Name: Gail Ideue
Age: 49
Position: Wailuku Elementary teacher
Education: University of Hawaii-Manoa
Pastimes: Baking, handicrafts, reading

"I was very fortunate. All the teachers were very caring and loving," said Ideue, a teacher at Wailuku Elementary School.

Principal Beverly Stanich said Ideue put a lot of love and hard work into her classes as well.

Ideue coordinates staff instruction in Pacific and Asian affairs and is the Maui liaison with the East-West Center.

"She plays a leadership role in the district," Stanich said.

Ideue also is in charge of a day when students create a "mini-society" in which they learn about economics. They make play money and later develop their own businesses with $5 in start-up capital from their parents. Ideue said the mini-society teaches students how to blend skills, such as mathematics, with creativity and marketing.

Students sell their products, from food to artwork and games. Those with the most play money at the end of the day spend it on prizes.

"That's so true in the world," Ideue said. "You have the haves and have-nots. This is a real good life experience."

Off campus, Ideue helps her veterinarian husband, Winford, by keeping his books. But she continues to enjoy working with children.