Kindergarten days recalled

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

CURRY

Janet Okuna, who taught Curry in 1961-62, was surprised to find out how influential she was to Curry. If she had not written the names of the students on the back of that year's class photo, Okuna, 71, said she could not have been certain she taught Curry.

The segment, which is expected to air between 8 and 9 a.m., will feature footage from Pearl Harbor Elementary School, as well as Curry's interview with Okuna at Blaisdell Park, filmed last month.

Okuna said Curry remembered her because the class made Jell-O one day, but Curry was too sick to go to school the next day to eat it. When they met in April, Okuna brought along a Jell-O mold to give Curry a taste after 43 years. "She ate big helpings," Okuna said.

Okuna was surprised to learn the Jell-O made that much of an impact, but Curry told her the experience had piqued her interest in learning.

Since hearing from "Today," Okuna has come up with advice for other teachers, including her daughter. Okuna said always write the names of your students on the back of the class photo and "always be nice and kind to them because you never know what you do to impress them."

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.