Awakuni is the first principal from Hawai'i to earn the honor, although Leilehua High School's Norman Minehira was one of three finalists last year. Awakuni was among 50 principals nominated, one from each state.

The award was announced at an assembly at Campbell yesterday, where everybody but Awakuni was in on the secret. After receiving a standing ovation, Awakuni's reaction to the news, her tears barely dry, was "For real?"

After the assembly, she said: "I think basically we're here as deliverers of hope. That is our mission. Everything we do here is based on that."

Students applauded, cheered, whistled and stomped as the award was announced.

"She makes us proud to come here," said freshman Janice Vidad.

Senior Kanoe Kaikala credits Awakuni with making it easier for students to get the classes they need. "I think she did a lot of good changes for our school," Kaikala said.

Awakuni received the award for reform efforts at Campbell, which have resulted in a new schedule that allows students to take more classes and meet more frequently with teachers, and gives teachers one period a day for staff development. The award also recognizes her efforts to involve the local community in the school.

Improved reputation

There were tears — and cheers — when Campbell High School principal Gail Awakuni learned of her national award yesterday. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Since Awakuni took over in 2000, gang activity on campus has disappeared and disciplinary referrals have decreased, said complex area superintendent Mamo Carreira.

Among the reasons for the national recognition is Awakuni's creation of small learning communities and a more rigorous curriculum, the national principals organization said. At the school, students choose one of five learning "communities," depending on their career interests.

Also, Campbell's college-bound graduates have increased and scholarship offers soared to $4.8 million last year, up from $700,000 her first year.

"I think that Gail is one of these really rare administrators who really has a clear vision of what a school should provide for the whole child and it even extends beyond the child to families and the community," said Laurie Katagiri-Hoshino, Campbell's curriculum coordinator.

That mission has resulted in a new schedule that allows students to take eight credits a year, rather than six, which opens up more time for electives, as well as more interaction with teachers. Students even have the option of taking college courses on campus to give them a jump-start on higher education. In addition, a shortened lunch period gives students less time to possibly get into trouble.

Setting an example

Awakuni said she is just following the example set by her mentors. "I am at the helm of the school. If I expect my teachers to be there, I need to be there, too."

The principal is a constant presence at school events, from football games to a milk carton race.

In fact, when Campbell students placed first in the state in the Milk Carton Regatta, Awakuni was there, and she immediately called her complex area superintendent Carreira to give her a blow-by-blow account. "It was Sunday," Carreira said. "She's 24-7. She never stops."

English as a Second Language teacher Legaya Ricafrente said Awakuni sends out e-mails at all hours — 11:30 at night, 4:30 in the morning.

Phyllis Unebasami, who works for the Department of Education in professional development and institutional research, said she remembers when one of Awakuni's students was sent to Kahi Mohala Hospital and Awakuni was concerned the student didn't have clean underwear. "She went and shopped for the kid and made sure the kid had a clean set of clothing."

Given her dedication to the students, Awakuni's plan for the $5,000 grant is fitting. She plans to use it for a trophy case to display her students' achievements.

The National Principal of the Year Program is sponsored by the insurance company MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.