Whitney Aragaki and Gregory Kent received a 2025 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). It is the nation’s highest award that a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
Aragaki, who earned her PhD in Education from the Department of Curriculum Studies (EDCS), teaches biology, environmental science, and research at Waiākea High School in Hilo. In 2021, she was selected as one of three state finalists in the science category and was named the Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year the following year.
“This award underscores the impact of our daily work as science and math educators,” Aragaki said. “The teaching community in Hawaiʻi is so strong and passionate about supporting our local students, and I am in awe of the work of those that I have the honor of sharing this award with. My work is also enlivened by the opportunity to engage with youth every day, and I do not take that for granted.”
Aragaki extended her gratitude for her professors and classmates in the College of Education who have helped to shape her pedagogy and perspectives along the way.
Gregory Kent, who holds both a BEd in Elementary Education and an MEd in Educational Technology, works with PreK–6th grade teachers on STEM units as the technology coordinator at Kailua Elementary School. He was the state finalist in the math category in 2022 and a finalist for the Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year in 2024.
“This award highlights the importance of science and math globally, nationally, and in our community,” Kent said. “I really feel like I am where I belong, and this award motivates me to create more meaningful learning experiences for all of our students, including more career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for our school and our community.”
Kent acknowledged the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) and his family for their support and role in his success.
As PAEMST awardees, Aragaki and Kent receive a certificate signed by then President Joe Biden, a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
