Naomi Matsuzaki, Kahaluu Elementary principal, and Dean Kaneshiro, Aiea Elementary assistant principal, snagged leadership awards at a luncheon this weekend.

The National Distinguished Principals Program awards are sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Hawaii Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association. The awards are meant to recognize the key role principals play in shaping schools’ learning environments. 

Matsuzaki was named Hawaii’s 2013 National Distinguished Principal. One of six Hawaii nominees, she heads to Washington, D.C., in October to attend a two-day event honoring winners’ achievements. 

Kaneshiro was honored as Hawaii’s Outstanding Assistant Principal. He’s credited for transforming math education and Aiea Elementary, focusing on data-driven instruction and setting aside time to teach a summer math class and help teachers analyze student work. 

— Alia Wong