Thursday May 11, 2017 | trojantimes.org | Issue 8 Volume XLIV Tomorrow is Today
Compiled by Chaeley Winkler
By Danielle Smith 2018smithdani@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
A week long event, the Merrie Monarch Festival ran from April 17 to 22 in Hilo. The festival is entering its 54th year of being broadcasted around the country with the intention to preserve and encour-
age appreciation for the Hawaiian culture and dance. Among the hula halaus that were invited to the festival, MHS Freshman Alana Nicely and MoeraniHineRavanui Pereira-Ramento and Junior Kiana Fosco took the opportunity to participate and dance in the festival for their halau, Hula O Kauhionamaua. The days were made up of competitive dances in three different categories: Auana, Kahiko, and Miss Aloha Hula. Hula
O Kauhionamaua secured fifth runner up against 23 other halaus in Auana. The remaining days were reserved for a variety of other traditional festivities. “If you want to dance hula, you have to dance from your heart. When you dance from your heart, you can use expressions with your face. (Our) Kumu always says to dance with your heart. Your hands don’t always have to be perfect but if you put an expression,
then that will sell it to the judges and audience,” Fosco said. With the competitive dances spread over the span of three days, the Merrie Monarch Festival was a chance for dancers to showcase nearly a year of practicing and perfecting their routines. “It’s the biggest competition in Hula. So if you are able to be invited there, that means that you have worked really hard and See MONARCH, 2
UH MANOA PARTNERS WITH “OILY CART”, MHS FOR SHOW what’s being effective and what’s different,” said Webb. The performance strongly values the relationship On April 26, University of Hawaii at Manoa’s SEED between actor and observer; Inclusion Honolulu Theater an all encompassing experience, the show capitalizes for Youth, and Diversity, on the use of the senses. Equity, Access and Success “Sometimes the way that (IDEAS) Program collaborated with the Honolulu people process sense, like light, touch, sound, they Theatre for Youth and Tim can process a little different. Webb, Artistic Director of London England’s Oily Cart So for some of our students they really seek it out, for theatre company in a multi some of them, they really sensory theater workshop resist it,” explained special and performance for MHS education teacher Tairita special education students. Waite. Webb elaborated, Webb, appointed MBE by “The techniques tend to be her Majesty Queen Elizavery multisensory, because beth ll for his services to some of the young people theater for young people we work with can’t see or with disabilities, has been can’t hear, but others benefit working with young and from, or can be more susspecial education children since the 1980s. ceptible to touch or smell, “We do, compared to rather than to the usual most theater, very close up things you have in theater theater; theater that’s one to which is watching a stage one, or two students to one and listening to the actors.” performer, so the performer The show breaks the can really adjust what they’re mold of a standard classdoing looking and seeing room education. “When I
By Jannah Kalai
jannah.kalai@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
Kyle Gongob | Trojan Times
Daniel Kokualani (12) (left) interacts with one of the show’s student coordinators, who is displaying a hand puppet as part of a multisensory program which caters to the individual needs of special education students.
heard about this, and incorporating the senses, making it interactive and specific for the actual person who’s coming, I thought that was extremely exciting, because a whole lot of what we want to do, with severe special
education in particular, is to increase the motivation for the student to want to communicate, and want to be involved in a shared experience,” stated Waite. “This is exactly that. Presenting something, we call it a be-
havioral trap, so irresistible, they take the bait to want to engage with other people in an appropriate way.” With a large portion of the show reliant on that relationship that lies See THEATRE, 3
NEWS
2| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017
history students move on TO nhd nationals in d.c. shape their world, looking at the past still affects us today, looking at it through their own eyes and their lense and their interpretation of it learning how to evaluate and analyze their world around them and deconstruct what they see and come to their own conclusion.” Although it was stressful at times, everyone enjoyed themselves in the end. “Seeing kids right when they realize when they do something that they didn’t think they could (is my favorite part about this project). In the beginning it’s a lot for students and somewhat overwhelming, but to see them work through that and get excited about history and about something that they maybe wouldn’t have had otherwise,” stated Kelley. DiGiacinto added, “(NHD) shows that if you work hard enough at something, then you can succeed. The odds aren’t zero percent for you, you can achieve just about
anything if you have a good mindset in completing tasks, having fun at the same time and learning.” Whatever the outcome for the national competition, it continues to remain an experience to be proud of and never forgotten. “At the (state) competition, once they announced third and it wasn’t me, I stopped listening. Then they announced first, and all I heard was Picasso. I didn’t even hear my name, but I was really surprised. I was really happy, I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it validated everything that I went through,” explained Barbour. While in Washington, students will be staying at the University of Maryland where they will bunk with their school, spend time preparing for the judges at nationals, sightseeing at the national monuments, and meeting with students from all 50 states.
see everybody staring as you walked on stage and the lights were beaming right on continued from page 1 us. During the dance we felt your work is being paid off pretty calm, before we felt and you get to share your anxious and scared, terriculture,” said Nicely. Pereira- fied.” Fosco added, “It was Ramento added, “Our alakai very emotional. Even after (leader) wanted us to bring we got off the stage, everythat into the hula, all the one was crying but happy elements like the wind, the tears because we were proud rain, the sun, the soil, the of each other. It was mostly grass, trees, birds chirping. everyone’s first time going Just to get the feel, to get on that stage and going on the passion in our chants was definitely something to and dancing and our expres- remember.” The festival explored Timothy Won| Trojan Times sion in what the words were telling us. We’re really just many parts of the Hawaiian Special education teacher Tairita Waite (center) won first in desserts for telling a story and showing culture, including dance, her mango bread pudding. She also received an apron for participating. our style to the world.” traditions and art, cultivatDespite the rigorous ing a special appreciation for On April 19, members of to take a mental break from practice hours, balancing viewers and dancers alike. the MHS staff participated our classrooms and socialschool and friends, many “It’s the biggest competition in the annual Trojan Cook ize with our co-workers as a of them still felt the excitein Hula. So if you are able to Off in the gym. This was the community because often we ment of participating in be invited there, that means second year that the Celebra- are so focused on what is go- such a well-recognized event. that you have worked really tions Focus on Learning ing on in our own individual “I wanted to quit so bad. hard and your work is being (FOL) faculty group decided classrooms that we rarely When we were right about paid off and you get to share to put the competition on, interact with each other on a to go on stage I was like ‘I’m your culture,” Nicely said. with the wish to promote personal level. This is a chalnever dancing again.’ But we For others, the competition unity and fellowship between lenge for teachers and other have practice next week and meant something different. teachers, administration and professions in education that I’m still going,” expressed “It means a lot to me beother adults at MHS. There aren’t really present in other Pereira-Ramento. For danccause I’m not Hawaiian and were three food categories careers,” stated Monette. “In ers in the O Kauhionamaua just doing another culture that competitors could enter: the fourth quarter, we have Halau, placing fifth was besides Japanese means a lot. ribs, chicken or dessert. The the Trojan Cook Off and the highlight of their time And I really love the culfirst place winner for both volleyball competition. This spent at the festival. “It just ture,” Fosco expressed. ribs and chicken was cafschool year was the second showed that all our time and The 23 different Halau’s eteria worker Ed Pettaway, annual competition. Origidedication meant something carefully crafted their choand first place winner for nally it was two separate ideas and we got something out of reography to share unique dessert was special educathat got merged into one. it,” said Fosco. stories and a variety of dance tion teacher Tairita Waite. Both aspects of the event are As this was a first time styles. “(Our) Kumu was All participants, however, for all faculty and staff mem- experience for a great deal an old time Ilima studio’s got a custom apron for their bers (not just the teachers). of participants, the event dancer and she’s one of the contribution to the event. The winners receive a plaque brought out feelings of fear, older kuma’s instead of one Math teacher Kyle Monette, (and bragging rights) for anticipation and exciteof the young ones who have the leader of the Celebrawinning in their respective ment. “You’re holding the their own new styles. She tions FOL, was in charge of category.” world for seven minutes and came from the early 19(00)’s facilitating and planning the that’s a lot of pressure,” said so that’s where we based our event. “It is sometimes good Compiled by Maiya Ezawa Pereira-Ramento. “You could style,” said Nicely.
