Two small, rural Hawaiʻi public schools just achieved historic national firsts by securing top honors for their career academy programs, proving that geographic isolation is no barrier to educational innovation. Nine recognized schools across the islands were honored at the 30th annual National Career Academy Coalition conference in Orlando, Florida.
Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary Secures National First for K-12 Model
Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School earned the designation of the first K-12 Model Academy with Distinction in the country. The school's comprehensive framework spans elementary, middle, and high school levels without interruption.
Students follow a carefully structured progression:
- Grades K–6 focus on career exposure.
- Grades 7–8 engage in career exploration.
- Grades 9–12 participate in hands-on career experiences across five distinct pathways: Cultural Arts, Media and Entertainment; Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation; Health Services; and Education.
“This achievement is proof that when a rural school thinks outside the box, no barrier is too great,” said Academy Director, CTE Coordinator, and Instructional Coach Dexsilyn Navarro. Navarro, a graduate of the school who returned to teach in 2003, also received the NCAC John Thompson Exemplary Educator Award at the conference.
Molokai High School’s Hawaiian Immersion Pathway Breaks New Ground
At Molokai High School, the Hawaiian Language Immersion Academy known as ʻO Hina i Ka Malama earned Model Academy with Distinction certification, marking the first time a Hawaiian immersion academy has achieved this national rank. The program expanded in 2025 to serve as a satellite program for Molokai Middle School students in grades 7–8.
Students in ʻO Hina i Ka Malama operate as cultural practitioners. They conduct field studies across diverse ecosystems from mauka to makai—documenting essential flora, fauna, and cultural resources while preserving the Hawaiian language.
“Having ʻO Hina i ka Malama nationally recognized as a Model Academy with Distinction is both a profound honor and a validation of the high-caliber education provided to our students,” Molokai High School Principal Katina Soares said. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our educators — most notably Kumu Mahina Hou Ross, whose leadership has anchored the program since its inception over 25 years ago.”
National Career Academy Coalition President Jay Steele praised the milestone. “We are proud to highlight groundbreaking milestones in our career academy network,” Steele said.
