Sherry Cassetta, Noel Hakoda, Laxmi Diaz, Anthony McCurdy, Jo Ann Mastin, Michael Bearis, and Randy Ching

The team’s innovative teaching idea, “Plants of Hawaii – Our Kuleana,” brings culturally relevant teaching into the classroom, effectively captivating students' attention and influencing students to take learning into their own hands. According to the educators, in Hawaii, incorporating the Hawaiian culture into class lessons works best for the "keikis" (students). As they connect lessons to the values of the indigenous culture of the state, content area lessons become more engaging and meaningful. This project is grounded in Hawaiian. The lessons will be hands-on, cross-curricular, and embrace the knowledge of professionals in the community whose contributions enrich the students' learning. The culminating efforts are a collection of three murals that will help develop awareness of native and endangered plants and trees of Hawaii and an Earth Day Summit in May 2020. The team hopes the program will employ cultural beliefs focused on developing the mindsets of their high school students in preparation for college and beyond, while building school and cultural pride through the collective efforts of the many.