Henry J. Kaiser High School-Single Issue

A native Hawaiian iiwi honeycreeper perches on an ohia lehua tree. The iiwi once flourished where Kaiser High School stands today.

COUGAR CONNECTION 2nd QUARTER VOL. 48 ISSUE 2

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ON OUR COVER:

BULLYING ASSEMBLY Bullying awareness and BMX stunts; on Dec. 6, 2018, the Action Sports Association fused the two into one unforgettable exhibition that preached positivity as well as fun.

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KAIMUKI SIGNAL BOXES Once riddled with graffiti, traffic signal boxes in Kaimuki have been transformed into works of art imbued with Hawaiiana and positivity.

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STUDENT SURVEYS Student surveys are occasionally used to assess the effectiveness of curricula and teachers.

However, these surveys harbor many flaws and actually compromise the integrity of education.

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KAISER FOOTBALL After the disappointing cancellation of Kaiser football’s 2017 season, which consisted of one blowout loss to Campbell, the Cougars made a stellar comeback in 2018, with wins against Kalaheo, Kalani, Waialua and PAC-5.

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TANAKA STEPS DOWN Photo by Nicholas Okazaki

Coach Asa Tanaka will be passing down the torch to assistant coaches Joshua Hervey, Kentaro Horikawa, and Skylar Yamamoto.

All pictures courtesy of Gearld Canaday IV

Wiping out pollution, One step at a time Mr. Balazs and Wipeout Crew members work together to clean up the beach.

From the removal of styrofoam lunch trays at Kaiser to the enactment of a bill banning non-reef-safe sunscreens, the Kaiser Wipeout Crew’s impact on the community is undeniable.

The WOC (Wipeout Crew) is also responsible for the creation of Kaiser’s Earth Fest and its community garden adjacent to C building. For its successes, the club recently received $800 from Youth Service Hawaii to create a product that would benefit the community, called “Be the Change.” During the production process, club advisor Paul Balazs said WOC members sat down and tried to answer questions such as, “How can we inspire, encourage, and teach educators, parents, families, neighborhoods, and anyone in the community how to get involved, and how to be more engaged in some of these issues?”

For the Youth Service grant, the WOC decided to create a booklet detailing their goals and ways to help the environment through organizing community events, building a garden, or creating partnerships. “We thought that creating a book and [having] the visuals and the whole breakdown of how to do this properly…[would act] as a blueprint for others, [saying] you can have a club like this and you [can] create these solutions for…your own neighborhoods and your own communities,” Balazs said. The WOC plans on presenting these booklets to feeder schools in the area for teachers to use in their classrooms.

The club also created a short documentary titled “Be the Change, the Story of the Wipeout Crew” as part of the grant. The vid-

eo alternates between candid shots of WOC activities and of Hawaii’s scenery, and also features commentary from club members and Balazs. Gearld Canaday IV, a senior member of the Media Communications Learning Center (MCLC) team and an occasional Wipeout crew volunteer, filmed and edited the video.

To film the video, Canaday went to several WOC events: “[I tried to convey] the whole idea of this community together and making an impact on the environment,” said Canaday.

Now, the club has also garnered recognition abroad. #GenerationIB was created, in honor of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program’s 50th anniversary, for schools to showcase how students and teachers are enacting change in the community. Balazs included the hashtag to the WOC’s Instagram posts, not expecting to be recognized. He was pleasantly surprised when Pete Martin, IB Director of Social Media and Marketing in the Netherlands, chose the WOC to feature in #GenerationIB, and promoted the crew’s booklet and video on their social media. Jeffrey Sachs, Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General on the Sustainable Development Goals, also reached out to the Wipeout Crew. “[They said] the solutions that Wipeout Crew is engaged in [are] exactly what needs to be happening globally, where everyone is engaged and everyone is involved themselves,” Balazs said. “It was really great to hear that perspective from someone who dedicates their life to global sustainable development for everyone.”

By Tara Morisato / Associate & News Editor Eui Jin Song / Associate & Editorials Editor 2

An expert gives Kaiser alumni instructions during the cleanup.