Expanding to be more than just a competition, dancers relied on and gained many personal traits that went beyond just movements. “You have to dance as a team. If you’re the best one there and the girl next to you is having a hard time, then you have to help them. If one person isn’t doing the best then the whole group doesn’t look good. Even at practice the aunties would help us, the young ones and encourage us to do better. Dedication, you have to choose that over going out with friends and stuff. It’s only once a year but it takes months to get up to that one day,” Fosco said. PereiraRamento added, “I learned it takes hard work, money and time, team work, passion, love, (and) commitment.” With most of their free time spent together, the girls in the halau learned much about each other and formed tight bonds. “It was fun seeing everyone’s characteristics. We got really really close and now we all wanna go back because of it. I hardly even talked with the aunties or the younger girls but now we are so close,” said PereiraRamento. For the last 54 years, the festival has promoted and preserved the Hawaiian culture and impacted many on a personal level. Although they intended to take the experiences learned with them, the dancers also take a newfound love for the art of Hula.
By Taylor Ann Ono 2018onot@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
T
his June, Sophomores Caitlin Barbour and Jimmie DiGiacinto will be going to Washington D.C. for a week to have their projects judged in the National History Day (NHD) National Competition. Since the beginning of the year, students have been researching topics in history that fall under this year’s theme, “Taking a Stand.” “I personally believe that history repeats itself as far as wars and conflicts go, so it’s nice to be knowledgeable about what happened in the past, so we can be more mindful (about) how people are affected now. You never know what happened in the past (to) someone, ” expressed Barbour, whose project focused on the innovative artwork of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Students started their projects the first quarter of
this school year, investing copious amounts of time and deep research into it. “(Students) get to practice their research skills, evaluating and analyzing different sources which is important, for history and every subject and for the real world. They’re getting to interpret it through their eyes and their words. It’s not just telling the story but it’s (the importance of it). How does it relate to us? They get to pick the lenses that they describe it through. That’s nice for them, and they’re seeing how these things from history are still a huge effect today,” explained history teacher Anita Rosie Kelley. Barbour added, “I put in more effort probably than most people did because I chose to do it by myself. It was really hard to put everything together when I saw everyone around me had people to rely on, (but) that was my choice. I (enjoyed) learning about (my topic), even though I
wasn’t expecting to enjoy it that much. It’s a lot of late nights and stress but every time I had to turn something in I was always proud of it.” Not only did students enhance their researching skills, they also got to learn facts and truths of the past. “NHD is important because a lot of the time people don’t focus enough on history, but (it) deals with a lot of universal themes that you can use every day. You learn from the past to predict the future, and you can see trends when they’re going on and how things can turn out. It helps you see more and learn more about human nature and how people think,” expressed DiGiacinto, whose project was about Lech Walesa and Solidarity. Kelley added, “I think History Day speaks a lot to all the same, you know I think it’s the same answer pretty much like kids are looking deeper at the issues that
SECOND ANNUAL TROJAN COOKOFF Monarch
NEWS
Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 |
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hawaii state science and engineering fair teaches students about real world By Taylor Ann Ono 2018onot@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
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Photo courtesy of Airi Morita (12)
Airi Morita (12) was one of many students who presented their project for the judges that evaluated and graded the student’s research at the fair.
rom April 10 to 12, the Hawaii Convention Center held the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, where students presented their studies of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) field through the projects they worked on all-year long. Among those who placed, Sophomore Tabitha Hiyane won first place in Biomedical and Health Science with a $50 award from the American Chemical Society, and Sophomore Chloe Kalani won first place in Material Science with a $50 award from the Hawaii Academy of Science Board. “I think learning science is important for students if they want to pursue a scientific career, (do) research or become a scientist along those lines. But I think in general it’s just really important to understand how your world works and why certain things are certain ways. If you (want) to pursue a career in science there’s a lot of problems that need to be fixed and we’re the next generation that needs to be able to solve those problems through science,” stated Kalani. Working on the science projects gave students the opportunity to interact
with both their peers and teachers, creating a unique, different learning experience. “There was a lot of projects (at the fair) so you got to meet new people and see how smart everyone (in) the state is; and these kids are the best of their school so what you see out there is a lot greater than what you see at your normal school science fair. The projects are more intense,” stated Hiyane, whose project focused on the investigation of symbiotic properties regarding the E. Coli bacteria. “It was definitely hard because it was a lot of work. I (worked) with a mentor from (the) Honolulu Community College. (Professor Nicole Ferguson, a microbiology professor) helped me a lot in terms of organizing my data.” Everyone learned something new, whether it was from their own project or someone else’s. “(The fair) gives you the opportunity to see other people’s projects,” stated Sophomore Jasmine Chase. Chase’s project, which she completed with partner Sophomore Annalise Conner, studied the amount of microbeads (plastic particles) in daily products like toothpaste. “Usually you learn out of a textbook and textbooks are great and all, but they’re not the best way to do hands-on things. It’s
important for students to go and make their own research questions (and) learn the design process. Overall it’s just a pretty good experience to learn about the world around you.” Hiyane added, “Public speaking was one of the main things (that I learned). Presentation was a (large part of the project), how you spoke to others and how you made them understand you was a lot of how they critiqued you and judged you.” Although projects were not done in big groups, there were chances for students to meet new people and make connections. “I think being in a place where everyone earned their way there and everyone is so passionate about science and wants to learn, it makes it easier to break down (the social) barrier,” expressed Kalani. “I don’t really get to talk to a lot of science students around school because we’re all (spread out, so) I got to talk to (students from MHS) that I didn’t really know.” The event hosted other schools including Kalani, Iolani, McKinley, Kamehameha and Waipahu High School, along with middle schools as well. Most of the science students plan on participating in the fair next year, with the help of their mentors.
Theater
continued from page 1
between those performing and those observing, it was crucial to understand each student’s personality. “So what I’ve been trying to do over the past few days is introduce some of these (multi sensory) techniques; (that’s) how we find out what the young people are like, and what techniques we use with them.” The show is centered around the involvement, participation and imagination of the students, and all those involved in the show’s production looked forward to their reactions. “For them to have the motivation to want to experience something else, and become in involved in something else, to share a moment with someone, is extremely important. It’s part of shaping the behavior,” said Waite. “Well because it’s an unusual form of theater, it’s very concentrated and you have to pick up on the requirements of another individual. You often get unexpected reactions, usually in a good
Kyle Gongob | Trojan Times
Kona Silva (9), center, faces a group of student coordinators who are displaying various sensory techniques they use in their show. These techniques are designed and aimed to provide students with disabilities a way to experience a show in a manner where they can fully enjoy themselves.
way. I think people who you think wouldn’t concentrate, concentrate, people who you thought wouldn’t participate, participate, people who you thought wouldn’t laugh, laugh, wouldn’t sing, sing and so on,” Webb explained. Involvement in this show serves as an open door to endless possibilities, both for the students involved and the coordinators. “If we can get them to accept a shared moment together,
then chances are if we raise the motivation they’ll accept another shared moment, and then another shared moment, and then pretty soon or sometimes longer for some people, we might be able to coax them into wanting to work with a group,” stated Waite. Webb added, “I think what’s good about it is that it usually shows the young people involved in a different light. It’s an extraordinary event in their
lives, they react in extraordinary, unexpected ways. I think it broadens the idea that people have of these young people. They tend to be summed up sometimes in terms of their disabilities, rather than what they are as a whole person.” Webb’s production “In a Pickle” opened at Lincoln Center in New York City, with a second production “Yellow Boat” planned to air on Netflix this upcom-
ing summer. Waite has also been asked to come to Oily Cart Theater Company, London to share the experience of working with people with disabilities. Webb, UH Manoa graduate students and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth made this experience unforgettable for all, as this program serves as a building block for programs based on aiding those with special needs.
