PUHI — West Side girl Beth Cuizon has been appointed by Island School as the Puhi school’s new director of Enrollment Management, effective immediately.
The Voyager search committee, following a thorough national search that produced more than 20 applicants from Hawaii and across the country, unanimously selected Cuizon as an “outstanding addition to the Voyager ‘ohana.”
“Beth’s strategic thinking, exemplary writing and deep dedication to the education of young people shone through the process,” the search committee chair said in the Friday announcement. “Her love of Kauai and her enthusiasm to return home to enrich the community that raised her make her a perfect fit for Island School.”
Described by Island School as “a proud kama‘aina of the West Side of Kauai,” Cuizon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in History, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education — focusing on curriculum design, pedagogy and the cultural foundations of education — both from Northern Arizona University.
Cuizon has taught music, social studies, history, tourism and Spanish, and brings significant experience in curriculum leadership and pastoral care for students and faculty.
“I was called to Island School because the ethos and curriculum, anchored in aloha ‘aina, empower every young Voyager to navigate a modern world as global citizens and confidently forge their own unique journey,” Cuizon said. “I am dedicated to continuous learning, sharing knowledge and inspiring future generations.”
Beyond her academic and teaching credentials, Cuizon has a rich background in both music and athletics. She served as principal timpanist and percussionist for the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, the Nelson Symphony Orchestra, and the Nelson City Brass Band in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She also won two national championships with the Nelson Whalers inline hockey club and developed a strong enthusiasm for mountain biking.
Following several years of teaching on Kauai, and 15 years in New Zealand, Cuizon is thrilled to return home and serve the local community in this pivotal role at Island School. As the director of Enrollment Management at Island School, Cuizon will lead enrollment strategy, the admissions process and financial aid in alignment with Island School’s mission — “Educating the mind, inspiring the heart. Preparing Kauai youth to lead lives of significance.”
Cuizon and Island School will have an opportunity to demonstrate and show the public what the Voyagers have to offer during the Island School open house events today and Nov. 17 and Dec. 1, there will be open houses for pre-K through fifth grade. On Nov. 20, there will be open house for student in grades six through 12.
For more information, or to register, visit the Island School website at www.ischool.org.
Source: The Garden Island