Nanakuli High teacher wins national Milken Award

By James Gonser
Advertiser leeward Bureau

Wiping tears from his eyes and waving to hundreds of cheering students, Robin Kitsu yesterday was named the first teacher from Nanakuli High and Intermediate School to win the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

Robin Kitsu, a Nanakuli High English teacher, was overwhelmed upon being announced as a recipient of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Kitsu, receiving hugs from colleagues during yesterday's assembly, has taught for 12 years. "He gives us the opportunity to express ourselves and make ourselves better people," said one student. "He believes in us." Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

"I think the award is not only for Mr. Kitsu and the school, but also for the community," said Nanakuli principal Levi Chang. "It shows we are a good school, we have a good staff and students. Mr. Kitsu has done so much for the school with the drama club and other activities; I can see that the kids become really involved."

Kitsu, 40, has been teaching English for 12 years at Nanakuli, the only school he has worked at since earning his bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from the University of Hawai'i. He is also the drama coach and media adviser, helping students who want to become stage performers, newspaper writers and video producers.

"I've been criticized by people, including my wife, (for my belief) that the job always comes first," Kitsu said. "I tell students to find something you have a passion for or love doing. I love my job and to be paid for it and recognized with this award is even better.

"Money is not the most important thing — it's the passion."

Kitsu did not always feel that way and nearly resigned during his first year as a teacher.

"I almost quit. It's a shock having your own class for the first time," he said. "I was so idealistic and felt I wasn't doing a good job. I was told to stick it out, it will be better — and it was."

Kitsu is a Mililani resident who, despite the drive, continues to work on the Wai'anae Coast, an area with a history of low teacher retention because of its distance from town, poor condition of some schools and other factors.

"A lot of schools have tried to lure him away from Nanakuli, but I guess it is his love of the kids and what he has done with his programs that keeps him here," said Chang.

Kitsu's students say he makes a real difference in their lives.

"He makes us feel like we are part of his family," said eighth-grader Seroza Mendonca.

Bobbie Villamor, a high school senior said: "He gives us the opportunity to express ourselves and make ourselves better people. He believes in us."

Kitsu said he plans to use some of the award money to buy equipment for the school, including a new video camera and sound equipment. Then he plans to take his wife, Michelle, on a much-deserved vacation.

Kitsu said now he can't imagine not being a teacher.

"When you see the students change, see they are getting the message, it is all worth it," Kitsu said. "We try to reach every kid and I know that is impossible, but the award is a nice reminder of why we are here."

Hawai'i has been part of the Milken Educator Awards since 1990, and 56 teachers have been selected for the recognition over the years, with awards totaling $1.4 million.

The Milken awards are presented annually to teachers nominated for their exceptional classroom practices, potential for professional and policy leadership, and inspirational presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.

The teachers are nominated without their knowledge and selected by a blue-ribbon committee for outstanding service and dedication to their students.

Along with the cash award, Hawai'i's winners will be honored at a luncheon in Honolulu in December and will attend the National Educator Awards ceremony and conference in Los Angeles next summer, all expenses paid.