Norma Jean Nakapuahi Chang

Teaching is more than a career—it’s a calling. My passion for music, love for mentoring, and personal experiences led me here. Music shaped my life, and I wanted to share its impact. Great mentors inspired me, and I strive to do the same for my students. At Leilehua High, I help students build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills. Seeing them grow and succeed makes it all worth it. That’s why I teach—to empower the next generation.

One of my most memorable teaching moments was when we sang at the 75th Unity Luncheon, honoring both Japanese and American soldiers after Pearl Harbor. Seeing my students use music to bridge history, healing, and cultural understanding was powerful. It reminded me how the arts unite us beyond generations and backgrounds. That performance was more than music—it was a lesson in aloha, resilience, and unity that my students and I will never forget.

With $25K, I would first pay off my student loans after completing my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Education has shaped my journey, and I want to use that freedom to give back. I would also establish a Performing Arts scholarship in honor of my mother, Elizabeth Moana’ala Chang, celebrating her passion for Hawaiian music and teaching. This scholarship would support students dedicated to preserving and sharing our cultural heritage, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.