Leeward Community College is earning accolades for leadership in career and technical education (CTE). Three faculty and staff members recently received awards—two at the state level and one at a national conference—underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce.
At the 2025 Hawaiʻi Association for Career & Technical Education (Hawaiʻi ACTE) State Conference on April 11, at Windward CC, Nolan Miyahara and Blake Hunrick were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Miyahara, program coordinator for Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program, was named Postsecondary Teacher of the Year. Under his guidance, the program has thrived and is home to the state’s only Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training program, which offers students manufacturer-specific instruction, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and paid internships with Ford dealerships.
Hunrick, who has served as a counselor at Leeward CC for more than 30 years, received the Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award. Hunrick is known for his deep dedication to student success, helping thousands of learners navigate educational and career pathways through personalized support and CTE guidance.
National award
National recognition followed just days later when Matthew Egami, a culinary arts instructor, received the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Colleges at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 16. The award honors faculty who go above and beyond to support students inside and outside the classroom. Egami is a key contributor to Leeward CC’s acclaimed Culinary Arts Program, which trains students in both foundational and advanced culinary techniques and provides hands-on experience through the college’s fine dining restaurant, The Pearl.
“These awards reflect the strength and depth of our CTE programs, which are designed to equip students with the real-world skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Ron Umehira, dean of Career and Technical Education at Leeward CC.
—By Tad Saiki