Shannon Murphy collects nets that have washed ashore.

Courts of the People, for the People, by the People

By Leigh Farah / Sports Editor and Nicole Iwamasa / Features Editor & Chief Illustrator Recently, 48 students from Jennifer Solmirin’s IB Global Politics or Participation in Democracy classes were given an opportunity to participate in a real courtroom trial. They were able to sit in on a Supreme Court Oral Argument (for a case titled State of Hawaii v. James Weldon) held at Kaimuki High School. This event was a part of Courts in the Community, an educational outreach program that was founded in order to give Hawaii’s youth an opportunity to see the state judicial branch in action. Created by Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald, the program has not only become established on Oahu but has also spread to the outer islands. The Nov. 15, 2018 hearing brought together 400 students from several private and public Oahu schools.

Before the event, schools were given a curriculum developed by the Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and Students for Public Outreach and Civic Education of the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law. After reviewing the facts for each case, 69 volunteer attorneys from the Hawaii State Bar Association (HSBA) visited the participating schools. During their visits, attorneys explained their roles in the

Courtesy of Deborah S. Murray

community, reviewed the case with students and answered any questions that students had about legal terms, the case itself or the process of becoming a lawyer. At Kaiser High School, Circuit Court Justice Jeffrey Crabtree, Attorney General Patsy Takemura and Environmental Attorney Lance Collins met with students from both the IB Global Politics and Participation in Democracy classes.

The case involved defendant James Weldon, who was charged with carrying a deadly weapon. After noticing that Weldon was sitting in the vicinity of some solid waste left on a section of Waikiki beach, three officers approached him.

After showing the officers his identification card, Weldon placed his hand inside his backpack, a gesture the officers felt threatened by. One of the officers grabbed the backpack from Weldon, exposing a metal baton, as the weapon fell on the ground. Weldon was then detained. The justices were tasked with determining whether police officers had enough reasonable suspicion to carry out this investigative detention. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brian R. Vincent and Public Defender Jon Ikenaga presented their arguments to

the court and answered questions posed by the justices. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions about the case or the panel during a subsequent question-and-answer period.

People from different walks of life collaborated to create the experience, all of them viewing Courts in the Community as an especially important program to the youth of Hawaii.

Associate Justice Wilson of the Supreme Court believes “it is an amazing opportunity that shows the community of students ... [why] ... law is important in their lives ... [and that] fosters interest for every student who might want to become a lawyer.” The program was founded for the purpose of encouraging students to study law; the in-person experience provided at Kaimuki High School sowed the seeds of interest for Kaiser students who may be interested in a possible future career that involves the justice system.

“The students were left with the message that attorneys and judges are just regular people in the community,” said Solmirin. “If any of the students choose to follow that as a career choice ... they too could become an attorney in the future.”

Kaiser High School students pose for a photo with Supreme Court Justices Richard W. Pollack, Paula A. Nakayama, Mark E. Recktenwald, Sabrina S. McKenna, and Michael D. Wilson.

The crowd’s hearts drop as BMX rider Myles Larrin sails through the air from the half-pipe.

Photo by Deborah Yuan

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“You’re going to have an assembly you’ll never forget for the rest of your life,” said emcee Micah Kranz before the Action Sports Association’s (ASA) High School Tour performance at Kaiser High School. As BMX bikers Mykel Larrin, Dane Beardsley, Jake Hinke and Jordan Toves performed daring stunts that elicited cheers from the crowd, the ASA High School Tour delivered a message about peer-to-peer bullying.

As part of a national effort to combat bullying amongst youth, ASA High School Tour visits high schools throughout the United States; on Dec. 6, Kaiser was fortunate enough to be selected as a host school. Without the tour’s generous partners, the event would have cost $20,000 instead of being cost-free.