NEWS
4| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017
Ward-Riehle honored with HSTA Excellence Award By Shelby Haygood 2018haygoods@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
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or her continuous efforts to raise school pride and her dedicated work at MHS as well as in the community, Students Activities Coordinator Leilani Ward-Riehle was awarded the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) Teachers Excellence Award, on May 6 at the Hawaii Okinawa Center. Alongside various teachers from the Central District, Ward-Riehle was formally recognized for the work she has put in for her students as well as for the betterment of the school. “As a teacher and as Student Activities Coordinator, my goal is to provide opportunities for all MHS students to get involved and feel connected to our home of the Trojans. I strive to do my best to foster enthusiasm and cultivate the passion to serve our school and community while developing leaders in our students,” explained Ward-Riehle. Awarded annually, the HSTA Teachers Excellence Award serves as a platform for teachers to share what
positive things their colleagues are doing to help their school. Each year MHS teachers are asked to nominate co-workers who they feel go beyond the call of duty.“ It’s an award for teachers to recognize their colleagues that go above and beyond. All of the districts select someone and (all nominees) have to be a part of the HSTA union. The teachers on campus nominate someone and submit a write up,” explained HSTA Union Representative Sue Ann Masuyama. This year’s candidate for the HSTA Teachers Excellence is not at all a surprise to the hard working faculty members MHS is home to. “(Ward-Riehle) took the Associated Students of Mililani High School (ASMHS) office to the next level, she did an amazing job. She is an (alumna) of the school so she has a connection to the students and community,” expressed Masuyama. ASMHS Events Chairperson Senior Savannah Mollohan added, “She’s very caring and she’s very dedicated to her job. She comes in really early in the morning and she stays really late at night. She
cares a lot about the quality of things because she’s the Students Activities Coordinator. She takes care of all our student activities and she cares about the quality and our school spirit.” Although Ward-Riehle is commonly known for her duties as the ASMHS adviser, the close relationship she has with each of her students goes far beyond her job description. “Since I joined ASMHS I’ve really become better. I try to work harder and strive higher for success. Leadership wise, I feel like I’ve become more responsible and I’ve become more outgoing and out of shell. I used to be really shy but I feel like she’s helped me become more outgoing,” recalled Mollohan. WardRiehle added, “The teachers and students at MHS inspire me to be a better person and educator. I love my job, I love my colleagues and I love the students I work with. My hope is that I can make a difference in the lives of our students as well as empower and inspire student leaders.” Whether it is in the classroom or out of the classroom, Ward-Riehle continues to inspire those
Photo courtesy of Leilani Ward-Riehle
Ward-Riehle is involved in many school activities, from adviser for the ASMHS to overseeing and supporting MHS clubs and organizations.
around her through the hard work and dedication she has for making MHS a home for all. Her passion for the com-
munity is exemplified in her everyday work.
sandell retires after more than 30 years of teaching
Timothy Won | Trojan Times
Born and raised in Hawaii, Sandell later graduated from UH Manoa and began teaching basic art and photography in her late 20s.
By Jannah Kalai jannah.kalai@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
With over 30 years of teaching under her belt, Francine Sandell will retire at the end of this school
year. Heading a photography course that consists of three levels, she’s spent nearly two decades at MHS. Ready to enjoy free time and travel, Sandell explains she’s not letting her passion of teach-
ing go, merely shifting on to new experiences at this point in her life. “I can honestly say, out of the 35 years (of teaching), I didn’t feel like I felt comfortable in what I was doing until almost fifteen, twenty years after I (began) teaching. Because the students change every year, what might have worked last year, sometimes doesn’t work with the next group. It took almost 15 plus years until I felt almost comfortable about ‘Okay, it didn’t work, let me try this,’” stated Sandell. For nine years math teacher Lauren Ching has neighbored Sandell’s room, their friendship stemming back to Ching’s mother working at MHS, also neighboring Sandell. “She’s very blunt, she’s very sweet though. Loud, honest,” described Ching. “She set the bar pretty high. Her kids enter all kinds of competitions and they win. I think that what she does in the classroom is so fantastic. You see the kid’s work, the products that they make. Whether it’s photography, or when she was teaching arts and crafts, it’s so great.
It made me want to take a photography class.” Senior Misha Lawrence explained, “I think Sandell truly cares about the skill and craft that comes with the subject at hand. It’s not often that we get instructors who have been around long enough to refine their teaching and how they work with each student to fit their individual style. Traditional film photography and dark room work is a dying skill; Sandell makes sure we know the basics and then some.” Before becoming a teacher at MHS, Sandell worked at many other schools, including Castle and Waianae High School. “Every school was a different experience, and (in) every school the kids are different, (and) I enjoy teaching,” Sandell explained. “I think every school is special; I’m kind of glad I taught at all the schools because I think it makes you more aware—you just know about the different kinds of kids.” Sandell’s favorite memories of MHS are from the familial atmosphere of the community. “Really nice past students come back to their alma mater. There’s a
lots of students that have taken pride in coming back to their school.” Sandell has without a doubt established a legacy at MHS. Teachers and students alike agree that whoever is to follow, has big shoes to fill.
News Online
Katie Hashimoto | Trojan Times
Youth Envisioning Sustainable Futures On April 22, MHS held it’s annual Youth Envisioning Sustainable (YES) Future Science Symposium, created as a way for students to give back to the Earth, while furthering their own personal scientific knowledge. Full story and more available at AB
www.trojantimes.org
CHOSEN TROJANS
Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 |
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End of Year Assembly Recaps Best Moments of the School Year
Timothy Won | Trojan Times
Preston Baumgardner (12), left, and Jena Uyeda (12), far right, perform ‘Once Upon A Time’ in the Class of 2017’s final lip sync.
By Taylor Ann Ono 2018onot@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
O
n April 28 at the newly renovated John Kauinana Stadium, MHS Admin and ASMHS Officers hosted the end of the year assembly. This assembly recognized sports teams, presented lip sync performances and reminisced on the school year to prepare everyone for
the closing of yet another set of memories. For the seniors especially, this was not just any assembly, it was their final goodbye to the place that they’ve fallen in love with over the past four years. “Coming here to Mililani allowed me to become more open minded about certain things. This is such a big school, there’s bound to be other people that are totally
different from you or totally the same. But I feel like it allowed me to adapt to things that I probably wouldn’t have experienced. (MHS) has helped me become open minded because a lot of things will not go your way,” said Senior Maria Ana Enza Quimson. “It’s kind of just sad seeing everyone (for the) last time because you’re not going to see everyone at graduation (and) you’re not going to see everyone at (song) practice.” With three pep rallies held throughout the entire school year, everyone had a chance to show off their Trojan pride. “(These assemblies teach the students) what it means to be a Trojan. Sometimes you’re going to have to embarass yourself to show spirit, or you’re going to have to come out of your comfort zone. I was shy but then getting into council and doing lip sync made me realize that it doesn’t matter, high school is just a phase in your life that you (have to) look back on. It teaches us that you should
start making the memories now so when you’re old (you can) tell your kids,” stated Class of 2018 President Junior Brittany Plan. The assembly served a purpose for each class, and for juniors, it was an introduction to their final year at MHS. “I’m excited, but I’m scared. I feel like I can speak for most of our juniors, we’re scared of having to be (prepared) for the real world whether it be college, military, job, maybe you’ll become a wife. I think we’re just scared and excited that we’re going to have our own life that we have to prepare for, but it’s scary at the same time because it’s all new for us,” said Plan. “(Next year I’m looking forward to) feeling what being a senior is. They said ‘senioritis’ is a thing, I don’t know what that is, maybe I’m going to go through it. I don’t know.” No matter if students are graduating, or beginning high school, everyone is thinking about past moments. “I think we’re going to take away the memories we’ve made and
mistakes we’ve learned. You shouldn’t be afraid to make mistakes and there’s going to be something you’re going to be really bad at, but you’re not going to be acidic and stop doing it, you just have to keep pushing,” explained Plan. “My goal is to make my (final) year memorable. I keep repeating the same thing but that’s what I think of high school, because you only go to high school once. There’s never going to be a time again (where) you’re going to go through this, so make it count right now.” Junior Taylor Gomban added, “Everything that I take from this school will definitely travel with me in the future. Especially teamwork skills and leadership skills that I need later in life, and especially the friends that I make. I will definitely keep those later on in life.” At the end of the assembly, just like every other, all students and teachers joined to sing the alma mater, celebrating these times of happiness and new discoveries.
“Day of Silence:” Raising LGBTQ+ Awareness through silent participation
Anika Ramos | Trojan Times
Memphis Hoeft (9) particiaptes in the act of staying silent for the entirety of April 21 in support of the LGBTQ+ community. By Cameryn Oshiro 2018oshiroc@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
Today, there are many different political and social movements, one of the most well known being the lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, queer (LGBTQ+ ) movement. On April 21, the MHS Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) club participated in the Day of Silence, a day which commemorates LGBTQ+ individuals and their struggle through de-
cades of oppression. “Day of Silence is a student led event made by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to spread awareness of the silencing effects of anti-LGBTQ+ namecalling, bullying and harassment in schools. On this day, students take a pledge of silence in order to encourage schools to address the problem of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment,” said Junior Emma Lake.
