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Kelvin Chun
is an internationally
recognized award winning educator, magician, balloon
artist
and kite
enthusiast.
''Kelvin Yat Sung Chun'' (born 1959) was born at the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. He is an American teacher, magician, balloon animal artist, and kite maker, who has taught with K-12 students in Leeward District, Central District, and Honolulu District, Hawaii. He is internationally known for his teaching, performing magic, balloon animal sculpturing and kite making awards.
==Early life==
Kelvin YS Chun was born and raised in Aiea, and Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a 4th generation American citizen. His father (Harold), is of Chinese descent and whose ancestors were from Zhongshan, Guandong, China; while his mother (Nancy), is also of Chinese descent, whose ancestors were from Zhongshan, Guandong, China. [Wong Family Tree]
Chun's niece, Clarissa Chun, is a 2008 United States Olympic Wrestler.
==Educational Background==
Chun was educated at the University of Hawaii studying business administration, secondary mathematics, and educational technology. He began teaching mathematics and computer technology classes upon graduation in 1983. Chun was a member of the local and national chapters of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, and developed professional development training workshops and presentations for educators.
[Teacher Feature Starring: Kelvin Chun]
Chun has taught at 8 elementary, intermediate and high schools on Oahu, Hawaii. He was also a district technology resource teacher and a state educational technology curriculum specialist in the Office of Instructional Services for the Hawaii State Department of Education.
"Kelvin Chun (1995) is perhaps the most "decorated" graduate of the program, having received a Disney Teacher Award in 1999, and the Honolulu District Teacher of the Year award that same year. Kelvin has combined his math, science, and computer skills to create innovative designs in technology program for K-6 students, and has been recognized for his efforts locally as well as nationally. "
[A Few Real-life Graduates and Their EdTech Positions]
==Teaching Accolades==
Chun was recognized for teaching technology at Nu'uanu Elementary School. He was recognized in Education World's Feature Teacher,
[Teacher Feature Starring: Kelvin Chun],
the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program,
[Welcome to the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program!] [Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program!]
the George Lucas Educational Foundation,
[High Tech in Hawaii: The Real-World Relevance of Technology]
the National Ed Tech Leaders of the Year magazine,
the All USA Today 2000 First Teacher Team,
the Disney American Teacher Award as an Elementary Specialist in Technology,
[Disney aids Nuuanu teacher's dreams]
[American Teacher Award Honorees]
[Disney Announces 1999 American Teacher Award Honorees]. [Disney Teacher Award]
and the Honolulu District Teacher of the Year.
[Kelvin Chun: Magical Teacher]
==Technology and facilities==
Each classroom provides students with technology such as desktop computers. Nuuanu Television News also mirrors what the kids see adults doing, and at Nuuanu everyone gets a chance to participate. Kindergartners are the weatherpeople. First graders do book reviews. Student-filmed and -edited videos are offered. Students in the other grades may do public service announcements or anchor a session with "Tutu Nanny" on a character trait such as responsibility or respect. Or they may do the production -- one at the camera, another in charge of audio, three others at the controls trying to make sure "b-roll" -- pre-taped video -- goes on the air when the anchor introduces it and that the on-air "talent" are following the cues.
The regular daily news also has an interactive element, with students asked to answer questions such as "What day is Easter?" The two students from the lower and upper grades who punch in the first correct answers win balloon art made by technology teacher Chun, who is also a magician.
[High Tech in Hawaii: The Real-World Relevance of Technology]
==Magic Accolades==
Chun is an international magic performer and lecturer. He is known for lecturing and performing on the topic of "Magic from Asia and Hawaii" at the 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention in Auckland, New Zealand (2008), International Fellowship of Christian Magician's Convention 2008, SAM 2007 Dallas, Texas Convention, Japan Cup 2004, Hong Kong International Magic 2003 Convention, Hong Kong International Magic Convention 2002, Fellowship of Christian Magicians Convention 2001-2004,
Columbus Magi-Fest Convention 2002,
[OHIO: 71st Annual Columbus Magi-Fest]
and Texas Association of Magician Convention 2002
[Kelvin YS Chun Award Winner].
Chun has also gained recognition through magic by competing at the annual convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the annual convention of the Society of American Magicians and winning regional competitions.
In 2005, he was in the International Brotherhood of Magicians Gold Medal Finalist in the Stage Competition in Reno, Nevada. Chun was also in the 2005 Society of American Magicians Finalist in the Close-Up Competition in Boston, MA.
Chun entered the 2003 Texas Association of Magician's Stage Contest and placed first.
[2003 TAOM COMPETITION WINNERS!]
He also placed first in the stage magic contest at the 2000 PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magician Convention).
[Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM)]
[Kelvin Y.S. Chun who won first place]
In 1998, Chun placed second in the Children's Entertainment category at the PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magician Convention).
[Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM)]
==Balloon Art Accolades==
Chun collaborated on a visual arts project with artist professor Heidi Schwegler titled "Utopia Sighs." The show's described as a "suite of thematically linked sculptures, video, live performance and sound, which speak of the delight, chaos and inescapable trauma of the toddler's party."
In 2003, Chun placed 2nd in the Balloon Olympics competition at the PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magician Convention).
[Pacific Coast Association of Magicians (PCAM)]
==Asian Kite Accolades==
Chun has taught the art of asian kite making and flying to many students and teachers in Hawaii and around the world. His presentations were done throughout the community including the Japan American Museum, the Pasco event at the Academy of Arts, the Hawaii Council of Teachers of Mathematics conferences, the HSTA - Hawaii State Teachers Association Institute Day, the Hawaii Department of Education, and the Hawaii public library system.
[TARGET FREE FAMILY DAY, 'UP, UP AND AWAY!' SET FOR SATURDAY, MAY 10]
In 1995, Chun's final innovative instructional design multimedia project for the M.Ed program for the University of Hawaii's Department of Educational Technology was titled "Multimedia Instruction in Kite Aerodynamics: "Why Does A Kite Fly?"
In 1989, Chun have received a grant through the Hawaii State Cultural Arts Foundation to learn as an apprentice under the master kite maker Patricio Gongob. The Folk Arts Program was created in 1983 with funds and planning support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Folk Arts Program seeks to: identify and document the diverse ethnic, cultural and occupational folk traditions in Hawai'i; assist in the perpetuation of folk traditions in Hawai'i; and promote public awareness of the beauty and value of folk arts in Hawai'i and the importance of preserving Hawai'i 's folk arts heritage. Over 80 hours of hands-on learning time was generously provided by Mr. Gongob.
==References==
==External links==
*[Kelvin YS Chun Video Website]
*[Kelvin YS Chun Official MySpace]