As we celebrate the Pauahi Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, we reflect on the past three decades, revisiting milestones achieved and honoring the many individuals whose dedication has helped grow our mission. Together, our donors have expanded opportunities for thousands of haumāna pursuing post-high education by filling critical gaps in access and support. This month, we highlight one of the Foundation’s earliest scholarships and the inspiring story behind its creation.
Inspired by their work on the Kamehameha Schools Strategic Plan 2000, several KS graduates and employees saw the need to launch a new endowment in alignment with Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop’s example of servant leadership.
An array of KS graduates – Dr. Claire Hughes KSK’54, Dr. Juvenna Chang KSK’60, Dr. Teresa Makuakāne-Drechsel KSK’71, Dr. Kerri-Ann Hewett Fraser KSK’76 and Dr. Julie Kaomea KSK’85, as well as former KS teachers and administrators – Richard Cundy, Elizabeth Powers and Gail Fujimoto – formed a working group in 2001 to discuss and address the critical need for educators of Native Hawaiian ancestry. This collaboration led to the establishment of the Inspirational Educator Endowment (IEE) in 2002 under Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation. The primary purpose of IEE was to support Native Hawaiians pursuing careers in education and teaching in K-12 public schools in predominantly Hawaiian communities. Students pursuing advanced degrees in education and/or Hawaiian language were also eligible.
Fujimoto, then the head librarian at KS Kapālama’s Midkiff Learning Center, was so moved by the creation of the endowment that she made the very first donation to IEE in honor of her mother.
“My mom Ku‘ulei Goo was my first teacher,” Fujimoto said at the time. “I have been blessed with so many fine teachers, but she has been my most supportive and inspirational educator.”
Makuakāne-Drechsel also donated to IEE in honor of her parents, Daniel and Lydia Makuakāne, and to mahalo Ke Ali‘i Pauahi. From that seed, the endowment has continued to blossom in true roots-to-fruits fashion. Over the years, donors have contributed to the fund in honor of teachers, principals, parents and friends – anyone who has inspired, motivated, and guided them through their educational journeys. Faculty and staff across KS campuses donate to IEE during the annual Service Awards in recognition of their colleagues’ service to KS.
In December 2002, with the donations from Fujimoto and Makuakāne-Drechsel, IEE grew to $10,000 – a positive step toward their initial goal of $20,000. Since 2007, Makuakāne-Drechsel and her husband, Dr. Emanuel Drechsel, have been the primary donors to IEE, which is now known as the Makuakāne Inspirational Educator Scholarship, and the current endowment account exceeds $100,000. To date, over 60 scholarships have been awarded to Native Hawaiian haumāna.
Mailelauliiolaka Brown, a recent recipient, expressed her mahalo to the donors of the scholarship fund: “Mahalo donors of the Makuakane Inspirational Educator Scholarship for your continuous support to further my educational and cultural knowledge. Not only are you releasing me of the financial burden, but you are providing me with the courage to believe in myself and my abilities. Thank you for seeing the effort and work I have diligently pushed toward. This not only helps to provide me with an education but also benefits the next generation of Hawai‘i’s students that I hope to inspire.”
Recognizing the continuing need for more Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in education, Makuakāne-Drechsel worked with her financial advisor, Gaylien Quindica KSK’70, to expand her legacy donation, and designated the Pauahi Foundation as the beneficiary of her life insurance policy.
“Gaylien and I have been friends for 60 years and she’s been a trusted financial adviser for 37 years,” Makuakāne-Drechsel says. “For more than 15 years, she’s been helping us put our money where it will grow so that we can achieve our philanthropic goals, including to the Pauahi Foundation.”
Now celebrating its 30th year, the Pauahi Foundation also helps donors support crucial programs and collaborations in multiple areas including Excellence in Education (Pre-K-through-12), ‘Āina Pauahi, College and Career, and Kamehameha Schools Programs and Initiatives.
“From what I have seen, especially in the last few years, I really, really like what I see with the Pauahi Foundation’s growth and efforts,” Makuakāne-Drechsel says. “I’m so glad that so many people share the same view of the potential for the Pauahi Foundation. Mahalo to everyone who is involved in helping it grow over the years. Wow, 30 years, I can't believe it!”
By including the Pauahi Foundation in your will or trust and making a planned gift, you establish a legacy that benefits generations to come. Contact Natalie Arrell at narrell@ksbe.edu or (808) 534-3902 for information about collaborating with the Pauahi Foundation.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |