Dole Middle School Selected as School of Distinction Again

( L to R): Vice Speaker John M. Mizuno; Representative Romy M. Cachola; Arnie Kikkawa, Principal; Elissa Pickard Librarian; Karlene Kauleinamoku, CFES Teacher and Coordinator.

On April 11th, the House of Representatives honored Dole Middle School for being the recipient of the 2012 College for Every Student School Distinction Award for the 3^rd consecutive year. The National College for Every Student Program presented the very first School of Distinction Award to Dole Middle School Principal Arnie Kikkawa on October 19, 2010. The House presented to the school a certificate for extraordinary leadership and commitment to their students and staff in mentoring, promoting academic excellence, and demonstrated gains in the academic achievement of their students. 

Schools across the country are grappling with budget cuts and teacher layoffs, however, a select group of schools (21 in the nation), have managed to overcome these challenges and earned the title of "School of Distinction" in 2012 for making strides in preparing their students for college.  Dole Middle School was the only school from Hawaii to first be recognized with this award in 2010 and will be honored today for their third consecutive award.

"Education has always been a top priority for Hawaii and it is important for parents and students to understand and trust the public school system because this system can provide all students the foundation to pursue unlimited opportunities," said Vice Speaker John Mizuno who is the area Legislator for Dole Middle School. "Hawaii deeply values education and now we can say that Dole Middle School is recognized as one of the best schools in the nation for preparing their students for higher education.  It is pleasing that this is the 3^rd consecutive year that our school has garnered this distinction award."