HSFCU Helps Out Educators

Even a little bit of help can go a long way in the classroom. Hawaii State Federal Credit Union knows that, which is why it donated $19,948.28 to 45 public school teachers in 2014 — including 10 in West Oahu.

The Investing in Education grants address individual requests of teachers, who submit essays explaining how the money will be used in their classrooms.

“It seems like every teacher out there is always spending their own money for supplies, and they need help on this,” explained Karen Ho of HSFCU. “It was a way we could touch as many people as possible and help them out.

“We normally give out from $200 to $500 per request, and we look to see if it’s something that we feel is really going to help in educating the students. There are so many things out there that we didn’t realize,” Ho said.

For example, kindergarten teacher Arleen Bourcier will use her funds to purchase printing boards, number pegboards, pattern blocks and magnet builders to help her Pearl City Elementary School students practice their handwriting, counting and building skills.

Ewa Middle School’s Ethan Toyota, on the other hand, will use his grant to purchase three Kano computers to enrich his computer programming courses.

Other West Oahu recipients include Kathy Lin of Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, Nicole Maraglio of Kapolei Middle School, Berlyn Matsumoto of Ewa Beach Elementary School, Karyn Nunes of Pearl Ridge Elementary School, Jenella Ogitani of Kapolei High School, Heidi Salvador of Waipahu Elementary School, Corey Yasuda of Kaleiopuu Elementary School and Dwayne Yuen of Momilani Elementary School.

Ho noted that this year, all 45 grant recipients were first-time awardees. Interested applicants for the 2015 cycle (which opens Aug. 1) should submit requests as early as possible.

For more information, call Ho at 447-8084.