Music that Describes Lauren
Lauren Pokipala was nominated by her principal, Bernadette Tyrrell.
Ms. Pokipala, an English teacher at Castle High School on Oahu, organized and empowered her students to advocate for expanded access to free school meals by testifying at multiple Hawaii State Legislature hearings. Her leadership helped bring about statewide change. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all students who previously qualified for reduced-price lunch will receive free lunch. In the 2026–2027 school year, eligibility will expand even further when the federal poverty level income requirement increases by 300%, allowing many more students to benefit. Through this work, she has changed the lives of her students by giving them a voice to advocate for their own needs, while also creating a lasting impact for future generations of students across Hawaii.
Please watch this video for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OctXbp3ZQGaKw5m1LF67164HLaWJRQrA/
I’ve never had Mrs. Pokipala but my older sister did, my friends, and I played basketball with her daughter and was good friends with and the stories i’ve heard was always good things. I would go eat lunch in Mrs. Pokipala class a lot though with my friends just to hangout and she was always so nice, caring, and supportive to me and everyone. She cares about the school, students, staff, and does a lot for the community. Dedicated and hard worker who definitely deserves this award.
I've never had Ms. Pokipala, but I've always heard about how she's such a great teacher. She always gets her students engaged and that she's a hard working teacher. Ms. Pokipala has done many amazing things. She really deserves every reward she's earned. The Castle High School community really appreciates her!
Even though I never had Ms. Pokipala as a teacher, she supported the Girls Basketball team by being one of the team moms who worked the concession stands for every home game and organized the end-of-year events for the team. She even made sure all updates regarding games and upcoming events were communicated clearly and effectively. I believe she deserves the LifeChanger of the Year award because of all the dedication she has put into the things she is involved in at this school. She sees the good in everyone and does her very best to make sure they showcase their full potential at school. She is understanding of the circumstances that each student may face at home, especially when it comes to financial issues. She even took the issue into her own hands to advocate for students' voices and spread awareness to issues that students face. I may have never had her for a class, but I always see her getting involved with student activities and actively promoting Knight Pride around campus wherever she goes! She is one of the amazing teachers here at Castle High School who truly deserve to get recognized for all her hard work and compassion for students.
Lauren's boundless energy and empathy makes her not just an exceptional educator but an amazing human being. Her capacity to reach students of all levels and backgrounds proves her ability to change lives. Her heart for her students extends beyond the classroom. From community based service projects to civic engagement at the State Capitol, she serves as a role model that goes above and beyond for not just her students, but also her school and Hawai?i. She embodies and exemplifies aloha that endless dedication, passion, and love so needed in our schools today.
Ms. Pokipala, truly the heart of Castle High, and I wanted to tell you how much your dedication means to all of us. You don't just teach us English; you show us how to use our voices to actually change the world, like when you helped us testify for free school meals. You are such an amazing person because you genuinely believe in us even when we don't believe in ourselves, and your energy makes the classroom feel like a place where we truly belong. Thank you for being a real-life hero for the Knights and for always going above and beyond to make sure we’re seen, heard, and fed! THANK YOU MS.POKIPALA!!!!
Mrs.Pokipala does so much for our school and the students, she advocates for the students and values the school. She always strives for the best and dose what she can to make this school great
An amazing teacher & person with a beautiful personality. Lauren is always enthusiastic and determined to help our students and our school in any way that she can. I know the highlight of her nomination is about her working together with the students to help pass legislation for free school meals for all students, BUT there's a lot more that Lauren does for our students, too: she's our Academic Coach for English, the Class Advisor for c/o 2026, and she's even our Graduation Advisor! There is so much work (and time and stress) that goes into being an advisor for various events at our school. But Lauren faces them head on fearlessly, because she genuinely cares for our students' education and quality of life -- not only for what's in the present, but also what's for them in the future.
Lauren Pokipala is an amazing person, she puts so much effort in her students and keiki making sure everyone has something to eat. She %100 deserves credit for what she had done.
