Recognize an outstanding person who is making a difference in your community
Updated: January 7, 2025
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s Human and Civil Rights Committee is seeking nominations for its Pono and Friend of Youth Awards. Nominations for both awards are due by Jan. 17, 2025.
Friend of Youth Award
Who can be nominated: Anyone!
Who can submit a nomination: Nominations must be submitted by HSTA members only.
What you need to do:
Submit a nomination online that explains the nominee’s:
- Involvement in a youth-oriented activity outside of their professional duties (please specify the activity, degree of involvement, etc.).
- Impact on Hawaiʻi’s youth e.g. how many keiki are affected, the benefit they receive as a result of the nominee’s actions.
- Volunteer hours and length of service.
- Facilities, resources, and/or equipment that were either donated by the nominee, or made available due to the nominee’s actions.
Note: Applications are being processed via Google Form, and you will need to sign into a Google Account to view it. You will have the option of submitting your answers directly in the form or uploading a file of no more than two (2) pages to address the requested criteria.
Nominees will be judged on the following criteria:
- Involvement in a youth-oriented activity outside of their professional duties.
- Impact on Hawaiʻi’s youth.
- Time and service.
- Use of facilities, resources and/or equipment.
Meet our 2024 Friend of Youth Award winner:
Glen Pascual
Our 2024 Friend of Youth Award winner, Glen Pascual, serves as a volunteer photographer for the Lahainaluna High School community after wrapping up his day as deputy corporation counsel for the County of Maui. “I take pictures of everything at Lahainaluna — sports, graduation, project graduation, David Malo Day [a celebration named after a lauded scholar and historian from the school’s first graduating class]. If they ask me to, I’ll come to their proms, I’ll come to their events, and I’ll get photos,” Pascual said. Despite his packed schedule, Pascual said, “I will tell you that it’s been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s very satisfying, just to see the joy that it brings to other people, the pictures that I take.”
Past winners: Elyse Litvack (2023), Nikki-Ann Yee (2022), Guy Shimabukuro (2021), Scot Yamashita (2020), Jason Routon (2018), Faye Liko Wallace (2017), Ted Takamiya (2016), Virginia Brautigan Aste (2015), Robin Hermance (2014), Rose Atsuko Ah Sing Yamada (2013), Mervin Dudoit (2012), Penny Martin (2011), Alice Hewett (2010), Peter Rayno Jr. (2009), Alice Ransil (2008), Derek Kurisu (2007), Shiro Takata (2006), Randall Ng (2005), Duke Sevilla (2004), Clara and Joe Mishima (1999), Lyman Medeiros (1998), Marilyn Pollock (1997), Kiyoko Nishikawa and Bert Kakugawa (1996), Takeshi Fujita (1995), Zoreh Furatado and Mary Gomez (1994), Neal and Nadine Morimoto (1993), Frank DeLima (1992), Ted Kimura (1991), Earl Eckart (1990), Ellen Kusano (1989), Kayo Chung and Earl Miyao (1987), Carol Kimura and Robert Lani (1986), Steven Frias (1985).
If you have any questions, submit a contact form here.
Pono Award
Who can be nominated: Any active HSTA member in good standing with at least two years of membership.
Who can submit a nomination: Anyone!
What you need to do:
Submit a nomination online that includes the following:
- A detailed description of the activity or activities and the nominee’s direct involvement and capacity. Must not exceed four (4) pages, double-spaced.
- Nominee statement: Address the nominee’s social justice engagement within schools or the community, and explain the importance of this work and impact on the lives of students. Must not exceed two (2) pages, double-spaced.
These next elements are optional, but encouraged to strengthen your nomination:
- Optional: Letter of recommendation, typewritten unless submitted by a student.
- Optional: Nominee’s resume.
- Optional: Additional supporting materials, such as news clippings, flyers, photos, etc.
Note: Applications are being processed via Google Form, and you will need to sign into a Google Account to view it. We recommend gathering all elements of your nomination before starting an online submission.
Nominees will be judged on the following criteria:
- Social justice advocacy that includes direct involvement, capacity and degree of involvement.
- Impact on the community, including the number of people touched or involved, and benefit to the community.
- Role and influence as the principal organizer of a campaign or action.
- Outcome and/or perpetuity of this campaign or action.
The recipient of this award will be submitted as HSTA’s nominee to the National Education Association Social Justice Activist of the Year Award.
Meet our 2024 Pono Award winner:
Kaleo Hanohano
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association presented Kaleo Hanohano with the 2024 Pono Award for her advocacy and teaching that ensures our youth gain and perpetuate a sense of Hawaiʻi, connection, and kuleana for generations to come. After receiving her first teaching job at Roosevelt High School in 1992, Hanohano turned to her grandmother and respected educator, Hazel Akepamaikalani Akim Naone, for advice and guidance. Now, she’s able to ensure that her instruction perpetuates indigenous place-based learning and sustainable practice.
Past winners: Sean Witwer (2021), Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin (2020), Laverne Moore (2016).