The Hawaii Elementary and Middle Schools Administrators Association today named Principal Nelson Shigeta from Makaha Elementary School as the 2017 National Distinguished Principal. Shigeta will join the National Association of Elementary School Principals awardees from the other 49 states in Washington D.C. in October.
"These school leaders possess strong collaborative values, working with their teachers and staff to create effective school communities to support students," said Deputy Superintendent Keith Hayashi. "Congratulations to all of the nominees, Principal Nelson Shigeta and the Outstanding Vice Principal of the Year Greg Nakasone."
Shigeta is a veteran educator who has spent many years on the Leeward Coast. He values technology and has identified ways to incorporate 21st Century Learning strategies to improve reading proficiency, and increased the number of 1:1 devices available to students in order to enhance access to leveled texts in each classroom. As a result, students have spent more than 5,000 hours reading a total of 19,000 books, and reading proficiency has improved in numerous areas.
"I'm humbled to be recognized, especially after hearing the stories of the other nominees," shared Shigeta. "Leadership is a team effort and one of the things I'm most proud of at Makaha Elementary School is my staff who work hard everyday to meet the needs of our students. This award means so much to me because it recognizes their commitment too."
The other 2017 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) nominees who were honored include:
- Alison Higa, Shafter Elementary School
- Darlene Javar, Naalehu Elementary School
- Gay Kong, Keolu Elementary School
- Jason Yoshida, King Kaumualii Elementary School
- Kim Mukai-Ontai, Kamalii Elementary School
- Laura Vines, Kalihi Kai Elementary School
The 2017 NDP awards took place at the Hale Koa Hotel and were sponsored by Oceanic Time Warner Cable, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union and VALIC.
The Hawaii Elementary and Middle Schools Administrators Association (HEMSAA) is the local chapter of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The purpose of HEMSAA is to facilitate positive educational leadership and serve as a voice for elementary, middle-level principals and other members. For more information, click here.
