Local News

School’s out for Principal Stanich after 26 years

Retiring Wailuku Elementary School Principal Beverly Stanich receives a long line of students eager to present her with lei and well wishes during an assembly on the last day of school Friday morning. Stanich, who served as principal of the school for 26 years, said she was "totally overwhelmed and grateful." Fifth-grade teacher Erin Brennan said, "We're all very sad she's retiring. She served us well." Outgoing student body president and 5th-grader Huy Vu praised her vision for the school. "She made some very nice ideas, like keeping the May Pole for May Day and Cinema Nights, the pumpkin patch and all the extracurricular activities," Vu said. "She was nice," said 5th-grader Jon Cabebe. Stanich said she was going to miss the kids and the staff but felt ready to step away, perhaps do some traveling. "It was the right time, a time for new initiatives and new energy," she said.

Wailuku Elementary students surprise their retiring principal by wearing headdresses with her picture on the front Friday.