HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) named its 2025 Employee, Manager and Team of the Year award winners, recognizing their outstanding contributions to public education in Hawai‘i.
“Every nominee here represents impact,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “The work they do — whether in a classroom, an office, on a campus, or behind the scenes — creates the conditions for students to succeed. Their commitment strengthens public education and our school communities, all in support of students.”
Winners and nominees were celebrated at an event Monday at Moanalua High School’s Performing Arts Center that included HIDOE leadership, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, legislators and supporters.
2025 Employee of the Year: Jennifer Okuma
Jennifer Okuma, human resources regional officer in the Personnel Assistance Branch of the Office of Talent Management has been named HIDOE’s 2025 Employee of the Year. With over 20 years of service, Jennifer has been instrumental in transforming human resources across the state. She led the development of the personnel help center website, which is a centralized, user-friendly “one-stop shop” for school administrators. The platform offers essential tools and guidance on topics such as performance evaluations, leave forms, and investigations, allowing school leaders to navigate personnel matters with greater confidence and efficiency. Jennifer works collaboratively with each school’s needs and vision, understanding that hiring is not a “one-size-fits-all” process.
2025 Manager of the Year: Curtis Mostoles
Curtis Mostoles, school food services manager at Waikele Elementary School has been named HIDOE’s 2025 Manager of the Year. For the past 18 years, Curtis has been Waikele Elementary’s school food services manager and exemplifies exceptional leadership and proactive service daily to the school community. He implemented the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program at the school, maintains strict health and safety standards, and is often seen volunteering for out-of-school-time events. Beyond operational excellence, his leadership inspires and nurtures the growth of staff members to foster team camaraderie. Curtis empowers his staff to take initiative and engage with genuine care with the students to create a supportive and welcoming school environment.
2025 Team of the Year: ʻEwa Makai Middle School CTE Focus Team
Recognizing a growing disconnect between traditional coursework and modern industry demands, the ʻEwa Makai Middle School CTE Focus Team launched a comprehensive, data-driven overhaul of the school’s CTE program. Through extensive research, collaboration, and direct input from industry partners, they built a cohesive grade 6 thru 12 pathway that strengthens workforce readiness from the middle grades forward. Their work led to the creation of a dynamic sixth-grade exploratory wheel, an award-winning drone program, and highly successful robotics, esports, and yearbook programs, all focused on integrating career skills into students’ daily lives.
The ʻEwa Makai Middle School CTE Focus Team team members are: Keao Cockett, Shannon Kam, Daryle Mishina, Daniel Simeon, Leeann Tupola and Ariel Villanueva.
The event also recognized the outstanding efforts of the following individuals nominated in the employee and team categories:
2025 Sustained Superior Performance Awards
- Charles Dela Cruz, educational assistant, 'Ewa Beach Elementary School
- Lee DeRouin, athletic director, Aoga Maualuga a Molokai
2025 Team Excellence Award of Merit
- 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, Daelen Horie, 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.
