MEDIA RELEASE

* Honolulu – Kristen Lum Brummel, Noelani Elementary
* Central Oahu – Michelle Colte, Hale Kula Elementary
* Leeward Oahu – Alisa Ann Estrella Bender, James Campbell High
* Windward Oahu – Deborah Akiko Takafuji Yasuda, Puohala Elementary
* Hawaii – Sandy Cameli, Konawaena Middle
* Maui – Scot Kiyonaga, Maui Waena Intermediate
* Kauai – Althea Kalei Arinaga, Kapaa Elementary

Each District Teacher of the Year will be honored Oct. 7 at Castle High during the Hawaii State Board of Education meeting. The celebration will conclude with the announcement of Hawaii’s 2011 State Teacher of the Year, who will represent Hawaii in the 2011 National Teacher of the Year program.

The Big Island’s nominee teaches yearbook, journalism and leadership at Konawaena Middle School. In addition, she is the Gifted and Talented program coordinator.

Winning teachers receive cash awards from the Polynesian Cultural Center, while the State Teacher of the Year gets an extra stipend and a one-year lease of a new car from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers’ Association.

The award honors exceptionally skillful and dedicated teachers who have a superior ability to inspire love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.