For two decades, Robin Hiraki has been pioneering students to greatness in fifth grade social studies. She has made a big impact on the Lower School community that has stuck with them through their high school years. Many of her former senior students come back at the end of the year to thank her  for all she’s done. Mrs. Hiraki says, “From 5th-grade to 12th-grade and yet they still come back to say thank you so much.” After leaving her class to graduation the lessons she has taught stick with them after eight years.

Throughout her 20 years here at `Iolani, Mrs. Hiraki has taught only one class, that being 5th grade social studies. If you’re wondering why 5th grade and why for twenty years? Mrs. Hiraki said, “It’s this age group. They have lots of energy, and they are so innocent, and they bring a lot of joy to class.”

From her beginnings at `Iolani she has been heavily involved in many class and school activities. Some being, the 5th-grade play, science olympiad, 5th-grade sleepover, and robotics. She shared her experiences as a coach of the Science Olympiad team, saying that one year they had won and got to travel to China for an international competition. Events like this are what make her unique as a social studies teacher.

It’s not only what she does outside of the classroom that makes her unique, but even during class, she makes her lessons fun and engaging. Maddie C. ’32 said, “She’s energetic and observant. She really lets us engage in different group discussions to make sure we understand what she’s talking about.” As the Lower School expands, Mrs. Hiraki has stayed through it all, and her uplifting spirit has not changed.

After two decades at `Iolani, she has made amazing relationships with her colleagues. Someone she has worked closely alongside has been Mr. David Chun ’80. Like Mrs. Hiraki, he has only taught one subject across his decades here at `Iolani: 5th-grade math. Over time, he has learned many things from Mrs. Hiraki, saying, “I’ve learned many lessons, but I think for sure being flexible and not letting things bother you when you can’t control it.”

Many would describe her similarly, but Mr. Chun ’80 describes her as “firm, fair, and caring. […] It’s her energy for sure […] you know, how enthusiastic, how involved, how energetic she is, or how passionate she is about something.” With her enthusiasm and energy came her personality that uplifts the whole community.

Not only do her colleagues say these things but also her students. Truman S. ’32 said, “she shows so much passion in the teaching career, and she really makes going to school a really fun experience.” You can immediately see the lasting impact Mrs. Hiraki leaves on her students after having them for a year.

Her teaching styles and personality in the classroom is what makes students say she’s an amazing teacher. With Mrs. Hiraki’s time at `Iolani coming to an end, she said, “

I feel like it’s time to let somebody else change it up.” After retirement, traveling, home renovations and visiting her children will be a well earned break from work. As she leaves the`Iolani community, many will miss her, but she is far from forgotten. `Iolani will be losing a big part of their community, but the memories will definitely not be lost.

In the end, Mrs. Hiraki will be very missed in the iolani community but she will not be forgotten. Mrs. Hiraki will always be remembered for her uplifting, positive attitude. Her actions and initiatives in the community will be deeply remembered and rooted throughout `Iolani’s culture and community.