Throughout the nation, LGBTQ+ students are bullied and made to feel uncomfortable in their own communities. “The day of silence symbolizes ‘breaking the silence’ on awareness of violence against (LGBTQ+) individuals, which are so often not given the attention they need since a lot of people feel like it’s a taboo, overly controversial subject,” expressed Senior Sarah Igarashi. “The first Day of Silence was (held in) 1996 by the University of Virginia students in response to an assignment on non-violent protests,” stated Lake. The GLSEN and SAGA club strive to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in schools and the community. “The media brings more awareness now that LGBTQ+ people exist. And that is why cishets (a person who identifies as their assigned-at-birthgender) are acting like this is a ‘new’ thing when really we have existed for many thousands of years. At the same time LGBTQ+ is still very alive and real. Whether you see it or not, everyday, subtle things like, ‘That’s so gay’ and ‘She’s so lesb’ do contribute to discrimination of LGBTQ+. There’s also much bigger forms of discrimination where, in some countries, people can and will be tortured or killed for simply being LGBTQ+,” said SAGA club President Freshman
Samantha Sasaki. “It’s really important to the community that our allies are involved and join us in standing up for human rights, especially the essential right to feeling safe and comfortable in one’s own identity,” said Igarashi To the LGBTQ+ community and outside supporters, raising awareness for the movement is important, and over the years, oppression against the community has decreased. “Over the past few years, activists have generally felt safer and more comfortable in standing up for themselves. Personally, I credit a lot of this to the internet, which gives people a safer and more widespread means of communication and advocacy,” stated Igarashi. “We’ve gained a lot more rights, such as the right to equal marriage and some basic non-discrimination laws. However, in America, 75 percent of transgender students report feeling unsafe and uncomfortable in their schools, and (LGBTQ+) youth are twice as likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual and cisgendered peers. In many countries, homosexuality is still considered a crime; in some cases punishable by death. We still have a lot of work to do as a nation and as a global community.” Like other groups, the LGBTQ+ movement fight for individual rights such as
legalizing gay marriage and more. “The LGBTQ+ movement is trying to achieve a lot of things. But mostly the right to be ourselves freely and openly as we would like to be. We want to live happily with ourselves, not in fear because of discrimination,” said Sasaki. Lake added, “The LGBTQ+ movement is important to me because I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and the movement’s goal of getting more rights, protection and acceptance for people like me will help me live more freely as myself in the future.” In hopes of bringing awareness, SAGA and GLSEN anticipate to also increase the communication between LGBTQ+ members and the rest of the communities around the nation. “I hope the Day of Silence sparks a discussion amongst students about the need to communicate about this issue. The only way we will ever find equality is if we educate one another about injustices that happen and what can be done to stop or reduce it,” said Igarashi. The Day of Silence shows the support that goes towards the LGBTQ+ movement and raises awareness on the struggles members face every day for their sexuality. GLSEN and SAGA will continue to spread awareness of LGBTQ+ rights and fight for change in the future.
SPORTS
6| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 Travis Afuso
STUDENTS MAKE COMMITMENTS TO PLAY SPORTS AT COLLEGIATE LEVEL By Lindsey Scott 2018scottl@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
O My Fellow Trojans, The 2016-2017 school year is now coming to a close. As we wrap up our trip through the Trojan Universe, we say goodbye to our friends and peers from the Class of 2017 and the underclassmen among us prepare for their next year of high school. With the conclusion of this school year, my time as ASMHS President also comes to an end. It has been my utmost honor and privilege to have served you all over the course of this year, and it is my deepest hope that I have served you well. I also hope that you have challenged yourself this year and seized opportunities to test your limits. Ultimately, high school serves as an invaluable laboratory of experimentation which allows us to learn more about who we are and where our interests lie in order to prepare us for what comes next. For those of you graduating this year, although this marks the end of one chapter, it also marks the beginning of another even greater one. A world full of opportunity stands before you, and remember that from here on out, you are the sole master of your future. As I said in the End of Year Assembly, I wish you the best of luck wherever you may go and in all that you do. For those of you returning to MHS next year, remember that no challenge is too great for you to overcome. If you work hard and believe in yourself, there is no limit on what you can achieve. And for all my fellow Trojans, always remember to be humble for we are made of earth, but be noble for we are made of the stars.
n April 17 at the Waikiki Elks Club, MHS senior student athletes committed to the college of their choice in a ceremony. This ceremony consisted of students signing their National Letter of Intent, signifying their commitment to that particular school. “One of my favorite memories has got to be when I joined council in sophomore year. My mom made me to go to a McDonald’s fundraiser for our class and I was recruited by (Nicole) Arceneaux to join council. It’s been the best decision of my life, being elected as the senior class president and being on council the past two and a half years (has been) amazing (with) all of the members in council, despite any hardships we faced, we overcame it and created great memories that’ll last me a lifetime. Also, their friendship is one thing that I will cherish forever,” stated Senior Erin Ohta. Other programs offered at each student’s prospective colleges, other than the sports, influenced their decision. “(I’m going to) Monmouth University in New Jersey. I decided to go to Monmouth because of their education programs and I wanted to bowl in college. I thought their program was a great fit for what I was looking
for,” said Ohta. Senior Hope Carter added, “It’s pretty funny. (The) college actually found me when I was playing in a big volleyball tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada in my junior year of high school. From the moment the head coach saw me play, he offered me a full-ride scholarship on the spot. I was able to go on an official visit, where I got to explore their athletic facility, dorming halls, the classrooms and I was able to meet the girls I will be playing with and their athletic director. I loved the campus and the people and the atmosphere that that school had. I fell in love with the place and that is why I chose that school.” While playing their respective sports has provided these students with a chance to compete at the collegiate level, it has also taught them valuable lessons they plan to carry with them. “Playing sports impacted my life heavily. I honestly don’t know where I would be today if I wasn’t playing sports at all. Being a part of a team really taught me trust and that working together with your teammates can make miracles happen in an instant. Not only did I learn cooperation and trust, but I learned how to be a leader and I gained more self-confidence in what I do,” said Carter. For students interested in competing at the collegiate level, a few words of advice
Photo courtesy of Erin Ohta (12)
Erin Ohta (12) signed her commitment letter to Monmouth University at an earlier MHS ceremony to continue her bowling career in college.
were offerred. “I would say keep your grades up because in order to qualify at the next level, whether it’s the (National Collegiate Athletic Association) school or an (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school, which are the two sporting organizations who oversee college athletics. “They have to have (grade point average) requirements and our class; certain course requirements or test score requirements. So definitely, they’re a student first, then athlete. I would say they need to make sure that they are making it happen in the classroom as well as on the field, on the court, on the,
whatever arena they’re playing in,” advised College and Career Counselor Denise Yamamoto. Ohta added, “Start early. Research colleges and visit them if you can. Reach out to the coach and say that you’re interested, make a recruitment video with some of your highlights to send to the coach. Don’t be afraid to apply to multiple colleges. Go to the school that you think will be the best fit for you, don’t let anyone peer pressure you into choosing their college. Practice, practice, practice.” As the year comes to a close, students remain optimistic about their futures in their respective sports.
after 40 years of committed, devoted service, robison retires
Timothy Won | Trojan Times
Joining the U.S. navy on scholarship after attending Oregon State University, Robison was inspired by fellow crewman into becoming a teacher.
Robison plans to retire from his career of leading young students and coworkers. For Mathematics and AP “After 20 years, it was Computer Science teacher time to retire (from the Russell Robison, the countU.S. Navy). The world had down to summer signifies changed. The potential admore than just the end of the versary was the Soviet Union school year. After 20 years of and after (they) fell apart I serving the United States Na- ended my shift. I had been val service as a submarine of- dragging my family around ficer and 20 years of teaching, the world, my kids were getBy Cameryn Oshiro
2018oshiroc@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
ting tired of moving and I thought we could just settle down,” stated Robison, who was ranked Lieutenant in Command and worked in weapons and navigation. Aside from his naval achievements, Robison has made many achievements throughout his years of teaching. “(I helped) start the first AP Computer Science class at a Hawaiian public school; we did that here in Mililani. Before that, there had (only) been a couple of the private schools that had AP Computer Science but not anywhere else. I was a Mathematics Department Head for five years some time way back in the past. We made a lot of changes I thought were good for students and brought the math program into full (effect),” said Robison. While working at MHS, teachers and other coworkers have taken an admiration and appreciation for Robison. “(Robison) has been a teacher leader here at MHS for almost two decades. He was a (Hawaii State Teacher Association) leader, he was a
leader in the U.S. Navy. He has always been a real positive force; I kind of consider him as my mentor,” said Chemistry teacher Christopher Johnson, a close friend of Robison. “What people don’t realize is that you need top (qualifications) to even get near a submarine—so the man has integrity and (is honest) and he doesn’t do dumb things. Even a speeding ticket would bounce you out (of submarine qualification) so if you want to be a career officer and serve on ships or naval air, he’s the man if you (want to) know position or duties in submarines,” shared Social Studies teacher Ken Watanabe. After retiring, Robison and his family plan on moving to Scottsdale, Ariz. He intends to take the time off to see his children and grandchildren, all the while visiting and relaxing at the local theater. After a span of 40 years in the U.S. Navy and teaching, Robison will continue to enjoy life as well as brightening the days of others.
