Diane Mokuau, the librarian for Moloka‘i High School in Hawaii, was recently named Scholastic’s 2021 School Librarian of the Year. Being one of two recipients nationwide to receive this award, Mokuau strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for her students, families, and community members.

The librarian believes that students can pave their own road to success through education and does all in her power to help her students in their journey. She partners with local and national organizations and has created the Moloka‘i College and Career Tour Club to provide students an opportunity to receive real-world experience in life after graduation. 

Along with the latest recognition from Scholastic, Mokuau has received numerous awards and certifications throughout her career. In 2019, the NEA Foundation presented Mokuau with the Hawaii Teacher of the Year award. She was also the first National Board Certified Teacher Librarian on the Island of Moloka’i.

“I am deeply humbled and greatly honored to receive this prestigious award. Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen,” said Mokuau on receiving the award. “This award highlights the wonderful things that are happening in our schools and communities and especially spotlights our tight-knit community on Moloka‘i,”

In addition to her award, Mokuau was featured on the cover of the April 2021 issue of the School Library Journal and received $2,500 in cash, digital and/or print products for her library, a collection of books for the school library, and a gift of one book to every student.