Milken Educators: Where Are They Now? (Part 2)

L. Candy Suiso (HI ’99)

Then: 

L. Candy Suiso received the Milken Educator Award in 1999 after creating a ground-breaking student-production program at Wai`anae High, where she had previously been a Spanish instructor. In 1993, she started Searider Productions, an elective program at Wai`anae that offers students the opportunity to explore, create and engage in all forms of media.

Now: 

As the executive director of Searider Productions, Suiso has expanded the program from video production to include journalism, digital media, animation, graphic design, web design, interactive media, audio production and photography — all embedded in the school’s curriculum. Through the ever-expanding academy, students have created digital shorts, educational programming for PBS affiliates and much more. Several former students are now instructors in the program. 

In her own words: 

“Receiving the Milken Family Foundation award was a life-changing event for me. We were already off to a great successful start with our program, but now we had the prestigious Milken Award attached to our name — a very respected national recognition in the teaching profession. There was so much more work to do and it motivated me to do more!

“The Milken Award opened many doors for me. Since receiving the Milken Award, our program received two national grants: one from the U.S. Department of Education Native Hawaiian Education Program and one from the WKKellogg Foundation. We were recognized twice as an Apple Distinguished Program for innovation, leadership and educational excellence. Most important was the networking with great educators who all share the same mission: empowering our youth to make our communities a better place to live, work and play. 

“I am forever grateful to Lowell and Michael Milken and the Milken Family Foundation for opening so many doors for me. I continue to be challenged every day to work harder and serve our community. My heartfelt Mahalo and Aloha is beyond words.”