Celebrating Hawaii’s Everyday Heroes: 2025 Locations Foundation Teacher Awards
Celebrating Hawaii’s Everyday Heroes: 2025 Locations Foundation Teacher Awards
Every day, school teachers across Oahu dig deep into their own pockets to make learning come alive—buying art supplies, funding field trips and turning classrooms into laboratories for imagination. The Locations Foundation Teacher Awards Program was created to ease some of that financial burden, while giving our Foundation donors a chance to highlight the educators who have touched their lives.
About the Locations Foundation Teacher Awards
Each year, the Foundation’s Teacher Award Selection Committee selects up to 20 teachers to honor based on five criteria, including how they reinforce learning, encourage participation, shows care for their students, communicates well with parents and gives back through extracurricular or community events.
The Top Teacher is awarded $1,000 for classroom expenses , a pizza party for their students and VIP seating at the annual Locations Foundation Teacher Recognition Luncheon. Additionally, four finalists are awarded $500 each, a classroom pizza party and luncheon invitations. All remaining awardees receive $200 each to support classroom needs.
All nominations come from Locations Foundation donors—who are Locations agents, employees and affiliates—and teachers who received an award in a prior year are not eligible.
Meet the 2025 Honorees
Top Teacher Award
Ember Brock, Waimalu Elementary
Nominated by Sunny Lee‑Oshiro
Ember Brock creates meaningful, real-world connections to learning by incorporating student experiences into lessons and tailoring her approach to individual needs. Her classroom fosters inclusivity and engagement through interactive lessons, student-led activities and hands-on learning. Ember is deeply committed to her students’ well-being and growth, making herself available to both families and the community far beyond the school day.
Finalists
Alysha Arase, Alvah Scott Elementary
Nominated by Lindsey Itamoto
Alysha Arase empowers students by integrating technology and project-based learning to reinforce concepts outside the classroom. She uses movement, music and games to make lessons fun and accessible, ensuring all students are included. Her collaborative approach with families and active involvement in school events makes her a beloved and respected figure in her community.
Kiana Wong, Kipapa Elementary
Nominated by Priscilla Wassman
Kiana Wong helps students find joy in learning by making it fun, engaging and relevant to their everyday lives. She creates a safe and nurturing classroom where students feel seen, heard, and supported academically and emotionally. Her active communication with parents and commitment to school spirit contribute to a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Tara Seto, Wilson Elementary
Nominated by Cory Tsuda
Tara Seto blends academic rigor with creativity, encouraging students to explore learning both inside and outside the classroom. She cultivates student engagement through art, movement and differentiated instruction, while maintaining high expectations. Tara also strengthens school culture by leading extracurricular activities and collaborating with parents for student success.
Tawny DeMello-Kuntz, Our Savior Lutheran School
Nominated by Anina Quaranto
Tawny DeMello-Kuntz builds strong relationships with her students and their families, using positive reinforcement and clear communication to promote both academic and emotional growth. Her classroom is a vibrant space where students are challenged, supported and encouraged to explore. She also volunteers her time to school functions and participates in service projects that connect learning with community values.
Awardees
Cindy Matsushima & Erin Rabellizsa, Waiokeola Church Preschool
Nominated by Stephanie Chan
This dynamic duo creates a learning environment filled with joy, structure and curiosity, reinforcing skills through movement, songs and hands-on activities. They work closely with parents to ensure consistent communication and personalized support for each child. Their commitment to inclusive teaching and early childhood development has had a lasting impact on their students and school.
Jaycie Yasuhara, Kaimiloa Elementary
Nominated by Cari Tanabe
Jaycie Yasuhara blends high expectations with heartfelt care, ensuring each student knows they are capable and valued. Her classroom is organized, creative, and filled with student-centered learning activities that build confidence and curiosity. Through strong parent relationships and active participation in school events, she fosters a well-rounded and supportive educational experience.
Mahalo to Hawaii’s Educators, Everywhere!
From all of us at the Locations Foundation, mahalo nui loa—thank you very much—for all that you do to prepare our keiki for successful, fulfilling futures. Our teachers are truly everyday heroes!
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Every day, school teachers across the Oahu dig deep into their own pockets to make learning come alive—buying art supplies, funding field trips and turning classrooms into laboratories for imagination. The Locations Foundation Teacher Awards Program was created to ease some of that financial burden, while giving our Foundation donors a chance to highlight the educators who have touched their lives.
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