The event kicked off with Kranz introducing the BMX bikers as they cycled around the gym. The BMX bikers performed 360s, 720s, backflips and other heart-stopping stunts while Kranz added commentary. Kranz also discussed the prevalence of bullying in high school and how students have to personally address the problem. “A lot of energy goes into this show, but we want to preach positivity as well,” said Kranz. The tour group interacted with the audience by asking questions about bullying and awarding each correct answer with prizes, ranging from posters to coffee cups. The entire event ended with a chin-up contest between students.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 21% of students ages 12-18 in America reported being bullied in 2015. Furthermore, Psychology Today reports that in 2011, more than 70% of students reported seeing some form of bullying in their schools, with 41% reporting that they see it on a weekly basis.

As more calls for protecting students from bullying have surfaced over the years, anti-bullying programs in education have become more popular. Usually, these anti-bullying programs involve motivational speakers, certainly not BMX riders from the X Games. But while it may seem as if BMX has little to do with peer-to-peer bullying, Kranz explained that it is a fun and interactive way to educate students. “It gets students interested,” said Kranz.

“I think it was a very creative and different way of getting the message about bullying across to students,” said junior Liam Kelly. Junior Kaloni Greer Folse agreed, saying, “It was interesting to see them do something different while teaching us.”

A brake on bullying

By Eui Jin Song / Associate & Editorials Editor

An Iiwi perches on a branch near Kaimuki’s First Hawaiian Bank.

The winds of Wakea surround coconut trees at a Kaimuki intersection.

On this box, an Alae Ula stands in a marsh with Polynesian plants.

As you drive through Kaimuki, passing bus stops, coffee shops, and second-hand stores, you start to notice pieces of artwork on traffic signal boxes once riddled with graffiti. When the founder of streetARThawaii, Jennifer Noel, realized that the tagging was destroying Kaimuki’s neighborhood, she decided to do something about it. Embarking on the project a year ago, she reached out to artists, many of whom have strong connections to the neighborhood. She asked them if they would be interested in helping her bring her vision to life. “It took about a year and a half of wandering around and not knowing how [we would] do this, and then within eight weeks I put it all together–13 artists and donations and coning and permits,” Noel said. She also reached out to other organizers who had worked on similar projects on the mainland for tips on planning such an endeavor.

Receiving support from organizations like Oahu’s branch of the Awesome Foundation and AHL (which donated money for coning the streets) as well as Sherwin-Williams, Rainbow Paint and City Mill (which provided supplies for painting), Noel was able to make her dream a reality. “We loved the concept of beautifying the area,” said Tracey Scott Kelley of the Awesome Foundation. “[We were] so impressed with her enthusiasm and tenacity to achieve what she sets her mind to that we gave her a second grant to further the concept.” She was the first person ever to be awarded two grants by the foundation.

The community also played its own part in bringing Noel’s dream to life, as streetARThawaii’s project was aided by local restaurants, like Coffee Talk and The Curb, and even Kaimuki residents, who offered food and bottled water to the artists. “It just came together—it was meant to be,”

Noel said.

The artists come from different parts of Oahu, although most are from Kaimuki, and each creates art inspired by their own unique experiences. Each piece has a story behind it that is meaningful not just to the artists but also to members of the community.

One piece features a Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) with a portrait of a woman in the background. While the artist, Luke DeKneef was painting it, a man drove by. He had just left the hospital where his mother had recently died. He saw the painting of the woman and told the artist how much it reminded him of his mom in her youth. “It became a...bonding experience,” said Noel. The man told the artist that he was going to drive by the signal box every day in honor of his mother.

Many of the art pieces feature a variety of Hawaiian birds, most prominently the Alae Ula (Hawaiian mudhen), after which Waialae Avenue (where most of the pieces are located) is named. “We wanted it to have a thread of Hawaiiana in it,” Noel said. The box right outside of Goodwill features two sparrows, a favorite of a security guard the artist befriended. A box closer to the residential area depicts an ostrich, as the Kaimuki area once harbored an ostrich farm for King David Kalakaua.

As this is her first project since creating streetARThawaii, Noel is interested but hesitant in expanding the scope of this project to other communities. “It’s a lot for one person to organize,” Noel said.

“In the holidays, I’ll probably take a break after this.” Although taking the project to other neighborhoods is a possibility for her, right now Noel wants to focus on Kaimuki. Kaimuki is her home, and her project has helped make it a home that others can be proud to live in.

