HR262.DOC

WHEREAS, in light of the important role the public education system plays in solidifying Hawaii's future, it is always a pleasure and privilege for the Hawaii State House of Representatives to recognize those exceptional individuals that have made significant achievements in education, inspiring and challenging the young minds of our state, and encouraging the people of the surrounding communities to become actively involved in their community's schools; and

WHEREAS, Wima Chulakote, who has taught at Olomana School as a highly qualified math teacher since 2004, and learned the importance of education during his youth in Thailand and believes that "if given the opportunity to prove themselves, all students are capable of success regardless of their background or past experiences", was given the prestigious honor of being named the 2010 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Christine Ho, a National Board Certified Teacher who has taught digital media at Farrington High School since 2006, aspires to teach art "as a perfect marriage of social service and creativity," exemplified in the many large-scale community projects such as the Annual Farrington Film Festival that she initiates and organizes, has earned the recognition of being named the 2010 Honolulu District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Julia Rose LoPresti, who has been a drama instructor at Aiea Intermediate since 2006, and whose passion for the theater was nurtured by her own high school drama teacher, engages and encourages students to be accountable for their actions and delights in using and creating art "to influence positive social change," has earned the recognition of being named the 2010 Central District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Kathy Lin, who has taught science at Highlands Intermediate since 2002, and passes on her passion for science to her students by introducing them to the fascinating world of scientific knowledge and discovery, and retains their newly kindled interest by organizing fun-filled non-academic activities as she believes that "school is more than textbooks, experiments, and lectures," has been named the 2010 Leeward District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Samantha Funes, who has taught at Keonepoko Elementary as a reading and computer teacher since 2007, changed her college major from Human Services to Early Childhood Education after a position as a Sunday school teacher made her realize that teaching was her calling, and strongly encourages all educators to "find the expert in every child," has been given the distinction of being named the 2010 Hawaii District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Emily Haines-Swatek, who has taught at King Kekaulike High School as a Career and Technical Coordinator for the past ten years, has facilitated the Environmental and Spatial Technology Program since 2001 to allow her students to become self-directed learners by using technology to benefit the public, and is committed to her profession and students and is "willing to sacrifice on many fronts" to positively change lives, has been named the 2010 Maui District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Crystal Ishida, who has taught 4^th and 5^th grade at Kekaha Elementary since 2001, inspires her students to be environmentally aware by using project-based learning to integrate technology, mathematics, science, and language arts, and whose teaching approach is "hands-on, a deliberate invitation for students to discover how and why things work," has been named the 2010 Kauai District Teacher of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Wima Chulakote, Christine Ho, Julie Rose LoPresti, Kathy Lin, Samantha Funes, Emily Haines-Swatek, and Crystal Ishida, through their dedication and commitment to serving the children in our schools, 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-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, that this body hereby recognizes, congratulates, and honors, Wima Chulakote, Christine Ho, Julie Rose LoPresti, Kathy Lin, Samantha Funes, Emily Haines-Swatek, and Crystal Ishida for their outstanding accomplishments and recognition as Hawaii's 2010 Teachers of the Year, and extends to all of them its sincere Mahalo and best wishes for continued success.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Congratulating Wima Chulakote as the 2010 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, and Christine Ho, Julia Rose LoPresti, Kathy Lin, Samantha Funes, Emily Haines-Swatek, and Crystal Ishida as the 2010 Hawaii State District Teachers of the Year.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	262
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII