HONOLULU (KHON2) — Six Hawaiʻi public school teachers received the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which is the nation’s highest award that a teacher in STEM may receive.
The White House announced this week the cohorts of winners spanning from 2021 to 2023 on Monday. The Hawaiʻi teachers receiving the award are:
- Whitney Aragaki, Waiakea High School
- Jessica Barbera, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Michael Ida, Kalani High School
- Gregory Kent, Kailua Elementary School
- Karleen Lynch, Pearl City High School
- Sarah Milianta-Laffin, ʻIlima Intermediate School
These six teachers are among 336 teachers and mentors from across the country who were nominated by someone in their community. The awards recognize a teacher that serves as a a role model to their colleagues, inspires their communities and pioneers STEM education improvement.
“On behalf of the entire Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our six extraordinary educators on receiving this distinguished national honor,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Their dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in STEM education inspires not only their students but also their peers and communities across Hawaiʻi.”
The recipients will receive a certificate signed by President Joe Biden, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities and a monetary award from the National Science Foundation.
“This recognition is a testament to their commitment to preparing our students for a future of limitless possibilities,” Hayashi said.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established by Congress in 1983 and recognize teachers and mentors annually from all across the country.