When Principal Doreen Higa first came to Momilani Elementary in September 1989, there were only 118 students, enrollment was dwindling and there was talk of shutting down the school. But parents and the community rallied around the school and Principal Higa set her mind to build it into what it has become: one of the elite elementary schools on Oahu over the past quarter century.

Today, Momilani has an enrollment of about 400 students, and Principal Higa is proud to say that she has hired everyone who works on the campus, which boasts panoramic views from Pearl Harbor to Makakilo.

“Everything we do here is for the love of the children.” says Principal Higa.

On September 3, Principal Higa celebrated the 25th year of her principalship at Momilani. She is a rare treasure — believed to be the longest serving principal at one DOE elementary school. Frank Fernandes has been at Kaimuki Middle since September 1986.

Higa began her career in 1970 at Leilehua High School, and held positions with the District Office and Mililani Uka Elementary School until being asked to take over at Momilani in 1989.

Among the many milestones in Principal Higa’s career at Momilani — building up enrollment in five short years, then being nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in Year 6 — she says the best memories in her 25 years are made with the people.

“The children, teachers, parents, staff and greater community — testaments of our work together as a team to make Momilani a quality, caring place for our students.”