Congratulations to a long-time leader and teacher in our Hawaiʻi History Day community, Janyce Omura, of Maui High School, who was an educator honored in 2025 by the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, along with the Commission to Promote and Advance Civic Education (PACE), for her exemplary work in civic education and for inspiring a sense of civic responsibility and community in their students. Janyce is an advisor for civic student clubs like the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council and Interact, in addition to teaching social studies.

Janyce shared how the Hawaiʻi History Day program supports her work in history and civics education:

“As a public high school social studies educator on Maui for over 40 years, I have integrated Hawaii History Day into my classroom since 1992. I have stayed committed to this program for over three decades because it is, quite simply, one of the most transformative educational tools available to our youth. Hawaiʻi History Day helps to build informed, engaged citizens. 

Now more than ever, our students need the tools to navigate a complex world. This program acts as a shield against the “Fake News” and misinformation that can lead to civic distrust. Through History Day, students learn to:

• Analyze Bias: They evaluate perspectives in articles, websites, and speeches.
• Ask Critical Questions: They learn how to interrogate information rather than consume it passively.
• Develop Resilience: The months-long research process teaches commitment and academic grit.”

Janyce’s students have excelled, as historian-researchers, critical thinkers, creative communicators, and engaged members of their communities.

Janyce and her fellow awardees are inspiring examples of powerful civics education in the face of current concerns, from growing distrust in our democratic institutions in part due to the spread of misinformation, to low voter turnout, and to the challenges as well as opportunities in the use of AI.

Congratulations, Janyce! Thank you for all the ways you ensure Hawaiʻi History Day can be an impactful civic program for our youth!