Hilo, Hawai‘i Island, January 14, 2025 – Whitney Aragaki, an esteemed educator at Waiākea High School, has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This accolade is the nation’s highest honor for educators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Announced by President Joe Biden, Aragaki joins five other outstanding Hawai‘i public school educators in receiving this distinguished recognition. The honorees are celebrated for their exceptional contributions to STEM education and their roles as leaders and innovators in their schools and communities.

Aragaki, part of the 2021 cohort of awardees, has been recognized not only for her exemplary teaching but also for her commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inquiry among her students at Waiākea High School. Her approach to STEM education emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and community engagement, inspiring students to explore and excel in these fields.

The PAEMST awardees receive a certificate signed by President Biden, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and an invitation to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Joining Aragaki in receiving the award are Jessica Barbera from Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Michael Ida from Kalani High School, Gregory Kent from Kailua Elementary School, Karleen Lynch from Pearl City High School, and Sarah Milianta-Laffin from ʻIlima Intermediate School. These educators, representing various cohorts from 2021 to 2023, were collectively honored for their roles as role models and leaders in STEM education.

“On behalf of the entire Hawai‘i State Department of Education, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our six extraordinary educators on receiving this distinguished national honor,” said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. “Their dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in STEM education inspires not only their students but also their peers and communities across Hawai‘i.”

Aragaki’s recognition, announced in 2025, reflects the comprehensive evaluation process and the time taken to carefully select and honor educators from across the nation. Her award underscores her longstanding contributions and continued excellence in STEM education, reinforcing the significant impact she has made on her students and the broader educational community.