For the second part of the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award, Island Insurance Foundation gave Miura $15,000 for a school project of his choice.

"Principal Miura exemplifies the type of leadership that can transform our public schools into model learning institutions," said Colbert Matsumoto, chairman of the Island Insurance Foundation. "By recognizing outstanding principals such as Randall, it is our hope that his accomplishments will inspire others in public education."

The award is given to principals who exhibit the qualities of leadership shown by Masayuki Tokioka, founder of Island Insurance Co. Ltd.

Miura, who began his career in education as a teacher at Highlands Intermediate School in Pearl City and has served as principal of Leihoku Elementary since 1994, said he plans to use the award to develop a community service center with a technology center and library for students and parents.

"Mr. Miura has taught us that we should believe anything is possible," said Kimie Marie Korenaga, a Leihoku sixth-grader and student-council president. "He really cares about us and his main priority is that we learn."

Miura and two semifinalists were selected from a panel of seven candidates, each of whom was awarded $500 and a commemorative plaque during a ceremony in March.

The top two semifinalists for the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award were given $2,000 cash awards during dinner at the Hilton.

They were Christina Small, principal of Liholiho Elementary School; and Nancy Sorderberg of Konawaena Middle School in Kealakekua on the Big Island.

The other candidates were: Lisa A. DeLong of Kahuku High School and Intermediate School; Bruce Naguwa of Kipapa Elementary School in Mililani; Fred Rose of Kilauea School on Kaua'i; and Alvin Shima of Kihei Elementary School on Maui.