch animals and more.
|
|
|
Public School Pop Quiz! Answer: 4. Lahainaluna High and Kūlanihākoʻi High. Although separated by a drive of only 22 miles between West and South Maui, these campuses opened 192 years apart. Go, Lunas! Go, Rays!
|
|
HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Keith Hayashi
Superintendent
Heidi Armstrong
Deputy Superintendent
|
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun
Deputy Superintendent
|
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS
Sean Bacon
Talent Management
|
Brian Hallett
Fiscal Services
|
Audrey Hidano
Facilities and Operations
|
Elizabeth Higashi
Strategy, Innovation and Performance
|
Kinau Gardner
Student Support Services
|
Amy Peckinpaugh
Information Technology Services
|
Teri Ushijima
Curriculum and Instructional Design
|
Ho‘oha‘aheo
PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD
Nanea Ching
Executive Editor
|
Kimberly Yuen
Managing Editor
|
Contributors
Chanel Honda
|
Derek Inoshita
|
Stan Lee
|
Sara Miyazono
|
Kimi Takazawa
|
Krislyn Yano Moore
|
|
|
|
1390 Miller St. Honolulu, HI 96813 | Phone: 808-784-6200 Fax: 808-586-3234
Share your story ideas, questions and feedback to newsletter@k12.hi.us
|
|
|
|
|
