George Watson, who retired from the school last year after 23 years of service, died on October 16, 2007.   Known for always putting his students and the school first, Watson had recently returned to HPA to teach the digital media classes while teacher Ari Bernstein (and Watson's former student) was on leave.

Watson served in numerous capacities at the school, but is probably most closely associated with his roles as videography teacher, American Red Cross Youth Group advisor, and Sea Turtle Research Program supporter.

His other roles at the school included CPR Sunday organizer, student activities director, pool manager, work program coordinator, student council advisor, dorm parent, summer swimming program director/instructor, scuba instructor, tennis coach, Village Campus Wilderness Experience Program coordinator, summer school teacher, and superintendent of buildings and grounds.

The Red Cross Youth Group, which was "officially" recognized in 1995 by the American Red Cross, thrived under his direction, with assistance from his wife, Sandi.   The annual CPR Sundays hosted by the group certified hundred of local residents in CPR free of charge during the marathon day-long training sessions at Castle Gym.  

In 1999, the group was named West Hawai'i School Youth Group of the Year, Hawai'i State Chapter School Youth Group of the Year, and Western Regional School and Community Youth Group of the Year.

In 2000, the American Red Cross named HPA and its Red Cross Youth Group as the National School and Community Youth Group of the Year.   Watson and his wife, who also were American Red Cross trained Health and Safety instructors, were named West Hawai'i's American Red Cross Adult Volunteers of the Year in 2000.

The ever-humble Watson always put the spotlight on his students.   "Our students have 'ownership' in this group and they do amazing things," he said, after being recognized in 2000.   "As advisors, our role has been to provide the technical knowledge and to 'put on the brakes.'   Our students have a tendency to try to do more than their schedules will allow.   Our credo is to do what we can and do it well rather than do a lot, poorly."

Watson loved the outdoors and often took faculty members and students on camping trips.   He documented many of the school activities on video, including the Sea Turtle Research Program, for which he also served as the "logistical support person."

 "He would always take care of getting together all of the food, help pack the trailer with equipment, cook all the meals and oversee the camp site," recalls Marc Rice, director of the Sea Turtle Research Program.   "In the early days, this meant packing equipment for three days of camping--everything from water to port-a-potties.   Many of the students' positive comments about the turtle tagging trips revolved around Mr. Watson's cooking.   In addition, he was very good about making sure that everyone participated in all aspects of the program, from cleaning the dishes to putting away the camping gear.

He was always quiet and in the background, making sure that everything ran smoothly without ever making any fuss about his tremendous contribution to each and every facet of the program.   Even in retirement, George continued to participate in the program and his positive attitude was always appreciated.   He cared about the students and always encouraged them to get involved and participate."