SPORTS
Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 |
7
Varsity Volleyball Team Takes First in OIAs, JV Slides in at Second By Lindsey Scott 2018scottl@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
B
oth the junior varsity (JV) and varsity volleyball teams competed in their respective Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) finals. The JV team played against Moanalua High School at Castle High School, taking second place. The varsity team took the OIA championship for the first time in 23 years by dethroning six-time champion Moanalua at Radford High School on April 27. “The game was intense and I experienced that same feeling last year. The only difference is that this year feels like we have a better bond as a team. I experienced something I have never experienced in my life. I experienced a true brotherhood with my boys. I saw the true colors come out and my boys really stepped up when I was (not doing) very well in the game,” said Varsity Outside Hitter Senior Sila Fuiava. Both teams worked hard in preparation for their OIA games and were not afraid to look to the past in order to do so. “We prepared by watching clips (of) recorded games on TV and took notes on everything, so we (could) know (ahead) of time what’s
going to happen. At practice, we foused on (serving) and passing because that was our weakness going towards (the game),” said JV Outside Hitter Caleb Pascual. Varsity Coach Trenton Niino added, “The team went above and beyond my wildest expectations. A lot of people looked at this season as a ‘rebuilding year’ due to the amount of seniors that graduated. But the boys did not look at that as a negative thing. They all agreed that this was going to be a winning season and they were going to go far and accomplish a lot of things. I’m so proud of this team because they set goals for themselves and worked very hard to reach those goals.” Although the outcome was different for each team, the experience they had will always be remembered. “The OIA championship game was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. From a (coach’s) perspective, it was so fun to watch our team have fun on the court and play their hearts out. They worked hard all season to get to this point and to see them having fun and enjoying themselves was a real proud moment for me,” said Niino. Pascual added, “The JV OIA game was very exciting and everyone wanted to win and was determined to win. The (var-
Katie Hashimoto | Trojan Times
(From left to right) Seniors Andrew Valladares and Sila Fuiava, and Juniors Nathaniel Johnson and Trent Matsuba were a part of the MHS varsity volleyball team who won their first OIA title since 1994.
sity) boys and the cheerleaders came to support us and everyone was fired up. We were all experiencing (nervousness) and (tension) because this game was so important and we wanted this win so bad. When we lost, my heart was torn because how of hard we all (worked). But at the end of the day, JV is still family and it will stay that way. Win or lose, we can learn from this and come back next year.” Sportsmanship and teamwork is very important to both teams. “We support each
other by saying positive things to each other and we all talk on how we can improve. We supported each other when our heads were down; we were trying to stay positive and happy,” said Pascual. Niino added, “I’ve always said that in order for us to be successful, every single person on this team will need to play their role. I compared our team to a car, in the sense that every single person on this team has a specific role to play in order for the car to work. If one person isn’t doing their job
correctly, the car is not going to run properly. The team is a brotherhood and they all support one another and they all have each other’s back. I’ve always said that if you aren’t playing on the court, your job is to support your brothers on the court and cheer your heart out for them.” The varsity team went on to compete in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association for the state champion Title, while the JV team continues to improve for the upcoming years.
Akagi-Okuma scores on the Court, in the Classroom
Timothy Won | Trojan Times
Jace Akagi-Okuma (12)
By Maiya Ezawa 2018ezawam@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
With over 13 years of tennis experience, MHS boys varsity tennis player Senior Jace Akagi-Okuma was awarded Trojan of the Month (TOTM). Splitting his focus between his commitment to the varsity tennis team, as well as the varsity boys bowling team and his school work, Akagi-Okuma has learned to stay motivated and humble throughout his time in the spotlight. “The goal isn’t necessarily winning a state title. Instead,
I am just trying to do everything I can to improve as a player, and play to the best of my abilities. I know that I am capable of playing at a high level, so if I can achieve this goal, it will definitely give me a good chance to do well in the state tournament. I would love to win a state title, and I will be doing everything I can to do so, but if things don’t go my way, I know that I shouldn’t be discouraged because I have achieved my main goal of playing competitive tennis at the collegiate level,” said Akagi-Okuma. Inspired from a young age, Akagi-Okuma looked to his family for support in playing tennis. “I started playing tennis since I was about four years old. I started playing tennis because it kind of runs in the family,” said Akagi-Okuma. “The one person that inspires me to go out and practice would have to be my aunty, without a doubt. She played (Division I) tennis at Texas A&M (University) and even played on the pro circuit for a little while, so she definitely knew what it took to help me raise my game to the next level. Even
though there were days where she would drag me out to practice, I fully (appreciated) it because she saw potential in me and knew I was capable of doing great things in tennis and I cannot thank her enough for that.” Akagi-Okuma has plans to continue playing tennis at a collegiate level and has been offered a scholarship. “What really motivated me to go out and practice was working towards being offered a scholarship. I definitely wanted to go away to the mainland for college, but I knew the only way my family would be able to afford it would be through a scholarship,” explained Akagi-Okuma. “I will be attending Trinity University in San Antonio. I am not sure what I want to major in yet, perhaps something in the field of video production such as arts and communications. Either that or something in the sports medicine field.” Being a part of the JV boys tennis team before transitioning to the varsity boys tennis team has allowed Akagi-Okuma to grow and develop as a person. “From freshmen year to senior
year, I’ve improved a lot as a player. I was a very laid back person early in high school, but since then I’ve developed a much better work ethic and have become more comfortable making sacrifices to improve. This has also helped me off the court in terms of academics, becoming more organized and responsible in my studies,” stated AkagiOkuma. Akagi-Okuma has also found a support network in his peers at school, who have been with him from the beginning of his journey at MHS. “My role in his life has been to be the best friend I could be. Always have his back when he struggles with tennis or school, I try to be there for him. (I want to be there from him) while he is in college. Even though he is going away for college, I would like for him to still communicate with me and let me know how everything is going because I still would like to help my bro out,” explained MHS alumnus Dustin Yamaguchi. His dedication and talent to the sport have not gone unnoticed by Head Coach
Jason Agsalda. “(Akagi-Okuma) came into the program a bit immature like all freshman but I’ve seen him grow into a responsible young adult who will do great things in the future. His game is huge for a person of his stature and now his leadership as a team captain has exceeded my standards,” said Agsalda. Overall, Akagi-Okuma feels his life has been changed for the better through his participation in tennis. “Playing tennis has heavily influenced my character and my outlook on life. I’ve met so many great people that I have developed relationships with through tennis. Tennis has also taught me many lessons which are sure to stick with me for as long as I live, both on and off the court,” said Akagi-Okuma. After four years in the boys tennis program, AkagiOkuma has left his mark in the form of three Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) titles for both team and individual doubles. Continuing to the collegiate level, he will be attending Trinity University in Texas in the fall.
