Hawaiʻi State Senate to honor outstanding students, educators this week

The Hawaiʻi State Senate recognizes outstanding students, educators, and school leaders for Senate Education Week 2026.

The weeklong celebration begins today, March 16, at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where honorees from across the state will be recognized during Senate floor sessions for exceptional contributions to education and their commitment to student success.

“The students and educators honored this week are achieving at the highest levels while setting new standards for excellence in our schools,” said state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim. “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 students, educators, and school communities who exemplify excellence across Hawaiʻi.

“This week shines a well-deserved spotlight on award recipients—students and professionals whose dedication, creativity, and leadership are transforming our schools,” said state Sen. Michelle Kidani. “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.”

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

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 16, in 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

9 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 19 in Rotunda

Featuring student exhibits and projects from both Hawaiʻi public and charter schools across the state.

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:

• Hawaiʻi National Distinguished Principal – National Association of Elementary School Principals
• National Outstanding Assistant Principal – National Association of Elementary School Principals
• Assistant Principal of the Year – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators
• National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year
• Milken Teacher of Promise
• High School Assistant Principal of the Year – Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators
• National Assistant Principal of the Year finalist – National Association of Secondary School Principals
• Complex Area Teachers of the Year
• Outstanding Library Service Award – Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians
• 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 Golden Key Award