HONOLULU –Kristy Inamasu, a teacher at Kalihi Uka Elementary School and former Chaminade University libero/defensive specialist, was named recently the recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award, which recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers, principals and specialists from around the country.
In a school-wide assembly that was attended by Milken Family Foundation senior vice-president Dr. Jane Foley, Hawai'i Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke and Superintendent Keith Hayashi, Inamasu learned of her award during a surprise announcement during the assembly.
A 2012 graduate who earned her Bachelor's degree at Chaminade in Psychology and a Master's in Elementary Education, Inamasu's teaching method includes having students share their thoughts and ideas, participate in group work while having them take ownership of their academic responsibilities. Her efforts helped Kalihi Uka's scores in reading and math rise 8- and 12-points, respectively, from the previous school year.
Hailed as the "Oscars of Teaching," the Milken Educator Awards inspire educators, students and entire communities to "Celebrate, Elevate and Activate" the K-12 teaching profession and encourage you, capable people to pursue teaching as a career. Recipients earn an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize
She was the only Hawai'i recipient this year to be honored and is the 83rd teacher from Hawai'i since the state joined the program in 1990.
Inamasu, a Maui High School graduate, played all four years for the Silverswords women's volleyball team from 2008-11. With 1,008 career digs, Inamasu is just one of six players in school history with 1,000 in a career. During her junior season, she had 400 total digs, averaging 4.82 per set, the latter still ranking as the fourth highest in a single season.
Her career-high 33 digs at Utah Tech on Oct. 12, 2010 is still a program record for digs in a four-set match.
