[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2235-S2236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    RECOGNIZING THE OAHU MATH LEAGUE

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the math coaches 
and teachers of the Oahu Math League, OML, for their outstanding 
service for the students of Hawaii. The Hawaii Council of Teachers of 
Mathematics created the OML more than 40 years ago to supplement the 
traditional math curriculum in Hawaii's schools and to provide students 
with an outlet to represent their schools in academic competition. The 
league is comprised two senior varsity divisions as well as one junior 
varsity division. The various teams represent 28 of Oahu's schools, 
both public and private, and over 35 coaches, each dedicated to the 
promotion of mathematics education in the State of Hawaii.
  I wish to acknowledge the students who spend their free time after 
school and on weekends to prepare and compete in the OML's seven 
grueling meets each academic year. These students devote their 
extracurricular time to mastering difficult mathematic techniques and 
theories in order to challenge themselves in the pursuit of academic 
excellence. Their commitment to their education is exemplary and should 
be commended.
  However, these young men and women would not be able to participate 
in the OML competitions were it not for the support and knowledge of 
the fundamentals of math given to them by their coaches and teachers. 
These devoted men and women work many hours a week outside the school 
day in preparation for these competitions.
  I would like to recognize both the foresight of OML's founders, as 
well as the enduring passion and tireless diligence of the many 
outstanding teachers who volunteer their time and efforts each school 
year to make the league a success. In particular, I would like to note 
the extraordinary commitment of several of OML's most active 
supporters: Thomas Yamachika, Carl Wheeler, Hank Koszewski, Phil Abe, 
Clarence Kanja, Lance Suzuki, Clayton Akatsuka, Kathleen Goto, and Amy 
Yonashiro.
  I also want to thank the nine dedicated math teachers and OML 
coaches, who spend a combined total of 68 hours a week preparing for 
meets outside of the regular school day and represent more than 180 
years of math instruction and service. They are Calvin Fukuhara of 
Kamehameha School, Michael Park of Iolani School, Tim Cantley and 
Deborah Kula of Sacred Hearts Academy, Michael Ida of Kalani High 
School, Carolyn Okunaga of Mililani High School, Chenfu Chiang of 
Hanalani High School, Hal Parker of Punahou School, and Joyce Kanja of 
Mid-Pacific Institute.
  As an educator and former principal, I know firsthand about the 
countless hours that go into student extracurricular activities when 
the school

[[Page S2236]]

day ends. It makes me proud to see these outstanding educators embody 
the spirit of service. Their dedication to their field and to the 
students of Hawaii is undeniable. I send my best wishes to the 
students, their families, teachers, and coaches and to the Oahu Math 
League for continued success in the future.

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