By Risa Askerooth
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There is nothing better than knowing that one is loved. During her last year at MHS, where she has taught for 28 years, AP English teacher Darlene Fujimoto has been nominated for the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) Teaching Excellence Award. She will be formally recognized as an honoree at a luncheon on May 2 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in front of her colleagues and friends.
“There wasn’t a doubt in my mind. I mean, I didn’t have any doubts that I was going to nominate her because she has made such an impact,” said English teacher Stephanie Grande-Misaki, who has been both Fujimoto’s student and co-worker. “She just has a wealth of information and she’s always willing to share. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been teaching one year, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years.”
Each year, teachers from MHS are asked to nominate an individual they consider outstanding in their practice. It is then up to the nominee to accept the award or not. “I figure since it’s my last year, I’ll do it. And then lo and behold, I was like, ‘wow,’” expressed Fujimoto. Those who nominated the teacher also submit blurbs about the individual, which are compiled and condensed into 200 words. “It was over 1000 words I got,” recalled HSTA Union Representative Sue Ann Lavarias. “To sum (up the feedback) in 200 words is not easy.”
After almost three decades at MHS, Fujimoto has touched the lives of both students and teachers. Anonymous teacher feedback included, “I am so happy to be able to work alongside Darlene Fujimoto and more importantly, I am happy to be able to call her my friend,” and, “With Darlene, every voice matters, and during a stressful time, just being heard can make all the difference.”
Having served as a GT and AP coordinator, grade level and National Honor Society adviser, Mililani Complex Resource teacher, attendance policy chairperson and in many more distinguished positions, Fujimoto is more than qualified to be representative of teacher excellence. “She’s a great model as well because she herself is always learning new things,” stated Grande-Misaki. “She’s held so many hats,” said Lavarias. “I mean, she’s worked in resource positions. She’s even worked at the district level above our school.”
Fujimoto’s retirement from teaching is bittersweet and this award is a farewell that also doubles as a massive compliment. “At the end of my career, it makes me doubly happy. It’s kind of a nice way to leave, to be recognized by your colleagues and celebrated so I’m really happy,” expressed Fujimoto.
With her upcoming departure from MHS, Fujimoto looks forward to receiving the award on May 2 and a happy retirement after that.
