Ten Educational Officers Across the State Nominated
Christine Udarbe, principal of Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, is among only six principals from across the country who are finalists for the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2026 National High School Principal of the Year.
Ten principals from across the state were nominated for National Distinguished Principal and Outstanding Assistant Principal by the Hawaii Elementary & Middle School Administrators Association.
According to NASSP, Udarbe “through visionary, data-driven leadership, has led a comprehensive campus transformation grounded in restorative and trauma-informed practices, systemic safety improvements, and stakeholder collaboration.”
“This is proof our schools are performing well,” said Randy Perreira, executive director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association. “Through their innovative and transformational leadership, our educational officers are helping Hawaii’s kids thrive, contrary to those who want us to believe our schools are failing.”
The principals and vice principals nominated for National Distinguished Principal and Outstanding Assistant Principal are:
Central District
- Principal Kendrick Kakazu, Major Sheldon Wheeler Elementary
Hawaii District
- Principal Hannah Loyola, Kohala Elementary
- Vice Principal Tyson Tomono, Hilo Union Elementary
Honolulu District
- Principal Kelly Bart, Princess Miriam K. Likelike Elementary
- Vice Principal Jenna Valbuena, Kaimuki Middle
Kauai District
- Principal Ray Carvalho, Waimea Canyon Middle
- Vice Principal James Muraoka, Kapaa Middle
Leeward District
- Principal Christine Udarbe, Nanakuli High & Intermediate
Maui District
- Principal Shona Mae Pineda, Kilohana Elementary
Windward District
- Principal Derek Minakami, Kaneohe Elementary
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