Kaimuki Signal Boxes

By Haley Lenander / Staff Writer Photos by Haley Lenander

Kaiser’s campus ...

2,000 years ago

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he bell rings, the passing period starts, and it’s time for you to get to your next class. As you walk on the sidewalk, you look around, probably not thinking twice about Kaiser’s campus; and yet, two millennia ago, an extremely biodiverse dryland forest flourished here. Once prominent at low elevations, Hawaii’s dryland forests would have been one of the best ecosystems in the world to study evolution and biodiversity, but today, only remnant patches remain, collectively constituting a mere 10% of what once was. Although Kaiser’s dryland forest is gone, we can still imaginatively explore what must have been a Hawaiian wonderland.

The Forest Floor

Rewind time back to 18 C.E. You don’t feel as if you left the present, albeit there is a massive forest all around you. The reason: there are still chickens everywhere! Or are there? On closer inspection, the chicken-like birds tramping on leaf litter are actually Hawaiian crakes, an umbrella term which refers to five different species of flightless birds. Kaiser’s forest harbors two: Ziegler’s crake (Porzana ziegleri) and Ralph’s crake (Porzana ralphorum), the latter of which is tied with a Maui species (Porzana severnsi) as the largest of the Hawaiian crakes. Another flightless bird – the moa-nalo (Thambetochen xanion) – is also foraging as it consumes ferns using the teeth-like protrusions of its beak. This large bird actually evolved from a species of dabbling duck.

The Understory

Aalii (Dodonaea viscosa) – a hardy shrub that will later be used by the Hawaiians to construct tools and weapons – dominates this layer of the forest. This shrub is resilient to such a high degree that the Hawaiians of Kau, Hawaii Island, will conceive of a proverb that is based on the plant’s physical characteristics: “He aalii au, aohe makani e hina ai,” or “I am an aalii shrub, no wind can push me over.” Amongst the ubiquitous shrubbery, orange-red streaks the air as the Kamehameha butterfly, Hawaii’s state insect, flutters erratically. This species is one of only two native butterflies, the other being the iridescent, blue koa butterfly (Udara blackburni). Suddenly, a flash is seen; a koa bug (Coleotichus blackburniae) is busy sucking the juice out of a papery aalii seed capsule. This species of stink bug, whose outer shell appears to be made of shiny jewels, is nearly stinkless (it still emits foul-smelling chemicals as a defense mechanism but at a low potency), probably due to the lack of predators.

Perhaps the strangest critter you may come across is the world’s

By Nicholas Okazaki / Co-editor in chief Photos by Nicholas Okazaki

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only carnivorous inchworm belonging to the Eupithecia genus.

This inchworm lays in wait for days, resembling a twig as it stays frozen. When an unsuspecting Hawaiian drosophilid (think of a massive fruit fly) contacts the inchworm’s hind trigger hairs … snatch! The moth caterpillar grabs onto the fly with its sharp true legs, locking in the prey item as it begins to munch.

The Canopy

Here is the domain of the wiliwili tree. As if stained by the sun’s rays, the wiliwili’s bark is golden, and the trees in this forest are perhaps 500 years old. Atop a beautifully-gnarled branch, a Hawaiian eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) watches over the landscape, eyeing potential prey as well as competition: the Oahu stilt owl (Grallistrix orion) is also on patrol. Various honeycreepers can be heard flying from perch to perch, including the iiwi (Vestiaria coccinea), which evolved a curved, salmon-colored beak to retrieve nectar from the curved flowers of various Hawaiian lobelias. There is also the Oahu alauahio (Paroreomyza maculata), which uses its straight beak to eat insects and spiders. One of these is the Hawaiian happy-face spider (Theridion grallator), an arachnid that has a happy-face pattern on its cephalothorax.

There are at least 56 species of Hawaiian honeycreepers currently extant, all evolving from a single flock of Eurasian rosefinch that somehow traveled over the vast Pacific and ended up in the Hawaiian Islands. By the 21st century, all but 18 will be extinct due to invasive predators, deforestation, and avian malaria.

