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Two impressive alumni from the University of Hawaiʻi have been honored with the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 2025. This is the highest award for teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science in the United States.
Whitney Aragaki holds a PhD in education from the UH Mānoa Department of Curriculum Studies and an MS in conservation biology and environmental science from UH Hilo. Gregory Kent earned his MEd in educational technology and a BEd in elementary education from UH Mānoa.
Aragaki teaches biology and environmental science at Waiākea High School in Hilo. She was recognized as a state finalist for the science category in 2021 and named the Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year. In 2023, she joined the inaugural class of the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program.
“This award shows how much impact we can make as science and math educators,” Aragaki shared. “The teaching community in Hawaiʻi is strong and committed to our students. I’m grateful to work alongside such passionate educators.”
Kent works as a technology coordinator at Kailua Elementary School, where he supports PreK–6th-grade teachers with STEM programs. He was a state finalist in the math category in 2022 and also a finalist for Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year in 2024.
“This award emphasizes the importance of science and math at all levels,” Kent noted. “It inspires me to create valuable learning experiences for students, including more opportunities in career and technical education.”
As recipients of the PAEMST award, Aragaki and Kent received recognition from then-President Joe Biden, a trip to Washington, D.C. for celebratory events, and a $10,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
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