Seniors head to DC for youth program
Jennifer Kamimura, a senior at Hilo High School, and Kate Helbush, a senior at Moanalua High School on Oahu, will represent Hawaii at the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C., this March.
“This year’s delegates display strong leadership as active members in their community. We are proud to have these students represent the state in our nation’s capital,” DOE superintendent Christina Kishimoto. “It is an exciting opportunity for Kate and Jennifer to get a deeper understanding of the American political process and we encourage them to share their experiences with their community, school and peers.”
The USSYP is a competitive merit-based program that invites two outstanding selected students to Washington, D.C., for a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. Student delegates attend meetings and briefings with elected officials, a Supreme Court justice, cabinet members, U.S. ambassador and senior members of the national media. In addition to the program week, each student receives a $10,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
Kamimura is a senior at Hilo High School and has been the president of the student association since freshman year. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, holds the title of National Honor Society vice president, and is an active Key Club member, volunteering more than 300 hours of service to her school and community.
Info: visit http://ussenateyouth.org.
Students make dean’s list
Thelma Marshall, of Hilo, has been named to the dean’s list for the 2019 fall semester at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time and must earn a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Janelle Laros, of Kailua-Kona, was named to the dean’s list at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn., for the fall 2019 semester. This status is awarded to students who earned a GPA of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses.
Hannah Duggan, of Honokaa, was named to the dean’s list at University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. To be eligible, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 and be in good academic standing.
Taylor graduates Baylor University
Kauinohea Solomon Taylor, of Waimea, has graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in in education, health, kinesiology, and leisure studies.
Hawaii teachers obtain highest certification in profession
The state Department of Education recently announced 54 of its teachers statewide have earned or renewed their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification — a recognition for meeting the highest standards for teaching.
To earn or retain this certification, educators must be up-to-date with the latest strategies and best practices in education. It is a rigorous process that can take anywhere between one to three years and involves applicants submitting a comprehensive portfolio. The renewal process is just as demanding, requiring teachers to demonstrate professional growth.
Hawaii Island teachers will be recognized at 4:30 p.m. today at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii Campus.
Info: Visit www.nbpts.org.