Where can you go today to get a sense of Kaiser’s dryland forest?

The only place where you can go to get any sense of what Kaiser’s dryland forest must have been like is Kohelepelepe (better known by its pseudonym, Koko Crater), which is not surprising given that it is located in Kaiser High School’s backyard. Beside the well-known tram trail before the bridge, remnant patches of aalii are still present and are thriving amidst the invasive haole koa. If you head on over to Koko Crater Botanical Garden (which is situated inside of Kohelepelepe’s crater) and walk to the Hawaiian Section, you will see an ancient and protected (by the Exceptional Tree Act 105) grove of towering wiliwili trees, some of East Oahu’s last.

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By Deborah Yuan / Co-Editor in Chief & Tara Morisato / Associate & News Editor

Here Lies Daniel Tate: $17.99 written by Cristin Terrill

Ten-year-old Daniel Tate goes missing from one of California’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Six years later, he’s found on the Canadian border in a traumatized state. Tate is brought home and slowly adjusts to his new life after six years of being assumed dead.

Then it’s happily ever after. Except it isn’t Daniel Tate. Terrill ditches the conventional use of chapters to divide the book; as a result, the 400-page book flows from the beginning to the end without pause and is nearly impossible to put down. Cristin Terrill’s masterpiece blurs the lines between truth and lies, and good and evil; Here Lies Daniel Tate will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Courtesy of Sta rbucks

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Essential Things

Starbucks’ Grande Triple Mocha Frappuccino: $5.45

This refreshing, chocolatey (kind of) new entry to Warning: Don’t trust everything.

Starbucks’ permanent menu is a must-try this fall, Read beyond the lines. even for people who don’t usually enjoy Frappuccinos. The difference between this blended ice coffee Courtesy of Amazon and the original Mocha is the addition of Starbucks’ new “cold brew” whipped cream, which makes the coffee creamier and richer. Frappuccinos have a reputation for being overly sweet, Pembrook’s but this blended drink is just right. The Triple Mocha’s caffeinated kick doesn’t hit as strong as the original Mocha, so it’s the perfect drink for staying alert Hospital Socks: $10.95 while winding down this fall!

If you ever wanted to wear a wool coat on an outing or snuggle under layers of blankets during the cold months, fuzzy hospital socks are the perfect socks for you. I know the word “hospital” in the product name may be slightly off-putting, but these socks aren’t hospital-exclusive. Fuzzy and comfortable? Check.

Plain and simple design? Check. But wait, there’s more.

These socks come with rubber grips on the bottom to prevent you from slipping and falling. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to lock myself indoors and watch some Christmas classics with my new socks.

AGU Ramen: $13.50

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AGU Ramen Bistro serves both traditional and fusion-style ramen at its locations near Ala Moana, Waikiki and Stadium Park. After founder Hisashi Uehara opened AGU’s first location at the Saint Louis Alumni Association, his shop’s ramen became an instant local favorite, and the restaurant Courtesy of chain now extends to www.aguramen.com places as far as Dallas, Texas and Seoul, South Korea. Get their tonkotsu ramen for $13.50; the broth is made from pork bone and is boiled for over 24 hours. Along with their awesome ramen, I recommend their Agedashi tofu and gyoza.

Fuzzy iPhone case: $1.99

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*luxurious in lifestyle yet humble in character

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Fuzzy iPhone case. Need I say more? One can never have too many phone cases. If you’re looking for a way to be boujee* without breaking the bank, this is a great option. Although this phone case is slightly reminiscent of carpet samples, it does a good job of keeping your hands warm.

Fall Break by Nicole Iwamasa

Horoscopes Aries

You have a very devoted and passionate nature which excites and invigorates those around you, but remember to consider how others will feel about your actions.

Taurus

Your patient and hardworking nature often ensures you get jobs done, but remember not to be too cautious. Being secure is good, but don’t be afraid of a change!

Gemini

You are very adept at communication and collaboration with others, but make sure to pace yourself.

This month, try sticking to a routine.

