Next up, we have Mr. Phung, Koa Kau Lio’s new Social Studies teacher! He graduated from Kahuku High school, and then went on to study at BYU. His hobbies include spending time with his one year old daughter and wife, surfing, Taekwondo, and lion dancing!
Also joining us this year is Ms. Vijil Hicks, who will be team Laulea’s new Social Studies teacher! Ms. Vijil comes from Baltimore, and after graduating from the University of Maryland, has been teaching 8th grade history for four years. She moved back to Hawaii to be closer to family, and has a 2 year old son named Dante!
Coming up next is team Hui Manao’s brand new art teacher, Mr. Torres! He enjoys drawing, spending time with friends and family, and watching Marvel movies. Welcome to Highlands, Mr. Torres!
Next up is Mrs. Martin, team Alakai’s new English teacher! She actually grew up in South Korea, and loves eating; in fact, she says anyone who likes to go to all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurants can be her friend! Other than eating, she also enjoys working out. Mrs. Martin also admits to being a terrible driver, and warns against asking her to go on highways or freeways, especially H-1. She already loves her students, and is looking forward to a wonderful school year!
Ms. Taylor, is Hui Ha’aheo’s new teacher! Ms. Taylor is from San Diego, California, and actually just moved here! She’s been a teacher for three years, all in middle school. Her hobbies include traveling, scuba diving, swimming, and going to the beach. Welcome to Hawaii Ms. Taylor!
Next we have another shining new social studies teacher on team Hui Ha’aheo, Ms. Rodriguez. She grew up in Japan and the Philippines as a military kid, but still considers Kahalu’u home. Ms. Rodriguez is a proud alumni of Mill College in Oakland, California and UH Manoa, earning degrees in Ethnic Studies and Education. While she’s been teaching for 20 years - first in Kaneohe, and the last 16 years in Kalihi, she’s very excited to now be a part of the Highlands ohana here in Pearl City!
Our next newest teacher is Mr. Shirafuji, team Hui Ha’aheo’s new PE teacher! As a graduate from Aiea High school and UH Manoa, Mr. Shirafuji coached soccer for over 20 years and enjoys golfing in his free time. He’s coming from teaching weight training at Waianae High School for 10 years. So far, he’s enjoying the short drives to work and his new 7th grade students!
Next up is Mrs. Herman, team Hui Lokahis new math teacher! This is her 6th year teaching, and she’s so happy to be here at Highlands Intermediate! She moved from Missouri to Hawaii this summer and is looking forward to an awesome year ahead!
Our final teacher is team Hui Lokahi's new English teacher, Ms. Yco. Ms. Yco was born in Manila, grew up in Guam, and went to high school in Hawaii. She got her bachelors in English at UH-Manoa and her Masters at Loyola University Chicago. When she is not teaching, you can usually find her spending time with her nephew, cooking, and obsessing over her new hobby: knitting!
