Four Hawai'i teachers in D.C. to accept awards
By Jennifer Hiller
Advertiser Education Writer
Four Hawai'i educators have received the nation's highest honor for mathematics and science teachers, President Bush announced yesterday.
Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto is a math teacher at Mililani Mauka Elementary School.
Joan Rohrback is a science teacher at Sacred Hearts Academy.
Wesley Yuu is a math teacher at Mililani Middle School.
Winners of the 2001 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science will receive a $7,500 grant for their school and have already left for a free trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the awards ceremony tonight and participate in a week of activities.
The Hawai'i winners are Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto, a math teacher at Mililani Mauka Elementary School; Geraldine Kajitani, a science teacher at Nu'uanu Elementary School; Wesley Yuu, a math teacher at Mililani Middle School; and Joan Rohrback, a science teacher at Sacred Hearts Academy.
The White House program, administered by the National Science Foundation, honors math and science teachers from kindergarten to grade 12 in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Department of Defense schools abroad.
This year, 196 winners were selected from more than 600 nominees.
"This premier group of science and mathematics teachers brings science, engineering and mathematics to life in the classroom and nurtures curiosity in our youth through their innovative and creative approaches to teaching," said NSF director Rita Colwell.
After an initial selection process at the state level, a national panel of scientists, mathematicians and educators recommends teachers to receive a Presidential Award. One elementary and one secondary math teacher, and one elementary and one secondary science teacher from each state and jurisdiction are selected.
The Presidential Awards have been given since 1983.
