This year at the taping of Hawaii Stars, I had the opportunity of a lifetime. There I was, seated in the audience, so excited for my students on stage. As I watched each of them perform, I smiled from ear to ear. As each show came to an end, like everyone else, I couldn’t wait until the end to hear the judge’s results. One of the highlights of the night was having my voice teacher Neva Rego seated on my right and my student Christina Baluyut who became a voice teacher seated to the left of me. On the stage was Christina’s student. I felt so blessed at that moment to be with Aunty Neva and Christina while watching Christina’s student perform. At the end, Christina’s student won. What a feeling we all felt to see her win. I feel so thankful that God allowed me to study all those years with Aunty Neva. She not only taught me great skill and technique, but she has always loved and encouraged me, which has shown me how to be an educator. I saw the same skill and heart in Christina and that is why I chose to train her to teach. Thank you Aunty Neva & congratulations Christina. It is an honor to be in a family of inspiring teachers.