HI HR202

Hawaii House Resolution 202 congratulates five education professionals for their 2025 and 2026 awards: Matthew Brown (2025 Librarian of the Year), Jacquelyn McCandless (2025 Middle School Principal of the Year), Leka Anitema (2026 School Counselor of the Year National Finalist), Christopher Justo (2026 Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area Teacher of the Year), and Emily Mendoza (2026 ʻAiea-Moanalua-Radford Complex Area Teacher of the Year).

Matthew Brown, a 26-year U.S. Navy veteran, serves as Managing Librarian at the Hawaiʻi State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and previously oversaw 24 library branches as District Administrator.

Jacquelyn McCandless, Principal of Maui Waena Intermediate School with nearly 25 years of administrative experience, established a popular esports elective and empowers students to lead events like Family Fun Nights.

Leka Anitema, post-high counselor at Maui High School, initiated Maui County's first Hawaiʻi-based college fair and first senior hiring event connecting students from three islands with employers.

Christopher Justo has taught agriculture at Mililani Middle School for 26 years, incorporating greenhouses, hydroponics, aquaponics, and watershed restoration programs, while Emily Mendoza teaches culinary arts at ʻAiea High School since 2018 and connects students with industry mentorship opportunities.