Big Island educator receives nation’s highest award for STEM teachers

Six Hawai‘i public school teachers received Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the nation’s highest award a science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teacher can receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Among them is science teacher Whitney Aragaki of Waiākea High School in Hilo.

Aragaki, a National Board Certified Teacher, was honored as the 2022 Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year and one of four finalists for the 2022 National Teacher of the Year award.

She was also a 2019 and 2021 state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Aragaki was also selected in 2021 for the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program.

The 6-month virtual Obama Leaders program supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of Barak and Michelle Obama.

Other Hawai‘i recipients are:

• Jessica Barbera, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Waikīkī,O‘ahu.
• Michael Ida, Kalani High School, Honolulu.
• Gregory Kent, Kailua Elementary School, Kailua, O‘ahu.
• Karleen Lynch, Pearl City High School, Pearl City, O‘ahu.
• Sarah Milianta-Laffin, ʻIlima Intermediate School, ʻEwa Beach, O‘ahu.

These educators are among 336 teachers and mentors from throughout the nation nominated by their principals, fellow teachers, parents, students or members of the public for serving as role models to their colleagues, inspiration to their communities and leaders in the improvement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“On behalf of the entire Hawai‘i state Department of Education, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our six extraordinary educators on receiving this distinguished national honor,” said state Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Their dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] education inspires not only their students but also their peers and communities across Hawai‘i. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to preparing our students for a future of limitless possibilities.”

The awardees 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 $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

The recipients join an active network of educators from throughout the nation.

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching were established in 1983 by U.S. Congress.

More than 5,500 teachers have been honored since for their classroom contributions and those to their profession.

Up to 110 teachers and mentors are selected each year from all 50 states; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Education Activity schools; and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands.