Waha Nui

Norman Nakasone

Rigorous teaching has its rewards. Mililani High advanced-placement psychology teacher Judy Taparra was recognized by the state House of Representatives last month as “the kind of teacher every school wishes they had,” according to area Rep. Ryan Yamane. In her 23 years at MHS, 90 percent of Judy’s students have scored 3 or better, and one-third of them earned a perfect 5 on their AP exams …

Central Oahu students are prospering at Oregon State University. The OSU winter honor roll includes Mililani’s Erin Ichimura, Melanie Inouye, Lauren Luke, Hi’ilani Morita, Tyler Poole and Amber Yonamine; and Waialua’s Ghezelbel Perdido and Jandie Sabo … Is a lack of tears sucking your eyelids onto your eyeballs? Wahiawa ophthalmologist Christopher Tortora and colleague Steven Rhee are ready with all the latest tests, remedies and therapies for dry eye disease (621-8448) …

Central Pacific Bank has promoted Norman Nakasone to vice president and product management manager. A Wahiawa resident, Norman has been with CPB since 1985. He’s also active with Hawaii United Okinawa Association and the Wahiawa Community-based Development Organization … Ted Nakamura of Kawailoa Farm, an organic operation on the North Shore, is on a GMO educational panel at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Moiliili Community Center. The group will discuss health and ecological impacts, biodiversity and food labeling (292-1179) …

North Shore artist Ann Becker Gommers has a commissioned painting up for auction Saturday during Historic Hawaii Foundation’s open house at the Thomas Victor King residence in Nuuanu, a filming site for The Descendants (523-2900)