FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
From left, Makaha Elementary teacher Geri Martin and Principal Nelson Shigeta congratulated banking consultant Mark Hunter, named Outstanding Advocate of the Year yesterday during a luncheon at Washington Place. Makaha Elementary is one of the schools where Hunter works.
Over the past year and a half, banking consultant Mark Hunter has been volunteering his time and money to help Hawaii public schools by sending them weekly progress reports based on a performance evaluation system he developed. Advocates for
children honored
By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.comHis "Hawaii Educational Performance System" pilot program started out with two schools but now involves 20 on Maui and Oahu. He evaluates schools in categories such as student and staff attendance, volunteerism and discipline referrals.
Besides the weekly evaluations, Hunter monitors their progress by making quarterly visits to the schools from his home in Florida.
He became involved in helping Hawaii public schools after meeting state Rep. Mark Takai two years ago at an education conference on the mainland.
For his efforts, Hunter was named Outstanding Advocate of the Year 2002 yesterday at a luncheon of the Hawaii Youth Services Network. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin sponsored the luncheon at Washington Place.
Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth awards are presented annually to recognize significant contributions of individuals and organizations in improving the lives of children. It is part of the celebration of Children and Youth Month in Hawaii.
Hunter did not know he was selected or even nominated for the award until his name was announced.
"I'm blown away by this," he said. "I'll double-down my efforts next year."
Hunter, 44, is a product of public schools in Wisconsin and Florida and has been a volunteer at public schools in Florida.
"Business has been good to me. This is just my way of giving back," he said.
Others recognized as outstanding advocates yesterday include Keith Ward in athletics, Denita Waltz and Olomana School teacher Barbara Fuller in education, Dr. Victoria Schneider in health and the Hawaii Coalition of Dads in social services.
Punahou School senior Chelsea Manfredi was recognized as the Outstanding Individual Youth Advocate, and Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition and Hawaii Youth Movement Against Tobacco Use Honolulu were the Outstanding Youth Organization Advocates.
