HAWAIʻI STATE SENATE TO HONOR STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS DURING SENATE EDUCATION WEEK 2026
- sturbeville1
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HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Senate will recognize outstanding students, educators, and school leaders during Senate Education Week 2026, hosted by Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Donna Mercado Kim (District 14 – Kapālama, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter) and Vice Chair Senator Michelle N. Kidani (District 18 – Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia).
The weeklong celebration will take place March 16 through March 20, 2026, at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where honorees from across the state will be recognized during Senate floor sessions for their exceptional contributions to education and their commitment to student success.
“Senate Education Week provides an opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of students and educators across our state,” said Senator Kim. “The students and educators honored this week are achieving at the highest levels while setting new standards for excellence in our schools. Their work strengthens our communities, uplifts their peers, and inspires confidence in Hawaiʻi’s future. As Education Chair, I proudly celebrate the accomplishments in schools across our state this week.”
Throughout the week, the Senate will highlight individuals and school communities whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are strengthening Hawaiʻi’s public education system and inspiring the next generation of learners.
“The 2026 Senate Education Week celebrates our students, educators, and school communities who exemplify excellence across Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Kidani. “This week shines a well-deserved spotlight on award recipients—students and professionals whose dedication, creativity, and leadership are transforming our schools. Across our islands, our teachers, administrators, staff, and keiki work together to spark curiosity, expand opportunities, and inspire achievement. Their commitment reminds us that the strength of Hawaiʻi’s future is built every day in our classrooms.” AWARD PRESENTATIONS DURING SENATE FLOOR SESSIONS Awardees will be recognized daily during the Senate Floor Session at 11:30 a.m. in the Senate Chamber at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The following individuals and schools will be honored during Senate Education Week 2026.
Monday, March 16:
2025 Hawaiʻi National Distinguished Principal – National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)
2025 National Outstanding Assistant Principal – NAESP
2025 Assistant Principal of the Year – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA)
2025 National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year – NASSP
2025 Milken Teacher of Promise
2025 Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA) High School Assistant Principal of the Year, 2025 NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year finalist
Complex Area Teachers of the Year
2025 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) Outstanding Library Service Award
2025 John Philip Sousa Foundation Bandworld Legion of Honor Award
Tuesday, March 17:
Hawaiʻi Public Charter Schools Teacher of the Year
2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year
2026 United States Senate Youth Program Delegates
2025 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians Golden Key Award
Wednesday, March 18:
2025 Hawaiʻi State Principal of the Year (High School) – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators
2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award
Daniel K. Inouye JVEF Outstanding Military Contributor Award
Mark Takai JVEF Outstanding Civilian Contributor Award
Complex Area Teachers of the Year
Thursday, March 19:
2025 Hawaiʻi School Counselor Association Counselors of the Year
2025 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Schools
Complex Area Teachers of the Year
2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar
Friday, March 20:
2026 Hawaiʻi LifeSmarts State Competition Winners (1st–4th Place)
Complex Area Teachers of the Year
2025 Milken Teacher of Promise
2024 U.S. Presidential Scholar
2025 Hawaiʻi Library Association Library Employee of the Year
2024 Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) Golden Key Award
EDUCATION WEEK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE CAPITOL Several events open to the public will also take place during Senate Education Week at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol:
Friends of the Library Book Fair Monday, March 16 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Conference Room 224 Books available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi and programs benefiting the state’s 51 public libraries.
Hawaiʻi Public Education Student Showcase Thursday, March 19 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rotunda Featuring student exhibits and projects from both Hawaiʻi public and charter schools across the state.
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