Maui’s Arase and Doan Honored at State Capitol Education Week

By Wendy Osher

Maui Waena teacher Richard Arase, and Seabury Hall student Jasmine Doan were honored on Tuesday as part of Education Week at the State Capitol.

Arase, who teaches social studies at Maui Waena, was recognized earlier this year as the 2015 Maui District Teacher of the Year.  Arase was among a list of seven teachers from across the state who were recognized for their elite distinction as district teacher of the year for their respective areas.

State lawmakers say Arase was selected for his “proactive education method of turning students into classroom performers who take charge of their education.”

“He believes his students can thrive with a safe learning environment and memorable experiences by transforming the curriculum into something exciting,” House lawmakers said in a press release statement.

Lawmakers also recognized Maui’s Jasmine Doan of Seabury Hall School for her accomplishments as a state Distinguished Finalist in the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Doan is credited with founding the Maui Math Circle, a free, student-run enrichment program that provides critical thinking and problem solving lessons in science, technology, engineering and math to elementary school children.

“It goes without saying that education is the linchpin that connects the present to our collective future,” said House Speaker Joseph Souki of Maui in a press release statement. “The contributions that these outstanding teachers make to their students and the state cannot be overstated. Through their extraordinary efforts, they are making a difference in both the lives of their young students and in the society that they will help shape. We owe all of them our heartfelt congratulations and thanks,” said Speaker Souki.

Lawmakers observe Education Week each year as a way of honoring excellence in teaching and campus leadership, as well as student achievements in academics and community service.

Richard Arase, Maui District teacher of the year from Maui Waena Intermediate school. Courtesy photo.

Hawaiʻi Distinguished Finalist Jasmine Doan with Representative Richard Creagan. Photo Courtesy of House Communications – Majority.

State Teachers of the Year awardees with Education Chair Roy Takumi, Vice-Chair Takashi Ohno, and district Representatives Nicole Lowen and Bert Kobayashi. Photo Courtesy of House Communications – Majority.

District: Rep. Bert Kobayashi (Waialae, Kahala, Daimond Head, Kaimuki, Kapahulu) and Rep. Scott Nishimoto (Kapahulu, McCully, Moiliili) with Hawaii Teacher of the Year Catherine Caine of Waikiki Elementary School.

Prudential “Spirit of Community” Award recipients (lft to rt): Jillian Madanay, Jasmine Doan, Todd Becker, Hawaii Prudential “Spirit of Community” Regional Awards coordinator, Kaytlen Akau, Alexandra Skrocki. Photo Courtesy Senate Communications.

2015 Hawaii Teachers of the Year (lft to rt): Marly Madayag, Catherine Caine, Jamie Takamura, Masaru Uchino, Elizabeth Frilles, David Huitt. Not pictured: Richard Arase. Photo Courtesy Senate Communications.