Amazing person to look up too, always giving and helpful
Mrs.Pokipala is a very nice teacher and she is very helpful. I've only talked to her a few times, but I do see her around school being supportive, she always has a positive attitude and has a smile on her face. I'm excited to see what comes next for Mrs.Pokipala, and I hope she keeps on thriving.
Ms. Pokipala has been a big impact on everybody at Castle High School. She shows kindness and support to everybody she interacts with. Her compassion for her students is much appreciated by everybody.
I love her she is the best and I always love how shes kind to everyone and always has a good vibe.
Even though I don't have Ms Pokipala for my classes whenever I see her she is very kind she helps and supports all the students whenever they need and is very hard working.
She has changed many lives. Some may be in a struggle for money, some may not, but she has not only taught English, but also encouraged students to go forth and create change, which has happened, by students of James B. Castle going to legislature and convincing them to create a law for free school lunch.
She seems like a very positive and caring person.
Ms.Pokipala is very kind and generous as well as she is very supportive to all of the students here at school. Ms.Pokipala is always doing her best to make sure us students pass our classes and thrive on all of our work growing in any subject.
I have known Lauren for many years. I have witness her caring attitude with both her students and her collegues. She shows an enthusiastic approach in teaching and guiding her students. I am empressed with her ability to involved students in the legislative process, showing them how they can truly make a difference. She takes her role as a role model for future generations seriously.
Ms. Pokipala is a Great teacher who is very helpful and a teacher who cares about kids. She's a teacher where if you struggle with any work she's there for you. She's always respectful always being kind to the kids, she just a great teacher to have in our school.
Always so supportive to her students and colleagues. She is always willing to help and does it with a smile! Love working with her. Also helped me to improve my i-ready score.
She is truly an inspiring teacher, students gain independence through this kind of support which becomes a light when they get stuck in the dark. Her helpful attitude provides comfort to struggling adolescents. Students have gotten the experience to make a difference which will continue to impact them for many years.
Ms. Pokipala is very kind and willing to help everyone. She wants to see everyone succeed. Shes a very hardworking person even thought I don't have her as a teacher she has helped me with my homework.
I think she is very worthy for this award because of everything she does for her students.
Mrs.Pokipala, a teacher at Castle High School is a positive and respectful person that helps other students. She also encourages others to stay positive and to also help other when in need. Mrs.Pokipala is a teacher that helps to make Castle High School right.
She is the best and I see her in almost every class helping people! :)
Lauren Pokipala is an astounding person who empowers her students, colleagues, and the people around her. I believe that in her work and positive attitude, she changes the lives of everyone at this school.
Mrs. Pokipala is always very giving, and hardworking , and although I do not have her as a teacher when she does come to help with some of my classes she is always very helpful for when I need help with work in English.
She is a wonderful teacher and did something amazing for students ranging across Hawaii. I have not personally worked with her, but I have heard of what she has done and how much she has helped.
Ms. Pokipala, showed us how powerful our voices can be. She didn’t just teach us English she taught us courage, teamwork, and how to speak up for what’s right. Knowing that what she did is helping students all across Hawaii makes me feel proud and hopeful. She inspires us every day to make a difference, just like she did for us.
She supports her students goals and puts in a lot of effort to ensure that her students stay on it, and are pushing to achieve the best they can. She has a positive attitude, and will push through any challenge that comes her way. This award definitely belongs to her!
Lauren is the most supportive colleague, ELA coach, and teacher. She deeply cares about her school and community, which is reflected by her exemplary work as a teacher in the classroom and advocate for students at the legislature. She changes lives daily, and is most deserving of this award.
Lauren is love in action. She consistently shows up for both students and teachers, connecting with them and shining her light. We are so lucky to have her and her advocacy here at Castle. Lauren's commitment to Kaneohe and all the people that make it special is only enhanced by the incredible teacher, mentor, and colleague she is.
