Alvin Nagasako, longtime educator and former principal of Kapolei High School, has been named executive director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

He will start work Monday, the teachers union said yesterday in a news release.

Nagasako retired recently as principal of Kapolei High.

The HSTA also said that Wilbert Holck has been named deputy director and Ray Camacho negotiations specialist.

MAHCHIDA IS QUEEN OF CHERRY BLOSSOM

Marissa Nicole Mahchida was crowned queen of the 58th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival last night at the Hawai'i Theatre.

Mahchida, a 2002 graduate of Punahou School, holds a bachelor's degree in television production from Loyola Marymount University and a juris doctorate from California Western School of Law. She works as a judicial law clerk.

She is the daughter of Layne and Evelyn Mahchida.

Mahchida was also named Miss Popularity.

Allison-Jae Mikiala Hyun was named first princess. The other princesses are Kimberly Chie Fujinaka, Kimberlee Marika Young and Cori Kiyoko Hanagami.

Andrea Mie Hiura was recognized as Miss Congeniality.