This past Wednesday, September 3, 2014, Momilani Elementary School celebrated a milestone in honoring their beloved Principal, Mrs. Doreen Higa for her 25 years of impeccable leadership and service to the school and community. The entire Momilani ohana which included the student body, faculty, staff, invited VIP's, and family and friends, celebrated Principal Higa's and the school’s success in an hour long recognition ceremony that was held at noon in the school cafeteria.
Under Principal Higa's leadership, Momilani Elementary School has gained national recognition as a three-time National Blue Ribbon Award winning school. Momilani Elementary has also been recognized by Honolulu Magazine as the top public elementary school in Hawaii.
Principal Higa is grateful for the support given to her through the years and for the opportunity to be with so many spirited and talented students each school year. Over 10,000 students have come through the Momilani Elementary school halls under her tenure that began 25 years ago on September 3, 1989. Principal Higa is the first to give credit to a dedicated core of very special support teams that includes the parents, staff, and community. Her students she holds close to her heart.
"I'm just so happy to be working in a school with lovely, lovely parents and the children are equally exciting to be with," said Principal Higa. "Also having a great staff who just do wonders with the children. We're really one big happy family. On this 25th year, on this day, I came to Momilani and I'm just the luckiest person in the world. It's been wonderful years, just wonderful, and through the years many people served to make the school as great as it is."
Congratulations Principal Higa! Many more wonderful years to come!
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Principal Higa leads the Momilani Elementary ohana in a toast with her favorite POG juice beverage.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Roslyn Makaula, press secretary for U.S. Senator Brian Schatz presented Principal Higa with an
official State of Hawaii Recognition Certificate for Excellence in her 25 years of service at
Momilani Elementary School and 40 years of service in the Hawaii Department of Education.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Ariel Pascual, Momilani Foundation President (second from left), presented Principal Higa
with an appreciation plaque recognizing her 25 years of excellence and leadership at
Momilani Elementary School. Also pictured: Lance Nishihara, Counselor (third from left,
and Lillian Takemura, Momilani ES Foundation Secretary (far right).
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Momilani Elementary School Counselor Lance Nishihara is also celebrating
25 years of service to the school. Higa and Nishihara have been the
guiding force behind the success of the school for the past 25 years.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Kupuna Minerva Pang will soon celebrate 28 years of service as a staff member at Momilani Elementary.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Principal Higa is pictured with her husband Roy and son Brandon Marc.