About HBA

Lynne Nakano, Pat Ota and Brad Shimizu were named the 2010 recipients of the Rachel and Trevor Hu Teaching Excellence Award. The award recognizes excellence in teaching at the high school campus of Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA), and is made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Hayden and Lorna Hu, whose children, Rachel and Trevor, graduated from HBA.

“You are extraordinary teachers who go above and beyond in your academic mission, and demonstrate excellence in your Christian mission as well,” said Mrs. Hu at a recent luncheon for the award recipients. “You have prepared our children and countless others to face the educational, work and social challenges of the world. But beyond that, you have touched their lives. You have shown love, faith, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, the fruits of the spirit, in your lives. We humbly present you this award and thank you for a job well done. ”

This is the third year that the Rachel and Trevor Hu Teaching Excellence Award has been presented. Previous recipients were Alan Yeh and George Honzaki.


2010 Recipients:

Lynne Nakano
Lynne Nakano has been at HBA for 21 years and has a passion for teaching and connection with her students. “I feel honored that I have good work to do,” said Nakano. “And finding out what happens to our students (after graduating from HBA) keeps me going.” She teaches AP U.S. history, U.S. history, serves as the social studies department chairperson, and is part of the school’s curriculum team. Nakano is also the National Honor Society advisor.

Pat Ota
Pat Ota has dedicated 30 years to HBA inside and outside of the classroom. She began as a mathematics teacher, and over the years has taught classes such as geometry, AP calculus, mechanical drawing and Photoshop. As curriculum director, Ota is working with the faculty as they develop into a professional learning community. “This is an environment where all of us are learning all the time,” said Ota. “And that’s consistent with what God is calling us to, as individuals and as a community of faith. Our challenge is to continue to learn together and grow into a full relationship with Him.”

Brad Shimizu
Brad Shimizu has enjoyed the past four years teaching at HBA. He currently teaches AP physics, geometry, concert band and middle school band. Shimizu is also a former math bowl and math league coach. In addition to HBA’s students and parents, he is appreciative of the supportive team of teachers at the school, as well as the opportunity to be innovative. “Just to have the room to explore and try something new—that’s special,” said Shimizu. “There are so many conditions here that make you love your job.”