As students prepare to take on a new school year, a fresh face is joining the leadership team at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School (NHIS). We welcome Joey Cruzata, the new 9th grade assistant principal, who brings over a decade of experience in education and a passion for building strong relationships with students, staff, and the community.

Background & Path to Education
Born and raised in Waikele, Cruzata spent his early years immersed in a private school environment, attending St. Elizabeth School from kindergarten through eighth grade and graduating from Damien Memorial School. After high school, he went on to pursue his career in education and earn his degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. “I was in a private school my entire life… then I went on to UH Mānoa to become a teacher.” He shared, “All 13 of my years have been at Māʻili Elementary… I’ve had experiences as a second grade teacher, a counselor, and an assistant principal.”

From Teacher to Leader: A Shift in Purpose
Cruzata didn’t always envision becoming part of a school leadership team. In the beginning, he imagined himself as one of those lifelong teachers, dedicating decades to the classroom and retiring as an educator. However, over the years, unexpected opportunities began to arise, gradually shifting his perspective on what his career could become. “I thought I would be a teacher for 30 or 40 years and just retire into the sunset… but as life happens, you get different opportunities,” Cruzata said
One thing led to another and Cruzata saw himself stepping into a leadership role. “I got into counseling, and then I dipped my toes into leadership… I never looked back,” said Cruzata.

Transitioning to High School
Teaching elementary then moving to high school is a big transition to work with older students for the first time. “I think it’s going to be a slight adjustment at first… but I’m actually excited to work with high school kids,” Cruzata said.

For Cruzata, one of the most exciting aspects of transitioning to a high school setting is the opportunity to connect with students on a deeper level. After years of working in elementary education, he’s looking forward to building meaningful relationships with teenagers as they navigate some of the most formative years of their lives. “The relationships you can develop with high school students is just on another level,” Cruzata explained.

Vision for NHS & Leadership Style
Cruzata’s leadership style is rooted in trust, relationships, and support. Values he believes are essential to making school a positive and safe environment. “My vision is to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn,” said Cruzata.

A key part of that vision includes developing genuine relationships with both students and staff. He emphasizes the importance of knowing people beyond their roles and titles, and instead understanding who they are at their core. “To build trust is to develop relationships… know people at the root of who they are,” he explained.

Cruzata also believes that effective leadership requires being present and visible, showing students that he’s genuinely there for them. Rather than staying behind a desk, he plans to spend his time walking the campus, visiting classrooms, and connecting face-to-face with students and staff. “My plan is really not to be in the office all too much,” he explained. “It’s just to get out, get into classrooms, and connect with people.” He added that visibility is about more than just being seen, it’s about building authentic relationships: “I just want to be visible to the community… not just as their role, but as people.”

Approach to Discipline
As for Cruzata’s disciplinary approach, he takes a firm but thoughtful approach grounded in structure, accountability, and growth. “There are rules and regulations for a reason, and I intend to follow them and execute discipline as it should be,” he said, emphasizing the importance of preparing students to be responsible citizens beyond high school.

However, he also believes discipline is not solely about punishment. “People think discipline is about punishing, but it’s not always about that,” he explained. “It’s about restorative practice, finding out the root cause of why people did what they did, and helping them reflect on what they could do better next time.”

Cruzata sees school as a safe space where students can make mistakes, learn from them, and develop the skills they need to avoid more serious consequences in the future.

Supporting Teachers
Cruzata believes supporting teachers means being honest, transparent, and reliable. “The best way I can support my teachers is to be transparent about what I do and don’t know,” he said. “Being a person of my word means doing what I say I’ll do, like observing and supporting their classes.”
He also acknowledges mistakes happen but values owning up to them. “It’s my job to be transparent and let them know when I’ve made a mistake. It’s about being vulnerable.” This approach helps build trust and a strong, supportive school community.

First Impressions of NHIS
When asked about his first impressions of the school, Cruzata shared that the staff has been incredibly supportive, making him feel welcomed and excited for the year ahead. “I feel very supported and really excited about what this year is going to bring,” he said. “Everyone has had open-door policies… asking what I need, checking how I’m doing.”

Outside the Office – Hobbies & Personal Life
Outside of his leadership role, Cruzata has a variety of hobbies and interests. He’s a dedicated Raiders fan, joking that “cheering for that team has developed grit in me.

A true sneakerhead, Cruzata once amassed over 300 pairs of shoes and fondly recalls, “I used to wear a different pair every day as a teacher.”

This year, he also celebrated a major personal milestone, getting married to his best friend. Together, they share their home with two dachshunds, Theo and Walter.

Final Thoughts – A Message to the NHIS ʻOhana
As his journey begins at NHIS, He shares a heartfelt message, “My message is, I’m just excited to work with everyone, and I’m here to just improve about the awesome things that I’ve heard about the NHIS, and just be a part of the community and the family atmosphere, and just want to impact change in a positive way. So that’s not just with the students or with the staff in the community, and that’s building connections, developing those positive relationships, and just looking forward to a great year working with everyone. Thank you.”