West Teachers Use Funds For Class Needs

When it comes to teacher needs, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union is willing to give credit (actually hard cash) where it is due, and this year is no exception. The credit union recently awarded $500 each to dozens of public schoolteachers statewide who submitted compelling essays on why and how they would use an extra $500.

Among the 39 winners statewide are nine West Oahu teachers from classrooms at Aiea, August Ahrens, Barbers Point, Ewa, Keoneula and Waikele elementary; Kapolei Middle and Waipahu and Campbell high schools.

“We are beyond grateful for your generous monetary grant,” wrote Barbers Point principal Claudia Nakachi on behalf of teacher Kahealani Lakalo, “as it will tremendously help us purchase and/or defray costs for school-grade programs and activities.”

Another teacher mentioned that her school’s budget only covered classroom supplies, with none left over for new books.

The Investing in Education grant program (previously called Helping Hand) began in 2009, and HSFCU has given just under $100,000 to the cause so far, boosting the grant amounts along the way. Winners must be HSFCU members as well as DOE classroom teachers.