HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) has announced its nominees for the 2025 Employee, Manager and Team of the Year awards, recognizing employees whose work reflects sustained excellence, leadership and teamwork.
One recipient in each category will be named at a recognition ceremony next month honoring nominees from schools and offices across the state.
The nominees are as follows:
2025 Sustained Superior Performance (Employee of the Year)
- Charles Dela Cruz, educational assistant, エワビーチ小学校
- Lee DeRouin, athletic director, モロカイ高校
- Jennifer Okuma, human resources regional officer, Personnel Assistance Branch, 人材管理オフィス
2025 Manager of the Year Awards
- Curtis Mostoles, school food service manager, ワイケレ小学校
2025 Team Excellence Award of Merit (Team of the Year)
- ʻEwa Makai Middle School CTE Focus Team — Keao Cockett, Shannon Kam, Daryle Mishina, Daniel Simeon, Leeann Tupola, and Ariel Villanueva.
- Kalihi Kai Elementary School Custodial Team — Gary Alcosiba, Olimpio Ballesteros, Annabelle Baltazar, Marilou Baltazar, Mishell Corpuz, and Nam Huynh.
- Kihei Elementary School Office Team — Sylvia Fabric, Elsie Gilo, Midori Kunishige, Endille Mendoza, and Roxanne Sinenci.
- Waialua High & Intermediate School Custodial Team — Darlene Acasia, Elizabeth Aplaca, Breezy Kawahakui, Russell Paracuelles, Louis Peru, Michelle Peru, and Bryson Souza.
- Waikele Elementary School Cafeteria Team — Nolan Ah Nee, Veronica Bio, Kei Isono, Arieann Manuel, Curtis Mostoles, Darilyn Nelson, Jesus Ragasa, Jeremy Sagadraca, and Jay Yamada.
- Windward District Social-Emotional Learning & Behavior Intervention Team — LeeAnn Barenaba, Kanani Pasi, Norman Pule, LeeAnn Pule-Viernes, Edward Rama, Sola Soliai, and Gabrielle Viernes.
Recognition ceremony details:
Monday, March 9, 2026, at 3 p.m., Moanalua High School Performing Arts Center.
Employees are welcome to attend in support of their colleagues and must coordinate attendance with their supervisor.
