Posted at 4:27 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2005
School board member Ajifu dies
Associated Press
Shannon Ajifu, who worked as an educator in Hawai'i's public schools for 36 years before becoming a member of the state Board of Education, died today at The Queen's Medical Center."We are deeply, deeply saddened by Shannon's passing, board chairman Breene Harimoto said.
Ajifu was in her second term after being first elected to the board as an O'ahu at-large member in 1998. She was with the Department of Education for 36 years, serving as a teacher, counselor, vice principal and principal.
"Having 'walked the walk,' Shannon was aware of the realm of possibilities in improving public education and understood the challenges and experiences of educators in raising student achievement," said Herbert Watanabe, the board's second vice chairman.
Ajifu was a graduate of St. Francis School and the University of Hawai'i. She earned her masters in education degree from New York University.
She is survived by her husband, Shoyei Ajifu, son Lee Ajifu and daughter Beth Yos.
