Top Teachers
Saturday, February 14, 1998
Name: Lance Nishihara
Age: 36
Position: Momilani Elementary school counselor
Education: Chaminade University
Pastimes: Surfing, weight-lifting
Lance Nishihara is more than a counselor to Momilani Elementary School children -- he's also father, uncle and friend. Momilani's 'incredible asset'
"I know every child's name in the school, first and last," he said of the 400-plus students at Momilani this year. "I just want to make sure the kids know who I am. I want them to feel like I'm approachable."
But Nishihara said he doesn't feel this relationship, or his performance record in general, deserves special recognition.
"I don't see myself as outstanding. I'm just doing my job," he said. "My boss is actually the one who's outstanding. She has the vision. She's guiding me, telling me where to go."
Doreen Higa, Nishihara's "boss" and Momilani's principal, said Nishihara is much too modest. "He has added much to the school," she said. "He shares our dreams, our vision-crafting."
Higa said Nishihara works hard to provide a safe learning environment for students, attributing the school's successful Safe and Drug Free Program to him. The program, which incorporates the D.A.R.E. program, year-end wellness fairs and a "stay drug-free" motto into the curriculum, gained national recognition last year when the U.S. Department of Education named Momilani a Blue Ribbon School.
Higa added that Nishihara is an incredible asset to the staff and students of Momilani. "He is the most wonderful, humble young man and any principal would be lucky to have him," Higa said.
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