Shes really nice and cool
Mrs. Pokipala deserves the Life Changing Award because she goes far beyond what is expected of a teacher and truly fights for the well-being and success of her students. She is the kind of teacher who does not just show up to do her job, but instead shows up every day with the goal of making a real difference in her students’ lives. She cares deeply about every student in her classroom and works hard to make sure that they feel supported, heard, and valued.
One of the things that makes Mrs. Pokipala so special is how strongly she advocates for her students. She does not stay silent when she sees something that could be better for them. For example, she fought for free school meals because she understands that students cannot focus or learn properly if they are hungry. That kind of advocacy shows how much she truly thinks about her students beyond the classroom. She recognizes that their basic needs matter just as much as their education, and she works to make sure those needs are met.
Mrs. Pokipala also creates an environment where students feel comfortable being themselves. She builds strong relationships with her students and takes the time to understand what they are going through both academically and personally. Because of this, many students feel safe going to her when they need help, advice, or encouragement. She listens without judgment and always tries to guide her students in the right direction.
Another reason she deserves this award is because of the passion she brings to teaching. You can tell that she truly loves what she does and genuinely cares about her students’ futures. She celebrates their achievements, encourages them when they struggle, and pushes them to believe in themselves even when they doubt their abilities. Her positive energy and dedication motivate students to try harder and to see their own potential.
Teachers like Mrs. Pokipala change lives in ways that go far beyond lessons or grades. She teaches kindness, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what is right. By fighting for programs like free school meals and always advocating for her students, she shows them what it means to care about a community and to make a difference. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and many of her students will carry the lessons she taught them throughout their lives.
For all of these reasons, Mrs. Pokipala truly embodies what the Life Changing Award represents. She is not only an incredible educator, but also a role model, advocate, and supporter for every student she works with. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to her students make her more than deserving of this recognition.
Ms. Pokipala is the definition of a LifeChanger. Her dedication to academic rigor—balanced with a deep commitment to both staff and student growth—is rare and inspiring. I have seen firsthand how she empowers her colleagues to take pride in their hard work and professional journey. She is a pillar of our school community and a true inspiration to students and staff alike.
I have never met Ms Pokipala but she sounds like a very nice person because all the things she has done for the student at Castle High School
When I think of Lauren not just as a teacher but as a mom, friend and community member, I imagine a giant pulse of pilina emanating from her heart. I've worked along side her and I saw that the impact she has one them is something that becomes imprinted within them, and continues to serve them long after she is no longer their teacher.
Mrs. Pokipala, is my favorite teacher because she always wants to see me exceed. she is very caring, kind, loving, and most of all a big hearted person. she will always help you if you need it and she will always find a way to make your day happier and she will always put a smile on your face. I am so grateful to call her my aunty, my teacher, and most of all a person that I will always look up to.
Lauren is an incredible educator and colleague. She consistently advocates for her students, but more importantly, she empowers them to advocate for themselves. She has spearheaded successful, data-driven intervention strategies based on her firm belief that all students can graduate high school with the strong literacy skills necessary to achieve the future they envision.
Lauren is awesome.
Through her efforts, all keiki in Hawaii have a better chance of getting fed (just watch the video).
Since she started she has worked tirelessly to advocate, and work with students of all capacity. She definitely deserves this award.
Lauren is truly deserving of this award. She consistently goes above and beyond for all students, dedicating extra time both during and outside of school hours to ensure every student feels included and supported.
I met Lauren Pokipala last year, and she has been an amazing colleague to have and really gives her all to our students. She helps to support our students in and outside of school, showing aloha to all.
Lauren is an amazing teacher and colleague. She is very supportive of all students, faculty & staff. I am honored to work with her, and her positive attitude is infectious. Lauren is the epitome of a true life-changer!
Though I've only been at the school for a short time, Lauren Pokipala has been incredible to work with! She is so supportive to students, teachers, and the school in general.
Lauren Pokipala embodies what it means to be a Castle Knight.
