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Maui and Molokai Principals Named as Finalist in $25,000 School Leadership Award

Susan Alivado & Joe Yamamoto

Principals Susan Alivado of Paia Elementary in Pukalani and Joe Yamamoto of Maunaloa Elementary on Molokai were named finalists in the 2011 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Awards. One Hawaii public school principal will receive $25,000 ($15,000 towards a school project of his or her choice and a $10,000 personal cash award). The recipient of this year’s award will be announced at the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation dinner on April 29, 2011 in Honolulu.

The award, which is named after Island Insurance founder Masayuki Tokioka is underwritten by the Island Insurance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Island Insurance Companies. 11 public school principals from across the state are finalists for the award which recognizes outstanding school principals across the state and their efforts to provide high-quality learning opportunities for their students.

Principal at Paia Elementary School in Pukalani for over six years, Susan Alivado has developed a number of new initiatives designed to help facilitate the academic, cultural and organizational growth of the school.

“As a principal for a dual language elementary school, Principal Alivado has established a positive working relationship with members of the PTA, community and Na Leo Kako’o (NLK), the parent organization for the Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiian Immersion education on Maui,” said Sheri-Ann Daniels, NLK Pelekikena and co-PTA President. “She is open to creating an environment for learning and developing activities that improve the student’s abilities to engage, experience and communicate.”

Joe Yamamoto has been principal of Maunaloa Elementary School in Kaunakakai, Molokai for over 12 years. During this time, he has set goals to improve student achievement, attendance, behavior and parent and community involvement and has implemented effective student programs and community initiatives.

“Principal Yamamoto has a wonderful rapport with the children,” said Wendy Espaniola, Teacher at Maunaloa School. “He strives to support their needs by making sure we have the proper resources and services, professional development, and time, to continuously build a learning environment that not only meets student needs but also challenges learning.”

The Island Insurance Foundation was established by Island Insurance Company, Ltd., Hawaii’s largest locally owned and managed insurance carrier, offering a full range of property and casualty protection. Founded in downtown Honolulu in 1939, Island Insurance has been serving Hawaii’s families and businesses for over 70 years and is the only Hawaii-Based company to be recognized as one of the Top 50 property & casualty insurance companies in the nation by the Ward Group for three consecutive years. Island Insurance has earned financial strength ratings of “A” (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company and an “A” (Strong) rating from Fitch Ratings. For more information, visit its website at: www.islandinsurance.com.

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