Pictured (from left) are Erna Seatriz, Cheryl Nelson and Shanin Sado of Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary School; Nick Ware, Duke’s Beach House general manager; and Erin Masek, Faith McGrill and Alicia Alcaraz of Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary School.

KAANAPALI – Duke’s Beach House recently recognized Cheryl Nelson, Faith McGill, Shanin Sado, Alicia Alcaraz, Erin Masek and Erna Seatriz of Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School as Educator of the Month for December, January, February, March, April and May, respectively.

Fifth grade English Language Learners (ELL) Teacher Nelson was awarded the December Educator of the Month Award. Nelson was recognized for connecting lessons to real life, striving for excellence in each lesson and organizing the annual Spelling Bee. After many years of service to the students at Princess, she will be retiring at the end of the school year.

January winner McGill is a kindergarten and fourth gade ELL teacher. McGill was nominated for being a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to meet the needs of students and staff. She organized the new WIDA Access testing for all ELL students and has spent many hours researching and evaluating curriculum materials to support ELL students.

Sado, a fourth grade teacher, was awarded the February award because she excels in classroom instruction and continues to learn the latest educational strategies to improve her practice. She serves as a mentor to new teachers at the school and as a leader for continuous school improvement.

March winner Alcaraz is a counselor and strong advocate for the students. In addition to individual and small group counseling, she works hard to plan and organize school-wide events, such as the school talent show, annual career day and monthly attendance recognition parties.

Masek, a third grade teacher, was awarded the April award for being an outstanding teacher who has earned the respect of her students and colleagues. She loves to teach, interacts well with students and presents well-organized and academically rigorous lessons each day.

May winner Seatriz, account clerk, is a valued employee who strives for excellence in everything she does. She was recognized for being kind, patient and for going the extra mile to be of service to the school and community.

“Duke’s Beach House is honored to recognize the staff at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School for their commitment to the children in our community,” said Nick Ware, Duke’s Beach House general manager. “Education plays such an important role in shaping our keiki’s future, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the staff at this school.”

The winners received an engraved koa box and a $100 gift certificate to Duke’s Beach House.