HI HR214

House Resolution 214 commends and honors Desire Desoto, a school counselor at Wai'anae High School, for her recognition as the 2018 Hawaii School Counselor of the Year and 2019 National Counselor of the Year finalist.

Desire Desoto is completing her twelfth year at Wai'anae High School and holds degrees from Whitworth University, Chaminade University, and Walden University.

She has been instrumental in implementing the Wai'anae to Whitworth 'Auwai program, a school counselor-initiated leadership initiative that covers tuition, room and board, and books for graduating seniors from the Wai'anae Coast to attend Whitworth University.

Desoto is dedicated to advancing educational equity and opportunities for students in special education, economically disadvantaged students, minorities, first generation students, and Native Hawaiian students.

In her free time, Desoto volunteers with local organizations that provide ocean activities instruction and environmental education to children.