SPORTS
8| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017
Varsity SOFTBALL Takes HOME 11TH OIA CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Photo courtesy Jerae Keliikoa (12)
Row 1: (L-R) Ashlyn Kashima, Kamie Matsukawa, Mayalee Saneishi, Merilis Rivera. Row 2: (L-R) Jaslyn Dumlao, Cherise Mori, Elizabeth Winchester, Misha Brea Carreira, Kamryn Sasaki, Taylor Schmerbauch. Row 3: (LR) Hiilei Foster, Nykki Wada, Tierra Dumlao, Markie Okamoto, Tracie Okumura, Kaitlin Carlos, Jerae Keliikoa, Tarah Aniya, Shannon Pascua Stanton, Cheyenne Ardona, Maya Yoshiura
By Christian Lum lum.c2017@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
O
n April 25, the MHS girls varsity softball team took home their
11th championship title for the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) Division I competition. After a fierce game, the team finished it off with a 3-1 against Pearl City
High School. Throughout the season, the girls learned many lessons of comraderie and commitment. “I think we did amazing this season. We worked so
hard to get to where we are now. It took us a while to gel but we peaked at the right time, and the outcome of our game and how we’re playing is beyond what I imagined,” expressed Designated Player Senior Jerae Keliikoa. With only record of 12-3, many of the games ended with a clear win for the girls who applied different strategies to tackle each game. Third baseman Senior Merilis “Mama” Rivera said, “We came together as a team and we did very well against our opposing teams.” The two teams had faced each other three times within the regular OIA season. Of the three games, one ended with a Trojan loss of 8-7. For the girls, the rematch with Pearl City was a chance for them to come back stronger. “It was a good game. It was a hard game from the beginning because we won against them then they won against us, so it was kinda a revenge game. As seniors we went out with a bang,” said First base-
man Senior Shannon PascuaStanton. Second baseman Senior Maya Yoshiura added, “Coming into the game wse knew that Pearl City is a good hitting team so we had ti be on top of our game. On defense along with scoring as many runs as we could. I felt really happy that we won because last year we were three outs away from winning last year.” The entire season was made up of various events and memorable memories made both on and off the field. “I love the bus (because) we yell, we song and dance to all these songs, specifially “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood,” said Keliikoa. Rivera added, “Our strongest part of the season was our bond and getting along and having each other’s backs.” After the OIA season, the team will play in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Softball Championshp on May 4 for a chance at another championship.
Varsity Track and Field Boys Win First, JV Girls Fourth them it just looks like we’re running and jumping with a stick, but it’s actually a lot The MHS Junior Varsity more complicated than that. (JV) and Varsity Track and There are a lot of different Field teams recently finished movements that you have to off their season, with the JV execute well in order to have girls team taking home fourth a good vault. The first ‘moveplace at the JV Oahu Interment’ is running full speed scholastic Association (OIA) with an 11 foot pole and Championship on April 15, dropping it into a five inch and the varsity boys team box, and that’s only the run,” taking first at the Varsity OIA explained Reilley. Championship on April 29. OIA championships acts The “JV OIA championas one of the last few chances ships was my best meet yet; runners get to earn state I was really nervous on the qualifying times and places bus ride there because I really in their events. “States is very wanted to make the state’s difficult to qualify for, only qualifying height, I really about 10 percent of student wanted to (pole vault up to) athletes qualify. The competieight feet so I could go to tion is very tough because states, and thanks to all the there are a limited amount of advice and tips my coaches spots open, since they don’t and teammates gave me, I want to run heat after heat of was able to get (vault up to the same event. To qualify for eight feet and six inches) states, you have to work really which was a foot above my hard,” stated Junior Timothy previous (personal record).” Schiller Jr. who competes in said pole vaulter sophmore the men’s 1500 meter and Leila Reilley. “Not only did I 3000 meter run. do great, but (my) JV teamOIA championships mates (also) smashed their focuses on the public schools (personal records) too. So while state championships overall, champs was a great brings both private and pubexperience and I felt great the lic schools together. However whole meet.” both competitions can be deThe JV OIA championmanding. “The competition ships is the time when the JV is tough, I can admit esperunners and feild participants cially when we face (the) ILH can showcase their achieve(Interscholastic League of ments before qualifying for Honolulu) division which is states. “Sometimes people private schools like Punahou think that pole (vaulting) isn’t and Iolani, and this season really challenging because to for me has been even harder, By Cameryn Oshiro
2018oshiroc@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
Timothy Won | Trojan Times
The JV girls placed fourth with 45 points while the JV boys placed tenth with 21 points. The varsity girls took fifth with 45 points and the varsity boys, including Gabriel Hamilton Howard (12) above, took first in hurdles.
but overall it’s doable as long as we’re putting in effort and trying and working to be better. I could say the biggest competition right now for our 4 x 400 (relay) team is Kaiser (High School’s) team,” expressed Varsity Team Captain Junior Imani Johnson, who runs the girl’s 200 and 400 meter dash. When nearing championships, athletes stress the importance of improvement and aim to train efficiently and strategically. “For (the) varsity championships, our coaches have been keeping us steady during workouts and not doing anything significantly hard because we don’t need any injuries right before (the competition). We mainly focus on finishing our
races strong, and strategy in case someone moves up in a race” said Johnson. “I usually focus on practicing well and improving certain parts of my vault, for example, lately I’ve been working on having a stronger plant and row and (gaining) more control when I get up in the air. I also try (to) eat well and do workouts at home that can help with pole (vaulting) such as high bars, abs and running,” added Reilley. Setting goals, achieving them and evaluating yourself on your performance is crucial in making improvements in the future. “At the beginning of the season I set a goal to win the OIA western championship in both the 1500 meter and the
3000 meter run. I did that,” stated Schiller. “Next year, I plan on breaking the school record in those respective events and winning states.” Reilley added, “I exceeded my expectations this season. Next season I hope to be able to do the same by getting faster and stronger, working on my weak spots and having a better understanding of the sport.” In concluding their season, improvement and multiple wins at OIA’s, qualifying JV and varsity athletes will have the chance to compete at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) championship trials May 12 to 13 at Keaau High School on from Big Island.
TROJAN EXCELLENCE
Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 |
9
Mitchell Kim-Fu Troteia Award Recipient Throughout the year, numerous students have demonstrated that they possess exemplary traits by excelling in various academic and extracurricular areas. In recognition of these students, the annual Golden Scholars Awards Ceremony was held in the gymnasium on May 3. The most outstanding of these students received the exalted Troteia Award, the school’s highest honor. Business Education
Jessica Olarti Finance Tylor La Gier Marketing & Entrepreneurship Yvette Tani-Seda Accounting Joshua Carvajal
Brensen Manding Drawing and Painting II Marlina Brotchie Photography Alanis Santiago-Rodrigues
Industrial Arts Design Tech Directed Studies Noah Rodrigues
Physics Orion Sun
Jacob Fisk Deaven Harrington Ariana Stetser
Mililani Trojan Battalion Superior Cadet Award
Chorus Karan Amelia Bassett Orchestra Megan Ogasawara Band Kira Goya CTAA Samson Lautzenheiser Guitar Reese Maciorowski Piano Kyle Yang Drawing and Painting I
Physical Science Jenesis Finks AP Environmental Science Healani Sampaga
CommunityBased Golden Award
Misha Lawrence
Maria Ana Enza Quimson
Jessica Watarai
Agriculture Jessica Watarai
Fine Arts
Science
JROTC Jase Agoo
Language Arts Travis Afuso Freshman Tina Duan Sophmore Caitlyn Barbour
Mathematics
Nicholas Alvarado AP Calculus AB Casey Tokita AP Calculus BC Justin Ogasawara
Chemistry Sarah Yokota Biology Shakson Isaac
World Languages Spanish Andrew Olson Hannah Yoon Japanese Zachary Higa Hawaiian Breeanne Kalei Poopaa Noah Imaikalani Souki French Kelly Chen
Social Studies Emma Lake
Outstanding Social Studies Students Aren Pai Michael Tabe Tracie Okumura Giscelle Rosario
Service and Citizenship Award 2017 Class Council Erin Ohta Zachary Higa Justin Kimata Jessica Watarai
National Assocition of Student Councils “Council of Excellence Gold Award” Travis Afuso Jessica Delos Reyes Kaylee Johnson Hoyong Lee Airi Morita Savannah Mollohan Meghan Usam Alyssa Yamada-Barretto
Valedictorians Alvarado, Nicholas Andersen, Rina Aniya, Tarah Anzai, Madison Aweau, Kiilaweau Beardeaux, Kaycee Cabico, John Chappell, Autumn Correa-Garcia, Seaenna Dice-Cholodzinski, Zofia M. Evile, Noah Feria, Matthew Fernando, Alexa Fujimori, Haley Goya, Kira Higa, Zachary Hipolito, Andrew Igarashi, Sarah Ishikawa, Hannah Jones, Jessica Jyo, Erin Kalai, Jannah Kim, Nathan Kim-Fu, Mitchell Kimata, Justin Kong, Treyton LaBonte, Tyler Makaiau, Alexandra Mashiyama, Nathan Matsuo, Marisa Muh, Jaren Murakami, Karli Olson, Andrew Quimson, Maria Ana Enza Rambaud, Alexander Jay Rodrigues, Noah Schmerbauch, Taylor Schneider, Christian Shi, Shu Yi Sun, Orion Tallman, Cody Tanoue, Cheyne Tokita, Casey Ung, Anna Yiu, Sue Yee Yoshimitsu, Evan
