Top Teachers
Saturday, May 31, 1997
Name: Lynn Yoshizaki
Position: Physics teacher at James B. Castle High School
Education: University of Hawaii-Manoa
Pastimes: Traveling, reading, cooking
Imagine a class full of teens in cardboard contraptions desperately trying to keep afloat in the Kaneohe District Park pool. Going beyond the classroom
Paddling furiously for their grades, they race their jury-rigged boats held together with clear-drying glue and duct tape.
An "A" in Lynn Yoshizaki's college preparatory physics class is not easy to come by, but her students are enthusiastic and have a lot of fun learning about the laws of nature and how to build cardboard, sea-faring vessels.
"She's a very positive, dynamic young lady," said Larry Biggs, Castle High School vice principal.
Biggs said Yoshizaki is a well-respected teacher. Not only does she spark enthusiasm in her classes, but she also chaperones student events and works with elementary school teachers to bring the lower and upper level students together.
Biggs said Yoshizaki is really involved in the school life of all Castle High students.
By coaching the quiz bowl teams and coordinating the elementary speech festival, her work goes beyond her own classroom.
Yoshizaki has been teaching for five years now.
Barbara Teruya, Castle High School principal, said that Yoshizaki is young, but her expectations are high. Teruya said students respect Yoshizaki for that.
"She's an excellent example of how teachers inspire students," Teruya said.
Candace Meierdiercks, Star-Bulletin
