LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Laurie Yoshinaga was nominated by her colleague, Lois Nagamine. 

"Laurie Yoshinaga is not only a colleague and friend but one of the most dedicated and inspiring educators I know. After spending 25 years as a classroom teacher, I now serve as the curriculum coordinator at Hokulani Elementary, a small public school in Honolulu, Hawaii. This role allows me to see the school as a whole and work closely with all staff, which has given me a deep appreciation for Laurie's incredible contributions. Laurie is an exceptional professional who embodies the highest standards of excellence in education," said Nagamine.

Ms. Yoshinaga's loving and meaningful relationships with her students year after year are a testament to her unwavering commitment to their success. Not only are her students' test scores and achievements consistently impressive, but she is also deeply invested in their personal growth and development. Parents frequently request her as their child's teacher, and their praise for her speaks volumes.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Yoshinaga goes above and beyond by offering enriching extracurricular opportunities. She leads a robotics program after school, tirelessly organizing tournaments and providing her students with rigorous learning experiences. As a fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Yoshinaga also incorporates Hawaiiana into the curriculum, giving her students a deep appreciation for Hawaiian culture and history. She even organizes a transformative three-day, two-night field trip to the Big Island for fourth and fifth graders—an experience that broadens their horizons, deepens their understanding, and creates lifelong memories.

Her leadership extends far beyond her classroom. Whether guiding school initiatives, mentoring peers, or leading professional development sessions, Ms. Yoshinaga inspires others to strive for excellence and work collaboratively toward shared goals. Her dedication to nurturing students goes beyond academics—she cultivates a supportive and caring environment where every child feels valued, encouraged, and safe.

Ms. Yoshinaga also plays a key role in fostering a positive and supportive school atmosphere. She is the person everyone can count on, always ready to offer help to anyone who needs it. Whether collaborating with colleagues, engaging with parents, or inspiring students, Ms. Yoshinaga fosters a sense of community and belonging that strengthens the school's culture.

Additionally, she is the go-to person for organizing faculty celebrations and events, creating opportunities for connection and appreciation that unite staff. Above all, she upholds the highest moral and ethical standards in everything she does. Her integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication make her a role model for the school community. Ms. Yoshinaga embodies the best qualities of an educator, leaving a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and Hokulani Elementary as a whole.