After 22 years working at Mid-Pacific, Dr. Edna Hussey has officially announced that she is retiring.

The first time you meet with Dr. Hussey, you may have a sort of toad in her throat because you may feel nervous or anxious. But when you talk with her, you start to feel like you're a part of a warm, loving environment and you feel a sense of encouragement as well.

“I think, because she has such high expectations of herself, and she values her work and her role so much that it makes you feel like it's not just about being fearful, it's like you want to do just as well. Like you want to make sure you're living up to those same expectations,” said Balubar.

Hussey started out as an English teacher in 1975. She later worked at various schools and writing institutes which later led her to Mid-Pacific. Before coming to Mid-Pacific, Dr. Hussey was originally the principal at Epiphany School, which closed in 2004. But Mid-Pacific and Epiphany School merged together in that same year, making Mid-Pacific into a K-12 private school.

Dr. Hussey has been an important member of this school’s community by being the kind of person who selflessly puts others people's needs before her own. She used to get to school early and open the car doors for students arriving at school before being bombarded with meetings. But her door is always open for anyone who needs to tell her something. To Dr. Hussey, her main concerns are the well being of the students, teachers and parents above all. Although she is leaving, the difference she has made in our school community will continue to resonate for years to come.

“[When thinking about retirement] one needs to know when it's time to leave, and the confirmation that the faculty is strong,” Hussey said. “ I felt for at least a couple of years that the faculty is strong. There have been times that I have been away for conferences in the school and (the school remains to) run very well… I trust them and their professional decision making. When that happens, you know it's time to leave.”

Next year, the new elementary principal position will be given to Stephanie Hanamura. Dr. Hussey has given her these few words of advice: “One is to enjoy, enjoy the days that you're with the children, listen and observe as much as possible. Just the virtue of listening and observing is a great teacher in and of itself.”

Her professionalism and thoughtfulness are just a few of the many things that make up Dr. Hussey’s personality. Coral Balubar, the Assistant Principal, describes Hussey as a visionary because of how she manages to not only fix towards an end goal, but to appreciate the journey as well.

“She's the one that gives us [teachers and students] a kind of perspective from a broader place, [she sets us] in a direction for the year, throughout multiple years, and [she helps us in] areas in which we want to focus on,” said Art Specialist and teacher Abbey Day.

Liane Angaran, 1st-2nd Grade Teacher, would describe Dr. Hussey as a unicorn.

“It's just that the atmosphere or aura that surrounds her is just very calming, but she does have a scary side,” Angaran said. “She was catching a plane. I heard this from another well known admin, she didn't make it, and the plane door had closed. They had just pulled the connector away, and she just looked at the flight attendant, and they just knew. So they reconnected and opened the door and let her in.”

As the year starts to come to an end with only a few weeks left, students are studying for their tests and teachers are filling out grade books. One can't help but wonder what Hussey has planned for retirement.

“So I am looking for the next chapter. This phase of my life, this is a chapter, I believe that there's another chapter. [A chapter] Where I can be of service to a cause, [to] a community,” Hussey said.

Dr. Hussey has been a teacher, a friend, and a loving member of the Mid-Pacific family. She has touched so many hearts and minds of both the students and faculty. She will be missed at Mid-Pacific, and we at Na Pueo wish her the best of luck on her new chapter of life.

“I’ll miss her presence… Just a caring presence, a sense of safety and security, but also a challenge in a good way… (she’s always) pushing you to be your best self and that goes with everyone,” said Balubar.

A person like Dr. Hussey doesn’t just end teaching, it becomes natural to teach and inspire the people around her.

“I'm gonna miss her inspiration, but I don't imagine she will be retired. I believe that she’ll continue inspiring the people around her,” said Day.