Dr. Ruby Ovitt

Distinguished Service to HBA (2014)

"Being a principal is the best job in the world. I love working with my teachers and other co-workers, helping parents and most of all, serving, praying for and loving my students." - Dr. Ruby Ovitt

Dr. Rebecca "Ruby" Sanchez Ovitt served 41 years as principal of HBA’s elementary school, guiding faculty, students and parents with God’s wisdom, grace and love.

She received her doctor of ministry degree from Hawaii Theological Seminary, master’s degrees in educational administration from Stanford University and University of Hawaii, and bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Philippine Normal University. When she applied for a teaching position at HBA in 1971, Col. Sagert hired her as principal for the elementary school. She worked diligently with the teachers to carry out HBA’s mission of academic excellence in a Christian context. In 2005 when the elementary campus was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, HBA received the highest possible rating.

Dr. Ovitt’s deep faith in God and commitment to HBA saw her through many transitions, including her battle with cancer. Her book, My Journey of Healing from Cancer, has been a best-seller.

Since her retirement in 2012, she has been able to travel more, including trips to England to visit her grandson. She continues to teach at the Bible Institute of Hawaii and leads a support group for divorced, widowed or separated individuals, which she has been doing the past 30 years.