| In an effort to support the teachers within our community, the Locations Foundation held our 4th Annual Teacher Awards Program. This program recognizes teachers in the community for their exceptional efforts both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers are nominated by members of the Locations Foundation, the non-profit arm of the real estate brokerage, Prudential Locations LLC. Award winners are selected based on the criteria set forth in the nomination process by the Teacher Awards Committee. The Locations Foundation has recognized over 60 teachers since the program was started several years ago, totaling over $12,500 in funds to teachers. 2013 Teachers Award Winners Luncheon
 The Locations Foundation understands the financial challenges that today's classrooms face and is very aware that many teachers use their own personal funds for learning activities and projects in the classroom. The Teacher Awards Program is a means to provide teachers with financial help for classroom activities and to acknowledge their success in the classroom, especially during these times of budget cuts. This year, the Locations Foundation selected 16 award winners from the list of nominations and scored them based on the following five criteria: - Reinforces learning inside and outside of the classroom.
- Engages students to participate in classroom activities.
- Demonstrates care for his/her students, their well-being and overall development.
- Communicates effectively with parents.
- Participates in co-curricular activities and/or community service.
Each award winner received a $200 award to be used toward school supplies or activities. Five finalists were chosen for consideration for the Top Teacher Award. The winner of the Top Teacher Award received a $500 award to be used towards school supplies or activities. Each finalist was invited to a luncheon at the Willow’s Restaurant to be recognized by members of the Locations Foundation.
In addition to the luncheon, the five finalists received a pizza party for their classroom to allow those teachers to share in their accomplishments with their students. This year’s Top Teacher Award goes to Jenny Maeda, a pre-K and special education teacher at Enchanted Lakes Elementary. Mrs. Maeda, originally born in Chicago, has been a teacher for 20 years. She moved to Oahu since her family was originally from here. Mrs. Maeda exemplified the special trait of understanding the diverse needs of her students and customizing her lessons to their specific needs and abilities. Her love and care for her students were evident in the examples provided and willingness to spend additional hours outside of class to ensure her students’ success was commendable. She credits her success in the classroom to the staff, faculty, administration, and most importantly the families of these children. Congratulations to Mrs. Maeda and all the Award Winners! Mahalo for helping to shape the future for Hawaii’s keiki. List of 2013 Award Winners Top Teacher Award ($500) Jenny Maeda Enchanted Lakes Elementary School
 Other Top Finalists ($200) Mandi Scott Leihoku Elementary School
 Shelly Yoshikawa Mililani Ike Elementary School
 Andrew Joyce Kanoelani Elementary School
 Maxine Nu'uhiwa Punahou School (photo not available) Other Awardees ($200) - Elsa Valantini - Hanalani Schools
- Joy Kamei - King Intermediate School
- Lisa Hyatt - Kahuku Intermediate School
- Whitney Mahoney - Waikiki Elementary School
- Kimi Kawachi - Waialua Elementary School
- Koren Uyemura - Castle High School
- Charmaine Orbistondo - Christian Academy
- James Petersen - Maryknoll School
- Tracy Asai - Kuapa Pre-School
- Nicole Ito - Holomua Elementary School
- Cami Naito - Honolulu Christian Pre-School
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