Lance began his teaching career at Maryknoll High School in 2000. In just a few years, he has developed an outstanding economics program at the school. Largely due to his enthusiasm, creative and interactive teaching style, and his reputation as an excellent and passionate teacher, the number of economics courses and AP economics courses at Maryknoll has doubled since Lance’s arrival.

An example of Lance’s creativeness is his approach to teaching fiscal policy. In a three-week unit, students assume the roles of the President of the United States and Cabinet members, and through research, prepare a budget for the U.S. Government. Students present the budget in a “State of the Union” address to Congress and members of the media, represented by students from a separate U.S. history course. The budget is scrutinized, modified, and finally approved, before being sent to the President for signature or veto. During this process, students assemble and distribute a newspaper to keep all participants informed of the unfolding events.

Lance knows that interactive applications of economic principles and concepts will help his students retain the knowledge they learn from his lesson. By encouraging students to formulate diverse ways to fund projects in the government’s budget, Lance gave his students a better understanding of the interdependence between economics and government policy.

Lance's influence has gone beyond the confines of the classroom. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Maryknoll Investment Club, the first high school investment club in Hawaii. He encouraged and coached his students in the Council's Economics Challenge and that's not all. The greatest gift a teacher can receive, a number of Lance's students have decided to major in economics in college.

His Principal, Betsey Anthony Ramos, says of Lance, "Mr. Suzuki holds his students to high standards while making the study of economics meaningful to their lives."

The Hawaii Council on Economic Education congratulates Lance on his incredible accomplishments. Keep up the good work!