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Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year

Golden Pine ‘apple’ Award

May 30, 2024

Teacher and Administrator of the Year Announced

In April, Sacred Hearts School Principal Tonata Lolesio received the coveted 2024 National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Lead, Learn and Proclaim Award, only one of 11 recipients chosen nationwide for their work upholding Catholic Education and Faith formation to the highest standards. A month later, the longtime Valley Isle educator was named Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Teacher of the Year, bestowing upon her the Golden Pine”apple” Award during a special Recognition Ceremony at Natsunoya Tea House on Oahu.

“Her dedication to teaching the whole student has profoundly impacted both Sacred Hearts School and the broader Lahaina community,” said Dr. Dale Fryxell, Dean of School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, when announcing Lolesio’s name. “One standout example of her commitment occurred in the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fire, where she established a pop-up school at Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua, providing continuity of education and emotional support for her students and welcoming displaced children from the wider community.”

“We came together during a time of crisis to help students and families,” Lolesio told the Hawaii Catholic Herald. “It is our Catholic calling and mission. These experiences, especially my first two years as principal, have taught me much about entrusting my work and plans to God for his guidance and protection. It is ultimately his school, I am his servant in providing for its needs.”

Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, left, and Chaminade's School of Business and Behavioral Sciences Dean, Dr. Dale Fryxell, present $1,000 check to Hawaii Catholic Schools’ Teacher of the Year winner Tonata Lolesio
Chaminade School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Dr. Dale Fryxell says a few congratulatory words to Sacred Hearts School Principal Tonata Lolesio after she received her Pineapple Award, as Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools listened in.
St. Anthony School Head of School Maui David Kenney, center, accepted the prize money for preschool teacher Kathleen DeLima from Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., right, superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade School of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean Dr. Dale Fryxell.

With the support of John C. and Mary Lou Brogan, The Augustine Educational Foundation, Hawaii Catholic Schools and Chaminade, the Teacher of the Year and the Administrator of the Year awards recognize excellence in outstanding teachers/specialists and administrators within the Catholic Schools in the State of Hawaii.

“The Golden Pine’apple’ celebrates the best of Catholic education by recognizing talented, service-oriented and faith-filled professionals within the ranks of our Catholic schools,” said Llewellyn Young, Ph.D., superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools. “The apple has long been associated with education and wisdom. For our Catholic schools, we use the Pine’apple” to place a cultural spin on the uniqueness of Hawaii and the special roles of our teachers and administrators.”

For the past four decades, St. Anthony School on Maui preschool teacher Kathleen DeLima has demonstrated her dedication to the spiritual development of her students through her incorporation of prayer, song and storytelling into her lessons, nurturing their faith and understanding.

“She is such a great person who has passed on so much wisdom to me, and has really shared so much of the Catholic Faith with all of our staff,” said St. Anthony School Preschool Director Kim Smith. “She is a pillar to St. Anthony Church and School. Not only has she made a significant impact academically but also spiritually. An award like this 100 percent boosts our moral and pride in being recognized for the dedication and work put into the children.”

The Golden Pine”apple” Award—otherwise known as the Golden Apple Award on the mainland—holds significant prestige in the field of Catholic education in Hawaii, serving as a symbol of excellence and dedication among educators. It’s designed to honor outstanding teachers who exhibit exemplary performance in their field. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to teaching, innovative methods and positive impact on students.

“Each year, a panel of distinguished professors reviews each nominee,” Young explained. “Scores are tallied by Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences under the leadership of Dr. Dale Fryxell, and the winners are selected to be presented with the awards at the Hawaii Catholic Schools End-of-the-Year Recognition Luncheon.”

Teachers who receive the Golden Pineapple Award are often those who have made a substantial impact on their students’ learning experiences. This recognition highlights the importance of student-centered teaching and the positive outcomes of effective education. The award also brings attention to the critical role that teachers play in shaping future generations. It further raises public awareness about the importance of quality education, and the need to support and invest in educators.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Catholic, Diversity and Inclusion, Education, Homepage, Institutional Tagged With: Catholic, Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year, Honors and Awards, Marianist

Maryknoll School Teacher Receives Teacher of the Year Award

June 15, 2021

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

From working late to offer one-on-one tutoring to incorporating exciting new digital tools into her classroom to inspiring students to be passionate about learning, Maryknoll School seventh-grade math and religion teacher Mary Jane Vannatta goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.

And all that hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially during the pandemic.

For her selfless dedication to students and tireless mentorship to fellow educators, the 40-year veteran of Hawaii Catholic schools was named the 2021 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year.

After being honored in a virtual ceremony May 27, Vannatta received the award in-person June 2.

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

In addition to accepting the Golden Pineapple Trophy from Chaminade University, Vannatta was awarded $1,000 from John C. and Marilou Brogan through Chaminade, a one-year car lease from Aloha Kia and $1,000 in gas gift cards from Hele-Par Hawaii. The Augustine Education Foundation also awarded $1,500 to Maryknoll School for faculty appreciation in recognition of Vannatta’s achievement.

Nominators said Vannatta is a caring, loving educator whose world revolves around her students.

One said that she incorporates a host of different tools to ensure students thrive in the subjects she teaches, including math. And during the pandemic, her workload increased exponentially as she learned new devices and programs to teach both distance learning and in-person students at the same time.

What she doesn’t know how to do, the nominator said, she’ll figure out so she can help her students.

Another nominator said Vannatta never hesitates to put in extra time for students—before school, after school and with remote help at all hours. If they need help, she’s there for them. And she’s done the same for her fellow educators, including as a mentor to new teachers and grade level chairperson.

Vannatta is an active member of the broader school community and of her parish.

And she can often be spotted at school events, many of which she has helped to plan.

Vannatta is also a lifelong learner, frequently attending professional development opportunities, looking to improve her religion instruction. She has completed courses to reach the Master Catechist level as she seeks to help guide her students to be thoughtful, ethical citizens of strong moral character.


Mary Jane Vannatta was also featured in MidWeek. Read the article here.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Education, Featured Story Tagged With: Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year

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