TROJAN EXCELLENCE
10| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017
Scholarship listing for the class of 2017
Malia Hamili Northern Arizona University
Jannah Kalai Arizona State University Hawaii Pacific University Lewis & Clark College Northwestern University In Qatar Seattle University Seton Hall University University of California, Riverside University of California, Santa Cruz University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Portland
Ashley Kate Domingo CTE/Pacific Beach Hotel
Alicia Hara University of Hawaii at Manoa
Joshua Kamisugi Mililani High School PTSO
Jordan Domingo University of Hawaii at Manoa, College Opportunities Program
Quinten Harada Northern Arizona University
Robyn Kaneshiro Azusa Pacific University Belmont University Colorado State University Grand Canyon University Johnson & Wales University University of Montana University of the Pacific Westminster College Whitworth University
Disclaimer: This list is as of April 28, 2017. These scholarships do not include federal need programs and were subject to verification before being listed. The list does not reflect acceptance of scholarships. Michael Abagon ASME Auxiliary Lucy and Charles W.E. Clarke FIRST Scholarship Mililani High School PTSO University of Hawaii at Manoa UPS Hallmark Scholarship (USPAACC) Illinois Institute of Technology Rensselaer Polytchnic Institute University of the Pacific Mamoru & Aiko Takitani Foundation, Inc. Toria Agbayani Creighton University Cailey Alaimo Brigham Young University Hawaii Nicholas Alvarado Illinois Institute of Technology University of Hawaii at Manoa, Regents Scholar Massachusettes Institute of Technology Caitlin Alvior Savannah College of Art & Design Tarah Aniya University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Madison Anzai University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Creighton University Kaitlyn Aoki University of Hawaii at Manoa Chase Asato Central Washington University Kiilaweau Aweau Creighton University Ottowa University, Athletic Hawaii Pacific University Whittier College Mills College Chapman University Saint Martin’s University California State Polytechnic University, Pomona William Penn University HGEA Charles R. Kendall Scholarship Evan Babcock University of Nevada, Las Vegas Breanna-Leigh Bactista George Fox University Saint Martin’s University Hawaii Pacific University Chaminade University Raena Anne Baetiong University of Hawaii at Manoa Creighton University Saint Martin’s University Arizona State University Courtney Barsatan University of Hawaii at Manoa, College Opportunities Program
Preston Baumgardner Mililani Lion’s Club Leo Club Scholarship St. John’s University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kaycee Beardeaux Bryn Mawr College Creighton University George Washington University Macalester College Pacific University Pearl City Elks Lodge University of Hawaii at Manoa, Regents Scholar Willamette University Executive Women International, Honolulu Chapter Evan Bergman Ohio University Emily Black University of Hawaii at Manoa Jeremy Buenaventura Mililani High School PTSO Annissa Burcham Creighton University Brigham Young University, Hawaii John Cabico University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Portland
Occidental College Saint Martin’s University University of Portland University of the Pacific Whittier College Whitworth University
Arthur Dowsett Northern Arizona University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jared Ellamar Portland State University Noah Evile CTE/Pacific Beach Hotel Baylor University University of Portland University of Washington Foodland Shop For Higher Education Turtle Bay Foundation Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Med-Assist School of Hawaii Lumana’i Scholarship Matthew Feria University of Hawaii at Manoa
Kaela Calderon Creighton University
Alexa Fernando University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Portland State University
Briana Campbell University of Hawaii at Hilo
Jamin Fonseca Chaminade University
Isaiah Casem Central Washington University Pacific Lutheran University
Haley Fujimori Creighton University Foodland Shop For Higher Education
Mandy Chan Creighton University Su Pin Chang Northern Arizona University Portland State University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Tobey Chang University of Nevada, Las Vegas Autumn Chappell University of Hawaii at Manoa Mic Chapur Ferrera University of Hawaii at Manoa Jacob Connel University of Hawaii at Manoa Jason Connell University of Hawaii at Manoa Seaenna Correa-Garcia Mililani High School PTSO Jasmine Davis Chapman University Concordia University, Irvine Loyola Marymount University
Jasmine Guillen University of Hawaii at Manoa, College Opportunities Program
Kara Fujimoto University of Nevada, Las Vegas Washington State University Harriet Bouslog Labor Scholarship Alyssa Fukumoto Mililani High School PTSO Khari Galdones Universal Technical Institute Mila Gaston Creighton University CTE/Pacific Beach Hotel Pacific University Seattle University Soroptimist International of Central Oahu University of Hawaii at Manoa Oregon State University Ariel Goo Central Washington University Eastern Washington University Northern Arizona University Kira Goya University of Rochester
Anissa Guillermo Creighton University Oregon State University Pacific University University of Portland Washington State University Western Oregon University
Nicholas Hidano-Kawato Central Washington University Zachary Higa University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar University of Oregon Seattle University California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Pacific Lutheran University Seattle Pacific University Pearl City Elks Lodge Burger King Scholars Andrew Hipolito Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa Kaeo Hironaka Northern Arizona University Pomaikai Hironaka Northern Arizona University Sarah Igarashi University of Hawaii at Manoa, Regents Scholar Kadee Iha Concordia University, Portland Linfield College Northern Arizona University Seattle University University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Oregon University of Portland Hannah Ishikawa University of Hawaii at Manoa Mariah Johnson Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa Jessica Jones University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Creighton University Hui ‘O Na Wahine Spouses’ Club Erin Jyo California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Mililani Lion’s Club Leo Club Scholarship Santa Clara University Seattle University Syracuse University Tiare Kahalewai Mililani High School PTSO Northern Arizona University Saint Martin’s University
Brandie Kasaoka University of Hawaii at Manoa Western Washington University Sakari Kierstedt Mililani High School Alumni Association Northern Arizona University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Kassandra Killion Soroptimist International of Central Oahu University of Hawaii at Manoa Mitchell Kim-Fu Arizona State University Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Hawaii, Inc. Citizen-Scholar Award Creighton University Grand Canyon University Mililani High School Alumni Association Oregon State University University of Hawaii at Manoa Nathan Kim University of Hawaii at Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine Early Accpetance Program Justin Kimata Chapman University Foodland Shop For Higher Education Hawaii Pacific University University of California, Santa Cruz University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar University of the Pacific Treyton Kong Pacific Lutheran University Jacie Kuniyoshi Central Washington University Brannon Kusumoto Creighton University University of Hawaii at Manoa
TROJAN EXCELLENCE Tyler LaBonte CTE/Pacific Beach Hotel University of Southern California Hickam Officers’ Spouses’ Club National Merit Scholar U.S.S. Bowfin Admiral Paul L. Lacy Scholarship Burger King Scholars Jake Lafata Judson University, Academic & Athletic Ashley Lamarca Saint Martin’s University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Pacific Lutheran University Alexander Lee United States Military Academy at West Point University of Hawaii at Manoa, Army ROTC Nicole Leos Chaminade University Concordia University, Portland Dixie State University Eastern Oregon University George Fox University Hawaii Pacific University Portland State University Westminister College Utah Valley University Justine Liu University of Hawaii at Manoa Kylie Maemori-Yoshida University of Hawaii at Manoa Alexandra Makaiau University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Washington Adrianne Martinez Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University, Pueblo Concordia University, Irvine Hawaii Pacific University Nathan Mashiyama University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Isabel Masiglat University of Nevada, Las Vegas Marisa Matsuo University of Hawaii at Manoa
Darah Miyashita Central Washington University Pacific Lutheran University Dixie State University Caden Morishige Longs Senior Scholarship University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Oregon Baylor University Airi Morita University of Hawaii at Manoa Creighton University University of Portland Washington State University Karli Murakami Northern Arizona University Sydnie Muraoka Boise State University Lewis-Clark State College Northern Arizona University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Egan Nakagawa Central Washington University Brooke Nakamura Northern Arizona University Madison Nakamura Northern Arizona University Ansen Nakasato University of Hawaii at Manoa Thomas Nakatsukasa Central Washington University Alexis Nunes MHS Promising Student Scholarship University of Hawaii at Manoa Darcy Ohta Oregon Institute of Technology University of Nevada, Las Vegas Weber State University Erin Ohta Long Island University Brooklyn Mililani High School Alumni Association Monmouth University St. Francis College Markie Okamoto University of Hawaii at Hilo, Athletic