Cancer

Mascot by Nicole Iwamasa

You have a nature that is very caring and compassionate, but also overbearing and overly competitive when taken in the wrong way.

Leo

At times, your personality can strike others as cold-hearted and aggressive, although you mean well. It’s okay to not always be the best.

Virgo

You are very witty and resourceful, but try not to be too critical of others. Don’t forget to compliment those around you.

Bee Yourself by Nicole Iwamasa

Libra

You have a charming and lovable personality, but be careful not to set your expectations too high.

This month, make a list of the things you are thankful for.

Scorpio

You have a loyal and magnetic nature that can be a bit intense at times. You tend to obsess over little things. Take a moment to relax this month.

Sagittarius

Sagittarians are encouraging and dedicated, but sometimes have trouble following through on their commitments. This month, make sure to take things a bit more seriously.

Capricorn

This month, you may be faced with trials and tribulations, but remember to face the challenges ahead with honesty and optimism.

Aquarius

Bison by Shannon Takahashi

You are inviting and creative, but make sure you remember to stay open to other ideas as well. Make sure you find someone who brings you down to earth.

Pisces

You may want to hold onto many nostalgic items during this holiday season, but remember to look ahead and not backward. Don’t get caught up in a fantasy.

“People might not get all they work for in this world, but they must certainly work for all they get,” says Class of 2020 Vice Principal Kevin Dias from his new position as VP at Kaimuki Middle School, leaving Kaiser students with the same Frederick Douglass quote he began his New Freshman Orientation speech with back in August of 2016.

Dias began working at Kaiser as a Vice Principal Intern in the 2016-17 school year, and became a full time Vice Principal (VP) for the 2017-18 year. His prior work as a teacher at Kaimuki Middle School and a psychiatric assistant at the Queen’s Medical Center prepared him for working with students as a VP. However, Dias attributed his understanding of the administrative side of the job to his time at Kaiser High School, expressing appreciation for his experiences working with its students and staff.

“It is wonderful to see students interacting and growing as young adults… I will miss the relationships that I established with students and colleagues. I also enjoyed being a part of all of the different

Selina Gujan: swiss new perspective on

Gujan answers a question in Ms. O’Neill’s class.

Teaching in a school about 7,000 miles away from your homeland may seem daunting to some, but Selina Gujan welcomed the challenge.

In Switzerland, prospective teachers are required to spend a period of time as assistant teachers in an English-speaking country of their choice. From Jan. 14 to Feb. 18, Gujan served as an assistant teacher in Ms. Megan O’Neill’s Algebra I class.

Gujan mentioned that other teachers chose to teach in Ireland, London and Cape Town, but she had known for some time that Hawaii would be her top destination. In 2015, Gujan had taken her first trip to Oahu and stayed for more than two months. During that time, she developed a love for the surf and warm weather and even owned a

activities that the high school environment has to offer,” he said.

While at Kaiser, Dias’ main project was implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS are various programs and techniques designed to improve student behavior and character starting in the classroom. “[It was] admittedly a difficult task to undertake at the high school level, as many of the components are more common at an elementary or middle school level,” Dias said. “However, if the bottom line is doing what’s best for students —providing proactive supports for students— it’s worth it.” These techniques include behavioral guidelines, incentives, and strategies, all of which Dias played an essential part in developing into Kaiser’s Positive Behavior Matrix, Positive Behavior Incentive Program, and Positive Classroom Management Strategies.

Dias’ decision to become a VP at Kaimuki Middle was made for several reasons, but paramount was his desire to support his family. With three children in three different schools, and

DIAS LEAVES OFFICE

By Tara Morisato / Associate & News Editor

a home nearer to Kaimuki than Kaiser, Dias felt it was the best way to be more involved as a father. Additionally, as a former Kaimuki Middle teacher, he knew the transition would not be too difficult. “Still,” Dias said, “I am saddened by the timing of my departure… It was a joy to work at Kaiser High School.”

