The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning
Scholarship for Teachers
in loving memory of mrs. varney
Throughout her 38 years of teaching at Hanahau‘oli School, Noreen Varney modeled lifelong learning - ever curious and embracing of challenge.
Driven to earn a Master's degree, Noreen was accepted into the Master of Progressive Philosophy & Pedagogy program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM), beginning this next step in her professional journey.
She quickly and naturally emerged as a teacher leader within the cohort as she was within the Hanahau‘oli community.
To honor Noreen's professional journey and commitment to lifelong learning,
The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning Scholarship is designed to support and inspire Hanahau‘oli faculty in their continued growth and development
as progressive educators.
Thanks to the generosity of over 70 supporters, the Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning scholarship has raised almost $200,000 toward its goal of $250,000.
Upon reaching the goal, Hanahau‘oli's first Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning Scholar will begin with the Fall 2026 Cohort of the Progressive Philosophy & Pedagogy Master’s Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Thank you for helping to make this a reality with your support.
Proposed Scholarship Guidelines:
Structured for immediate impact as well as a long-term legacy, an initial current use portion of the funds will be available for the 2026-2030 school years.
The remaining portion of funds would go towards endowing The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning Scholarship to ensure its long-term impact for generations to come.
With a preference given to individuals enrolled in the Master’s of Progressive Philosophy & Pedagogy program at UHM, The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learner Scholarship would provide tuition support for a Hanahau‘oli faculty or staff member in pursuit of an advanced degree.
Recipients of The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learning Scholarship will document their journey for the Hanahau‘oli community and receive up to two days per school year to engage in scholarship.
In the event that no faculty or staff member is enrolled in a program for the fiscal year, The Noreen Varney Lifelong Learner Scholarship may be used to support significant professional development opportunities for faculty or staff members with a preference given to those opportunities that directly uphold the values of the progressive education pedagogy.
Class of 2025 Gazebo Tribute
In the spring of 2025, 6th Graders Stella P., Shelby I., Leila Y., and Keeley F. asked Ms. Woo if they could design a tribute to honor Mrs. Varney’s legacy at Hanahauʻoli. Inspired by the 2024 Children’s Fair shirt they created with her the fall before, they chose to incorporate flowers, and install them on the gazebo—after obtaining the OK from the members of the Class of 2002 who gifted the gazebo to the school—the afternoon spot where they hung out with her each day at pick-up time.
The student-led project included roles such as Directors of the Tribute, Finance, Public Relations, Operations, Art, as well as Labor and Joy Committees, ensuring the entire tribute was planned and carried out by students. Enjoy photos of the 6th Grade Mrs. Varney tribute process and presentation to the entire school community below.
“Mrs. Varney was such an important and impactful woman on my life and on many others as well. Making something that showed her legacy made me feel honored and I took much pride in my work.”
“Deep inside I feel really good because I feel like this project represents Mrs. Varney and what she has done for our school. I think this is a proper way she can be remembered for years, even though she might not be here with us, people can still see how important she was to us and infer that Noreen Varney was a wonderful person.”