Janelle Matsuoka Creighton University Northern Arizona University Pacific Lurtheran University Seattle University University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Portland WGI Sport of the Arts Scholarship
Jessica Olarti University of Hawaii at Manoa Seattle University Hawaii Pacific University University of San Francisco
Naiomi Medrano Northern Arizona University University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Andrew Olson Calvin College
Maya Misaki Lewis & Clark College Pacific University University of Hawaii at Manoa University of San Francisco Washington State University Western Washington University Lorelei Miyamura Columbia College
Jasmine Olmos Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa
Kirsten Anne Ortiz University of Hawaii at Manoa, College Opportunities Program Akoni Pasoquen-Castillo Northern Arizona University Isabella Pe Mililani High School PTSO Mira Chloe Prickett
11
Trojan Times | May 11, 2017 | Northern Arizona University Maria Ana Enza Quimson Creighton University University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Portland Cameron Quon Baylor University Northern Arizona University Alexander Rambaud University of Hawaii at Manoa Creighton University Gianna Ramiscal Mililani High School PTSO Zane Ramos University of Hawaii at Manoa Merilis Rivera University of Hawaii at Manoa, Athletic Noah Rodrigues University of Hawaii at Manoa, Regents Scholar University of Hawaii at Manoa, Everett E. Black Scholarship Nikolas Sagaysay Northern Arizona University Taylor Schmerbauch Pacific Lutheran University Pacific University Christian Schneider Central Washington University University of Arizona University of Hawaii at Manoa Martina Segura Chaminade University Shu Yi Shi Creighton University Casey Shimoda Central Washington University Camryn Shiroma Mililani High School Alumni Association University of Hawaii at Manoa Joel Sikkink University of Hawaii at Manoa Jordin Stauffer Northern Arizona University Rachel Storch Northern Arizona University Orion Sun Santa Clara University University of Hawaii at Manoa Shelby Suzuki University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Portland Kaden Tallman George Fox University Cody Tallman University of Hawaii at Manoa Creighton University Destiny-Brooke Tamayo Northern Arizona University Kurt Tanaka University of Hawaii at Manoa Cheyne Tanoue
Northern Arizona University University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dylan Terukina Colorado State University Oregon State University University of Hawaii at Manoa Casey Tokita Lisa-Anne L. Tsuruda Scholarship for Future Educators Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa Western Washington University Kristen Tsukuda Hawaii Pacific University University of Hawaii at Manoa Kinsey Tsuruta Central Washington University Northern Arizona University George Fox University Anna Minh Tu Ung University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar Meghan Usam Northern Arizona University Johnson & Wales University Jake Uyeda Central Washington University Andrew Valladares Mililani High School PTSO Collin Walters Central Washington Univeristy Christopher-Noel Ward Indiana Tech Northern Arizona University University of Akron Wayne State University Meilani Watanabe Northern Arizona University Creighton University Cade Yamamoto University of Hawaii at Manoa Aaron Yamasaki Colorado State University Creighton University Oregon State University Seattle University University of Portland Tori Yamauchi University of Hawaii at Manoa Sue Yee Yiu Northern Arizona University University of Hawaii at Manoa, Chancellor’s Scholar U.S. Air Force ROTC Oregon State University University of Hawaii at Manoa, Everett E. Black Scholarship University of Washington Arizona State University Ariana York University of Hawaii at Manoa Evan Yoshimitsu University of Hawaii at Manoa Creighton University Tyler Yoshioka University of the Pacific Maya Yoshiura California State University,
Stanislaus, Athletic Chelsea Yuu Creighton University Linfield College Mililani High School PTSO Northern Arizona University Pacific Lutheran University Seattle Pacific University University of Hawaii at Manoa
EDITORIAL
12| Trojan Times | May 11, 2017
Letter from the editor By Jannah Kalai jannah.kalai@mililanihs.k12.hi.us
I never thought, in my freshman year, that I’d have the pleasure of writing a letter from the editor. Entering high school I was terrified to my core that by the time I graduated, I would have no set path, no planned future. Editor-in-chief is a somewhat paradoxical title. It’s job description dictates finding yourself in the grey area between mentor and friend. Enforcer and sympathizer. Advocate and critic. When I was offered the job as editorin-chief I took it quickly making sure my subconcious didn’t have time to second guess itself. Because I knew it was not a role; it was a job position. I had prepared for sleepless nights, having stern talks with incoming firstyear students, for InDesign and Photoshop crashing, and for 10 a.m. Friday deadlines. What I hadn’t prepared for was our impact on the community. Emails saying
thank you for our coverage on difficult topics. Smiles of recognition from others at the mention of ‘Trojan Times’. The knowledge of that significance is what has me rise every morning. From a young age I was forced to be aware of my surroundings, in all aspects from intellectual pursuits to political agendas. From a young age I saw the value in garnering a varied perspective in as complex things as United Nations accords to simple conversations with my mother. I was brought up as an individual that you should always take a step back before taking two steps forward. As an individual who made choices that pushed me down so I could teach myself how to stand back up again. Multicultural adaptability in an array of ideologies is rare yet when found, priceless. Whether personal or political the opinions of individuals are met with as much question as compas-
sion. As much advocacy as criticism. To attend MHS is to find yourself in such an environment. As my senior year and time at MHS comes to a close, I’ve been able to reminisce about my past four years. Yet while I reflect, there are some that are skeptical of their future. Citing an MIT study for reasons friends don’t stay in touch after high school, or citing distance for reasons communication may become void. But to them I ask: why do you allow the future to dictate your present? Why do you not treat those around you as a possible life-long friend, colleagues or partners? I’d like to think I’m writing my own story. But between pop-up permanent changes of stations and opportunities that have opened or closed themselves on a whim, I’d say it’s more of a choose your own adventure story and I’m currently the protagonist in the hands of a
lottery system. The irony that this story holds is that I can’t say with sincerity that I know its even begun. My current status is more synonymous with a prologue. And that stems from ‘army brat’ status and not having a home that marks the occasion. Is home the country or state I stayed the longest in? Had the most friends? Enjoyed the most? Was born? Remember? It’s difficult to narrow the choices. But what excites me the most is that variability. Is the author going to continue writing? Run out of funding? Have a mid-life crisis and leave it in a vault unfinished? I may never know. However with every section that’s completed, every word that’s printed, I have an opportunity to find home. And looking back at the past four years, watching myself grow exponentially, watching myself turn into the person I dreamed myself to be, I daresay I might have already found it.
Lonely Cactus
The mission of the Trojan Times is to be the student voice and to publicize events, share in the successes of students, promote the hard work of the faculty and capture the dedication of organizations.
Editor-in-Chief Jannah Kalai Managing Editor Danielle Smith Online Editor Shelby Haygood Design Editor Annissa Burcham Multimedia Editor Kelikoaelakauaikekai Gongob Copy Editor Katlin Schendel Opinions Editor Mary Conner Tech Matthew Feria
By Mary Conner
Camera Man Nick Malae Ads & Marketing Caitlyn Resurreccion Social Media Sierra Gamayon Adviser Mr. Christopher Sato
Inexplicable Ducks
Staff Alicya Burt Maiya Ezawa Katie Hashimoto Christian Lum Taylor Ann Ono Cameryn Oshiro Anika Ramos Elgin Reese Lindsey Scott Aimee Vinta Chaeley Winkler Timothy Won
By Chaeley Winkler
Business Birds By Annissa Burcham
13 long years...
Full of bad haricuts and decisions...
But... we made it.
Congratulations, seniors.
Trojan Times second best in Hawaii High School State Journalism Awards The MHS Trojan Times placed second best in state at the Hawaii High School State Journalism Awards (HHSSJA) on April 19, also taking home best in state for infographic and sports story. Trojan Times was the highest placing public school for the third year in a row.
The Trojan Times is a monthly production of the Newswriting staff of Mililani High School 95-1200 Meheula Pkwy., Mililani, HI 96789 To voice an opinion or any concerns, feel free to submit a letter to L205 or to jannah.kalai@mililanihs.k12. hi.us. Please type your letter and clearly state your name, grade level and period one class. The Trojan Times reserves the right to edit letters as they see fit.