HR324

WHEREAS, in light of the important role the public education system plays in solidifying Hawaii's future, it is always the pleasure and privilege of the Hawaii State House of Representatives to recognize those exceptional individuals who have made significant achievements in the profession of education and have thus inspired our state's youth and otherwise encouraged and involved people in surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, PASCALE PINNER, who has taught science at Hilo Intermediate School since 1988, earned a certificate in early adolescent science from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2002, won the Presidential Award for Excellence in science teaching in 2004, was named the 2008 Hawaii District Teacher of the Year, and has now been named the 2008 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, since fulfilling her goal to become a teacher in 1992, CORI LEI CHONG has taught kindergarten and first grade at Kaewai Elementary School and strives to instill a love of learning and a positive attitude in all her students, and her achievements do not go unnoticed as she has been named the 2008 Honolulu District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, DAVID ARAKAKI, who has not only taught seventh and eighth grade math at Moanalua Middle School since 1999, but has coached the school's robotics team to state, national, and international wins, merits the title of 2008 Central District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, SHARI TAKAHASHI, who has served as librarian and fifth- and sixth- grade teacher at Nanaikapono Elementary School since 1993, applies her experience as a non-traditional learner to help students understand concepts they have difficulty understanding, earning her the honor of being chosen the 2008 Leeward District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, SUZANNE CUMMINGS, who discovered her passion for teaching while tutoring in Washington state, began teaching at Dole Middle School in 1999 and transferred to Kailua High School in 2000 to teach math, and gives freely of her time to mentor new teachers, warranting her being named the 2008 Windward District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, LEIGHTON NAKAMOTO, who not only earned his bachelor's degree in athletic training but also a masters degree in kinesiology, has taught physical education and health at Kalama Intermediate School since 1994 and has innovated the physical education curriculum by creating a "New PE" with a focus on lifetime fitness, earning him recognition as the 2008 Maui District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, KEVIN MATSUNAGA, who has served as a technology coordinator and media production teacher at both Lehua Elementary School from 1993 to 2000, and Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, since 2000, has guided his students on the path to many awards and honors, and has been acknowledged as the 2005 Kauai Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, and as the 2008 Kauai District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, through their dedication and commitment to serving our children in the schools, PASCALE PINNER, CORI LEI CHONG, DAVID ARAKAKI, SHARI TAKAHASHI, SUZANNE CUMMINGS, LEIGHTON NAKAMOTO, and KEVIN MATSUNAGA have proven themselves worthy of being honored as inspirational teachers and role models for our public school community; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that this body hereby recognizes, congratulates, and honors PASCALE PINNER, CORI LEI CHONG,

DAVID ARAKAKI, SHARI TAKAHASHI, SUZANNE CUMMINGS, LEIGHTON NAKAMOTO, and KEVIN MATSUNAGA for their outstanding accomplishments and for being recognized as Hawaii's 2008 Teachers of the Year, and extends to all of them its most sincere mahalo for a job well done.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Teachers of the Year

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	324
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII