Schwemmer named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at Kilauea Elementary

KILAUEA — Kilauea Elementary School teacher Scott Schwemmer was named Teacher of the Year by principal Sherry Scott Wednesday during the school’s fourth quarter assembly.

The honor is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay, but in the absence of any representatives, the honor was done by Scott during the recognition assembly.

State Rep. Derek Kawakami did the honors of presenting Kilauea School’s National Board-certified teachers.

Scott said National Board certification is an advanced teaching credential which is achieved on successful completion of a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do.

Judy Waite, Joanne Thompson, Farrah Krovoza and Mike Kline were named recipients and presented Hawai‘i State Legislature certificates by Kawakami for the achievement.

Kline was also commended by Scott for helping as the school’s special education department head and GLC, school community council for the past seven years, six of which he serve as chairman and one year as secretary.

He also serves as a basketball coach for the Kaua‘i Police Activities League basketball program which ended last week. Bill Troutman, a North Shore Lion who helped with the “Sight is Beautiful” presentations, was also acknowledged for his volunteerism in the school as well as coordinating and coaching the K-PAL basketball program.

Scott also acknowledged Mitsu Yokotake and Lani Gomes of the school’s staff for “going above and beyond” in assisting the school.

Other recognition were offered to student achievements as well as the student council’s recycling program and the school’s PTSA members, many of whom volunteered to help with the school’s talent show, which wrapped up the year for students.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.