Locations Foundation Recognizes 15 Oahu Teachers for Exceptional Service, Awards $5,000 for School Supplies, Classroom Projects

MEDIA CONTACT:

Anne Cicero

Locations

anne.cicero@locationshawaii.com

(808) 738-2041

Locations Foundation Recognizes 15 Oahu Teachers for Exceptional Service, Awards $5,000 for School Supplies, Classroom Projects

HONOLULU – (May 8, 2020) – In recognition of national Teacher Appreciation Week, the Locations Foundation, the charitable foundation of Hawaii’s leading independent real estate firm, recognized 15 Oahu teachers for their exceptional service to their institutions and their students in its annual Teacher Award Program:

Top Teacher Award ($1,000)

Alexis Ishihara, Aina Haina Elementary School

Finalists ($500)

Elaine Matsuo, Waipahu High School

Lori Okamura, Hongwanji Mission School

Mari-Jo Schull, Punahou School

Marybeth Baldwin, Hawaii Technology Academy

Other Awardees ($200)

Bernadette Baraquio, UH Manoa

Darleen Bumanglag, Fort Shafter Elementary School

Derek Chow, Campbell High School

Kelcie Namba, Ma'ema'e Elementary School

Kelli Kajiwara, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School

Jenelle Kagawa, Makakilo Elementary School

Jenifer Evans, Hahaione Elementary School

Laurie Seu, Kalani High School

Luanne Matsuzaki, Mililani Ike Elementary School

Tracy Aki, Ewa Elementary School

“With last month’s sudden transition from classroom to online education, Oahu’s teachers are facing new challenges to keep students engaged and connected,” said Locations Foundation President and Realtor® Kristin Mukai.

“The Locations Foundation established the Teacher Award Program 17 years ago to recognize outstanding educators for their extraordinary service and to provide them with much-needed financial assistance for school supplies and classroom projects to further student engagement and development,” Mukai added.

Since 2003, the Locations Foundation has recognized more than 200 Oahu teachers and donated more than $60,000 for school supplies, classroom projects and activities.

Nominated by Locations Foundation donors, award winners are selected by a committee, based on the following criteria:

• Reinforces learning inside and outside of the classroom. 
• Engages students to participate in classroom activities.  
• Demonstrates care for his/her students, their well-being and overall development. · Communicates effectively with parents. 
• Participates in co-curricular activities and/or community service.

The Locations Foundation’s 2020 Top Teacher Award Winner is Alexis Ishihara of Aina Hina Elementary School. Ishihara teaches First Grade, where she uses technology and a unique mentoring program to teach science and foster community engagement. She also serves as a teacher representative on the school’s parent-teacher association and volunteers for the Honolulu City and County Parks and Recreation Program.

Download an image of Locations Foundation Top Teacher Award Winner Alexis Ishihara of Aina Haina Elementary School with Locations Realtor® Jeff Iwashita: https://www.dropbox.com/s/pft6alb8u5ma1fu/Alexis%20Ishihara%20%28Jeff%20Iwashita%29%202.jpg?dl=0

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About the Locations Foundation

Established in 1988, the Locations Foundation is comprised of more than 200 Locations Realtors® and staff who provide monetary donations and volunteer hours to support more than 100 local charitable organizations working to improve the lives of families and children in Hawaii. In 2019 alone, the Foundation donated more than $220,000 and 2,6200 volunteer hours to community service projects.

About Locations

As the state’s oldest and leading independent real estate firm, our trusted Neighborhood Experts have served Hawaii’s families since 1969. For more than 50 years, Locations has helped more people buy or sell their homes than any other real estate firm in the state. With our rich kama’aina roots, innovative technology and dedicated market-research department, Locations continues to be at the forefront of this ever-changing industry. Today, Locations has over 400 agents across the state with five offices on Oahu and four on the Big Island (Clark Realty). Through our non-profit, the Locations Foundation, our agents and staff support more than 100 Hawaii non-profit organizations both through monetary donations and volunteer hours. Visit LocationsHawaii.com/about-us today to learn more. For up-to-date Hawaii real estate updates, follow Locations on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/LocationsHawaii, Twitter at @LocationsHI, Instagram at @LocationsHawaii, and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/locations-hawaii. Read the Locations blog at: www.LocationsHawaii.com/news.