HI HR209

Congratulates Joseph Passantino for being named 2024 Hawaiʻi Principal of the Year; he has served as Principal of Keʻelikōlani Middle School since 2020 and increased math scores more than threefold and English language arts scores by 50 percent over two years.

Congratulates Jennifer Pimentel for being named 2024 National Outstanding Assistant Principal; she has 22 years of experience in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and serves as Assistant Principal at Lānaʻi High & Elementary School, where she strengthened community involvement and fully staffed the campus for the first time in 20 years.

Congratulates Jeffrey Horstman for being named 2024 Hawaiʻi Assistant Principal of the Year; he has worked with middle school students for over 15 years and serves as Vice Principal at Mililani Middle School, where he leads initiatives supporting student voice and culturally responsive opportunities.

Congratulates Tommy Cox for receiving the 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award; he has 21 years of experience in education and serves as Principal of Kapaʻa High School while also serving as President of the Kauaʻi Interscholastic Federation and Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association.

Congratulates Noelani Butcher for being named 2025 Hawaiʻi School Counselor of the Year; she serves at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Līhuʻe and created programs including the Needs Closet and "Da Gameroom" to support student well-being.