Top Teachers
Saturday, June 20, 1998
Name: Claire Griffin
Age: 44
Position: Social Studies department chairwoman, Sacred Hearts Academy
Education: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Pastimes: Running, vegetarian cooking
Claire Griffin has been enraptured by history since childhood, when inspiring teachers introduced her to the subject. "They left me with a legacy," she said. "I love history." Inspired by the past
And for the past 24 years, Griffin has aimed to share that legacy with her students. Sacred Hearts Academy Vice Principal Remee Bolante said Griffin's teachings are nothing short of phenomenal.
"What is outstanding about Ms. Griffin is her in-depth knowledge and understanding of history -- past and present -- and her skill in relating these to the students," she said.
Bolante added that Griffin also has been a successful Hawaii History Day project head, with students regularly making it to the National History Day semifinals and finals.
Despite her successes, Griffin still feels apprehensive with each new school year.
"Every summer I think to myself, 'I just had another really good year. But do I still have it?' "
Apparently, yes.
One of 25 teachers nationwide to win a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship, Griffin will be spending July at Harvard, studying "American History: New Scholarship on Women" at the Summer Institute for Secondary School Teachers. Griffin said she hopes to share her experiences and newfound knowledge with her students. "There's a phrase about teachers touching the future," she said, "and I take that phrase very seriously."
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
