Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – Today, Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz (Senate District 17, portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipiʻo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawā, Whitmore Village) was honored as the Carl Perkins Community Service awardee for the state.
“Mahalo to the Association for Career and Technical Education for this award, which is an example of the paradigm shift supported by Senate Education Committee Chair Kidani and Superintendent Hayashi,” said Senator Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am proud to work with our educators to ensure that our keiki are prepared for high paying jobs.”
This award recognizes individuals who have used Career and Technical Education to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service. The award was granted by the Hawaiʻi branch of the Association for Career and Technical Education, the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to empowering educators to deliver high-quality career and technical education programs that position students for career success.
“Hawaiʻi ACTE is thrilled to recognize the vision and leadership of Senator Donovan Dela Cruz as a testament to his unwavering commitment to the community and the transformative impact Career and Technical Education can have on students,” said Ron Umehira, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi ACTE.
“I know that education is a critical piece for Hawaii’s future. Without good paying jobs, we will continue to lose our current and future workforce to better job markets. Without certified teachers in our classroom, we will not have a workforce prepared for economic development,” said Senator Michelle N. Kidani, who serves as the Senate Vice President and Chair of Senate Committee on Education (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipiʻo Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia). “It has been my great pleasure partnering with the Ways and Means Chair to ensure that we have good paying jobs for today and tomorrow, fully certified and qualified teachers in our classrooms, and creating a sustainable future for all keiki across the State.”