Rooted in our beginnings as a credit union founded by educators in 1936, supporting teachers continues to be one of the many ways we invest in stronger schools, stronger communities, and brighter futures for Hawaii's students.
Each year, the Hawaii Milken Educators Teacher of Promise Awards celebrate Department of Education teachers in their first three years of teaching who have already demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to helping students succeed. These rising educators represent the next generation of excellence in Hawaii's classrooms.
This year, HawaiiUSA is honored to recognize Ashley Fuerst of Kapolei Middle School as the 2026 State Teacher of Promise, who received a $4,000 professional development award. In addition, 14 Complex Area Teacher of Promise recipients each received $1,000 to support their continued professional growth and classroom impact.
"Our roots are in education, and we're proud to continue investing in the educators who inspire, mentor, and prepare the next generation," said Greg Young, President and CEO of HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union. "Teachers play a vital role in building stronger communities, and we're honored to support their professional growth through this longstanding partnership with the Hawaii Milken Educators."
HawaiiUSA's support of the Teacher of Promise program dates back to 2006, when the credit union began sponsoring the annual recognition with a single statewide award. As the program has grown, so has HawaiiUSA's commitment. What began as a $50 award has evolved into today's $4,000 State Teacher of Promise award and $1,000 awards for each Complex Area honoree, helping educators pursue professional development opportunities that ultimately benefit their students and schools.
The Teacher of Promise program reflects the Hawaii Milken Educators' mission to recognize outstanding early-career teachers who demonstrate exceptional promise through innovative instruction, leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Together, HawaiiUSA and the Hawaii Milken Educators continue to celebrate educators whose passion and dedication are helping shape Hawaii's future.
Congratulations to this year's Teacher of Promise recipients:
State Teacher of Promise
- Ashley Fuerst, Kapolei Middle School (Campbell/Kapolei)
2026 Complex Area Teacher of Promise Recipients
- Jeffrey Harrington, Waimea High School (Kauai)
- Taryn Travis, Kalani High School (Farrington/Kaiser/Kalani)
- Ridge Ono, Jarrett Middle School (Kaimuki/McKinley/Roosevelt)
- Eric Quang, Kalaheo High School (Kailua/Kalaheo)
- Taylee Koʻilaokekai Miyamura, Mililani Middle School (Leilehua/Mililani/Waialua)
- Hiʻi Aiona, Hana High & Elementary School (Hana/Lahainaluna/Lanai/Molokai)
- Gim Cadiente, Maui Waena Intermediate School (Baldwin/Kekaulike/Kulanihakoi)
- Vanessa Tadena, Pearl City High School (Pearl City/Waipahu)
- Jenna Hagihara, Castle High School (Castle/Kahuku)
- Kimi-Lynn Jaye Okikawa-Nakagawa, Aiea Intermediate School (Aiea/Moanalua)
- Madilyn Fulchiero, Waianae High School (Nanakuli/Waianae)
- Sunny Arashiro, Pahoa High & Intermediate School (Keaau/Pahoa)
- Vyas Hale, Kealakehe High School (Honokaa/Kealakehe/Kohala/Konawaena)
Congratulations to each of this year's recipients and we thank them for the passion, creativity, and dedication they bring to Hawaii's classrooms every day.
