Daily events mark Education Week at the Hawaii State Capitol

HONOLULU — Education Week, a longstanding celebration held annually, takes place at the Hawaii State Capitol March 18 to 22 to honor Hawaii’s educators, students, counselors, principals and staff. The event is co-sponsored by Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani (Senate District 18) and Representative Justin Woodson (House District 9).

“Each year, we designate a week to invite educators and students to our State Capitol to be recognized for their contributions to education,” said Kidani in a news release. “It is our honor to celebrate administration, teachers, students, and staff for making a difference in the classroom. We are thrilled to welcome our special honorees to the capitol to celebrate their achievements in educational excellence.”

Woodson said, “It is with great honor to be a part of Education Week, a tradition that was implemented to celebrate our students, teachers, faculty, and staff for their outstanding contributions to Hawaii schools and our community at large. The distinguished individuals and schools we will recognize go beyond, dedicating their creativity, outstanding skill, and countless hours to inspire and invoke change. On behalf of the Hawaii House of Representatives, mahalo nui loa to all of you for joining us this week to honor these exemplary individuals.”

The week will be marked by daily events and activities including a student showcase and career pathway expo. Awardees of the 2024 Teachers of the Year, in addition to faculty, library, student and Blue Ribbon schools will be recognized during senate (11:30 a.m.) and house (noon) floor sessions throughout the week.

“I’m excited to celebrate the amazing achievements of our students, teachers, faculty, and employees during Education Week,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “As we work to ensure that all of our graduates are globally competitive and locally committed, I’m looking forward to continuing to partner with our lawmakers to build on the positive academic trajectory our students are on coming out of the pandemic. Mahalo to our legislators for their continued support and investment in our public schools.”

Events are as follows:

• March 18, 8:30-11:30 a.m., Conference Room 224 – Friends of the Library Book Fair
• March 19, 9 a.m.-noon, State Capitol 4th floor lanai – Department of Education Student Showcase
• March 20, 1-3 p.m., State Capitol 4th floor lanai – Student Career Pathway Expo
• March 21, 12:30-1:30 p.m., State Capitol Auditorium – Department of Education Leadership Institute Presentation
• March 22, 9 a.m.-noon, State Capitol Rotunda – Early Learning Day
• Through March 28, Chamber Hallway – “Not All Backpacks Carry the Same Weight” art exhibit