Corinne Yogi has experienced Kipapa Elementary School from numerous perspectives, as a teacher, as a parent and now as its principal — and her inclusive, uplifting approach helped her win a coveted $25,000 leadership award.
She received the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award at the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation banquet Thursday at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. The prize is presented by Island Insurance Foundation in honor of Tokioka, an immigrant who graduated from McKinley School High in 1921, earned degrees at the University of Hawaii and Harvard, and founded Island Insurance Co.
“Principal Yogi is a leader who is transforming Kipapa Elementary into a model learning institution,” said Tyler Tokioka, president of the foundation. “By recognizing outstanding principals such as Corinne, it is our hope that her accomplishments will inspire others in public education.”
Yogi, who has spent 24 years as an educator at Kipapa, became its principal in 2009, when “Furlough Fridays” closed schools one day a week to save the state money. She and her staff focused on educating the “whole child,” refusing to sacrifice field trips and school activities while still managing to keep academics on course.
More than half of the students at Kipapa qualify for subsidized lunch because of low family incomes. Yogi aims to level the playing field for them. One key to her success has been the relationships she has built with community partners, more than 15 at last count.
Yogi incorporated robotics into the curriculum, connected parents with their children’s education and ensured each student has a technological device: iPad Minis for the youngest and Chromebooks for the older ones.
Kipapa was founded in 1932 to serve children of pineapple plantation workers in Central Oahu, long before the town of Mililani was developed. Every year, the school collects donations of school supplies, backpacks, tennis shoes and clothing so that students can all start off on an even footing.
She has encouraged talented teachers to step up as “resource teachers,” offering performing arts, physical education, technology, library and more. Through her community network, she has recruited mentors and tutors for students.
“She is rooted to the Kipapa community,” Vice Principal Leigh Ann Siaosi wrote in support of her application. “Her heart to serve and celebrate the accomplishments and growth of the students and staff, together with her steadfast spirit to improve and grow as a school community, set Corinne apart.”
The $25,000 award includes $15,000 for a project at the school and a $10,000 cash award. Yogi’s proposal involves transforming the school’s library into a library/media center that will serve as a community learning hub for children and adults.
Principal Al Carganilla of Farrington High School and Principal Stacey Bello of Keaukaha Elementary in Hilo were semifinalists in the competition, and each received a $2,000 award.
Eleven principals received $1,000 awards: Dale Arakaki, Pauoa Elementary; Sharon Beck, Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary School; Erik Burkman, Kalaheo Elementary; Danny Garcia, Kohala Elementary; Disa Hauge, Waianae High; Catherine Kilborn, Baldwin High; Robin Martin, Moanalua High; Cindy Otsu, Kapolei Elementary; James Rippard, Kailua Elementary; Aaron Tominaga, Lehua Elementary; and Bernadette Tyrell, Castle High.
Correction: A previous photo caption misidentified Tyler Tokioka’s affiliation. He is president of Island Insurance Foundation and the photo was provided by Island Insurance Foundation.
