When asked about his favorite part of teaching, Mr. Paul Heimerdinger’s response was, “I think my favorite part is just interacting with students and watching the lights go on when they understand something. It’s the chicken skin time for teachers, when they put connections together in science.” Mr. Heimerdinger has worked tirelessly for the students and faculty at ‘Iolani, and will be retiring this year. He is truly a kind-hearted soul who deserves an amazing retirement after his 38 years at ‘Iolani.

Mr. Heimerdinger was not just a teacher, but a strong mentor and companion to the students and staff at ‘Iolani. His colleague, Ms. Sara Finnemore conveyed just how long Mr. Heimerdinger has spent time at ‘Iolani. “He has impacted generations of students. There are students who are alumni who now have students who have him.” He has had an impact on a lot of students over the years. and help them to succeed in the science program here. You know, a lot of our job here is to get everybody ready for that grade 9… I think he really helps students to do that.”

During his time at ‘Iolani, Mr. Heimerdinger had a history of humorous moments. Ms. Finnemore recounted a moment of students running around the halls; “I thought he was going to scold them. He’s like, do you like to run? 

Do you like to run fast? And then he’d recruit them and get them into track or get them into cross country.” Mr. Heimerdinger has not only affected students through track recruitments and teaching families of alumni, but has warmed the hearts of many students personally. Tommy K. ’28 is one example of these students who are sad to see him go, recalling the way that Mr. Heimerdinger was able to bring a spark of life and excitement to his classroom through a projector, wherein Mr. Heimerdinger would project student experiments happening during class onto the board to show the class how interesting, and wayward science experiments could go. Kim also gave insight on Mr. Heimerdinger’s nickname, H-Dawg. “All his students will probably remember is that his nickname is H-Dawg. 

And then it’s fun and his reaction when you say that to him, because we’ll say, like, ‘’sup Mr. H-dawg!’ and then he’s like, ‘what’s up dawg?’.”

Mr. H-Dawg is retiring because “I’ve been teaching for 50 years. I’ll be 80 years old by next month, and it’s time.” Despite retiring, his scientific curiosity lives on, aiming to travel the world and help his grandkids on schoolwork with his wife.

While there are many great things to say about Mr. Heimerdinger’s teaching, all good things have to come to an end. As ‘Iolani says goodbye to Mr. Heimerdinger, they say goodbye to a coach, teacher, mentor, scientist, and a kind soul who will never go forgotten. Thank you Mr. Heimerdinger.