She doesn’t wait for change —> she creates it. She equips students with the confidence to speak at the Legislature, advocate for their needs, and believe that they can shape their world. That is transformational teaching.
Her impact goes beyond English standards or curriculum maps. She builds leaders. She builds advocates. She builds community.
We are incredibly lucky to work alongside someone who leads with aloha, courage, and purpose every single day.
If can, can. And Lauren always can.
Within a short time of joining Castle High School as a teacher I met Lauren and felt honored to share space with her in the classroom. Lauren embodies aloha spirit and what it means to be a Knight in a way that helped inform me of how truly special it is to be a part of this community. Her heart is big, her roots are strong, and her dedication deep, as proven by her efforts that create incredible positive ripple effects felt here at Castle and beyond.
What Lauren does for our students, school, and the Kaneohe community goes above and beyond! I've know her for over 16 years and she has never shied away from arduous tasks. She is very selfless and deserving of this nomination. Her never give up attitude is very infectous to the people around her. She's solution oriented and figures how it could be done versus why we can't.
It's like that old HawaiianPidgin English saying, "If can can... If no can still can!"
Always so supportive to her students and colleagues. She is always willing to help and does it with a smile! Love working with her.
Hi — I am so excited to hear about this nomination for Ms. Pokipala! She truly deserves recognition for all that she does for our students and for this school.
I had the honor of working with her as a co-teacher for one year, and I was deeply inspired by her dedication to planning and preparing meaningful field trips. The level of student participation she encouraged was impressive and spoke volumes about the relationships she builds with students.
Ms. Pokipala consistently challenges students to do better, work harder, and think critically about their community and the changes they want to see. She is always actively involved in supporting seniors as they work toward graduation, often planning special events outside of class time to benefit the graduating class.
She also encourages fellow teachers to think more deeply about our community and to reflect on our responsibility to teach with purpose and care, ensuring that students leaving Castle are prepared to be positive and powerful influences in their communities.
I have learned so much from Lauren, and when I saw this nomination, I truly felt in my heart that yes—she is a perfect choice.
Lauren has always been an inspiration at Castle High School. Her love for her alma mater and her Kaneohe community comes through in her unwavering commitment to her students. She is known as the teacher who will spearhead fundraisers for Senior Luau, graduation, and Project Graduation. She is also the teacher who will do that Tier 2 intervention with kids, so they can grow their reading skills to become successful adults. She is also the teacher who will organize field trips to the legislature, even if it means finding a 12-seat passenger van that she can drive to take them from school and back. She is just so awesome, and I am so grateful to call her a colleague.
Throughout her teaching career, Lauren has gone beyond teaching academic skills. She has been teaching her students about the power of advocacy. Whether if is defending conservations lands, protecting the pristine nature of Kawahaokamano (Kaneohe Bay) or ensuring no child goes hungry, your class is about civic courage and social justice. By modeling this for haumana, you have equipped them to transform their honua (world) and uplift their families and kaiaulu (community) for generations. I am proud to call you a colleague and hoaloha (friend). HOOMAIKAI !!!!
Lauren is an inspiration to her students, fellow teachers, and community. We are so lucky to have her leadership here at Castle!
I was fortunate to work at Castle High School with Lauren. Lauren taught me about the Hawaiian culture and Hawaii is in my heart. I wish I never had to leave. Lauren inspires students to give from their heart. Love you Lauren
Congratulations, Lauren! Teachers make a difference!
Lauren is the most selfless teacher I know. She goes above and beyond to support her students both intellectually and emotionally, often using her own time and resources. As a fellow teacher, I am inspired by Lauren and strive to make meaningful connections with my students because of her example.
No words can express the commitment you give to our children. Hulo Lauren.
Lauren is an amazing teacher and colleague. She goes above and beyond for ALL the kids and works to provide them rather most support and care
You are amazing! Always putting the school and students first! You have an can do attitude that inspires us all! Thank you for everything you do for our keiki and our community.