In his final message for Kaiser students, Dias stressed the importance of hard work, accountability, and making memories. “You only experience high school once. Make it count. Take advantage of the opportunities that Kaiser has to offer,” he said. “Value the relationships that you make with friends, teachers, and coaches, as these can be life-long. Take responsibility for your actions, right or wrong. Always.”

s exchange teacher shares n education surfboard at one point.

Gujan emphasized that while the United States education system is much different from that of Switzerland, similar student attitudes, habits and struggles can be found in any country. The education quality varies in Switzerland just as it does in America. Despite this, there are some things that she believes the two nations could learn from each other.

For instance, students in Switzerland have a set schedule, with many mandatory classes that can, at times, limit the scope of their education.

“Sometimes you can choose an extra language, but [you can’t really choose your] courses,” Gujan said. “I think it keeps the students motivated if they can choose.” She expressed admiration for the wide range of clubs and

By Nicole Iwamasa / Features Editor & Chief Illustrator Tara Mie Morisato / News Editor Courtesy of Ashley Wolstein

art classes offered at Kaiser and other schools outside of Switzerland, explaining that extracurricular clubs are a relatively new phenomenon in Swiss education.

On the topic of the U.S., Gujan believes that schools should place more emphasis on student accountability, which will properly prepare students for their futures. “[The teachers] give so much support, even after class. I really admire that, but on the other hand, I think it’s important that students understand it’s their own responsibility,” she said.

“After high school, you also need to be responsible, so why not just learn it now?”

After helping students with their assignments each day, Gujan has her own homework to complete.

Exchange teachers are required to write a blog entry three times a week detailing their educational and recreational experiences abroad, and Gujan has found many subjects for her entries. Whether she’s hiking Hanauma Bay to catch a beautiful Hawaiian sunrise or observing different Kaiser classes, the exchange teacher has filled her days with excitement.

Though she had just completed her assistant teaching period and returned to her home country, Gujan learned about many aspects of Kaiser’s schooling system. Gujan aims to incorporate these aspects into her future high school curriculum at a school located in the Eastern region of Switzerland named Schule Felsberg.

Circe

Author: Madeline Miller (Adult Fantasy)

We Are Okay

Author: Nina LaCour (Young Adult Realistic Fiction)

Madeline Miller, the author of Song of Achilles, writes another book about Greek mythology – this time about the sorceress Circe. While I absolutely loved Song of Achilles, I think Circe is even better, which I didn’t think was possible. Miller excels in recreating the strange and beautiful world of Greek mythos.

Many works based on Greek mythos often focus on famous Greek heroes and gods, but this book’s focus on a lesser known goddess makes it a riveting experience. Miller details the goddess’s experiences with pain, love, desire, heartache, and motherhood by adding amazing detail and emotion. It’s a book that pulls you in from the very first sentence and doesn’t let you go until you read the last word.

A lot of books don’t live up to the beautiful covers they have on the front. However, We Are Okay is not one of those books.

The plot revolves around Marin, who hasn’t talked to anyone from her past after her grandfather passed away and she moved away for college. When best friend Mabel comes over to visit for winter break, Marin is forced to confront everything she’s tried to ignore: her grief, her confusion, and herself. There’s not much that happens in this novel, as it centers around Marin’s recollections of the past, but I found it extremely fascinating.

LaCour has such a beautiful way of writing, and she is able to portray grief and loneliness with a deft hand. Nothing is played for melodrama: LaCour instead focuses on the more subtle elements of emotions.

Everything I Never Told You

American Born Chinese

Celeste Ng’s debut novel Everything I Never Told You is easily one of my favorite books. It tells the story of a mixed-race family living in 1970s small-town Ohio, which sounds like it should be boring, but I read the entire novel in one sitting.

Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee – a fact that the other two siblings quietly accept – but when she is found dead in the local lake, the family quickly unravels. Each character is incredibly complex, and by the time you finish the novel, you almost feel like you’ve spent your life growing up alongside them.

Winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, this graphic novel consists of three separate tales. The first is based on the legendary folk tale of the Monkey King, the second is about a second-generation Asian American named Jin Wang, and the third is about a white American boy named Danny whose Chinese cousin Chin-Kee visits every year. While the three tales seem unrelated at first, they later intertwine. The story deconstructs themes of racial stereotypes and represents the Asian-American experience both accurately and poignantly. It’s funny, well drawn, and overall a very powerful story.

Author: Celeste Ng (Adult Realistic Fiction)

Author: Gene Luen Yang (Graphic Novel)

Please Ignore Vera Dietz

The Prince and the Dressmaker

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is easily one of the most creative, intricate novels that I have read. The story revolves around high school student Vera Dietz after the death of her former best friend Charlie. She knows more than anyone about what actually happened to Charlie but is struggling to clear his name when it seems like she never really understood him. Both Vera and Charlie go through things that normal high schoolers will probably never go through. However, King portrays her characters so remarkably that you’re left with two complex individuals who seem to leap off the page. Vera is a multidimensional character who has to face her strained relationship with her parents and deal with her complicated past with Charlie. Her grief is portrayed realistically – she doesn’t break down into tears at every moment, nor is she stoic throughout the entire ordeal. However, Vera’s story doesn’t just revolve around Charlie. She deals with the weight of the expectations of her father, the abandonment of her mother, and the confusing world of growing up. Ultimately, Please Ignore Vera Dietz isn’t just a book – it’s an experience.

This graphic novel is amazingly sweet and romantic. The story centers on Frances, a dressmaker who aspires to have her clothing displayed on the runway. She is given the chance to design dresses for Prince Sebastian, who is supposed to be looking for a princess to marry. Instead, he moonlights as the fashion icon Lady Crystallia. The whole novel reads like a Disney movie, with a more contemporary setting. While Sebastian’s gender identity is not elaborated upon, he is someone who identifies with different modes of gender expression. Wang noted that while genderqueer is “probably the best descriptor,” she is open to readers’ interpretations of how they see the character. Not only is this story sure to warm your heart, but it’s also an important one.

Author: A.S. King (Young Adult Realistic Fiction)

Author: Jen Wang (Young Adult Graphic Novel)

Book Recommendations

By Eui Jin Song / Associate & Editorials Editor

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Cost of Fashion

By Nicole Iwamasa / Features Editor & Chief Illustrator Eui Jin Song / Associate & Editorials Editor

Illustration by Nicole Iwamasa

When we browse the racks of vibrant back-to-school clothing at our local mall, prices are often on the top of our list of things to look out for. Rarely do we consider why prices are the way they are. Instead, we stay away from brands that sell clothing for prices we view as too high, without realizing that these prices improve the treatment of workers. However, with the growing social awareness about company history and practices, we consumers are running out of excuses to continue shopping at places like Forever 21.

Fast fashion is a modern term used by fashion retailers to describe designs that are released quickly to model the changing trends. Brands like Forever 21, Zara and Topshop are at the forefront of this fashion retail revolution, and the term has become associated with disposable fashion due to the low prices the clothes are sold for. However, despite the cheap prices, fast fashion has a high cost, both ethically and environmentally.

In 2013, an eight-story commercial building in Bangladesh named Rana Plaza collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 1,134 people. Despite the Rana Plaza’s obvious structural problems, the workers were ordered to complete orders for buyers due to the short production deadlines demanded by fast fashion brands. The Rana Plaza incident is only one of the many incidents that have occurred as a result of unfair labor practices.

However, unfair labor practices do not just exist in remote areas outside of the U.S., a prime example being Forever 21, where behind every sweater you pick up is a tired, overworked and grossly-underpaid sweatshop worker. The U.S. Department of Labor has confirmed that Forever 21’s workers face working conditions similar to those belonging to sweatshops, earning only $4-6 an hour, which is far below the minimum wage ($12 in Los Angeles).

Unfortunately, companies like Forever 21 and Ross are retailers rather than manufacturers, and the U.S. Department of Labor can only enforce laws for companies that hire and break labor laws themselves.

The practice of fast fashion and our mass consumption of clothing have taken a toll on the environment as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, the average American throws away about 81 pounds of clothing every year. Ninety-five percent of used textiles can be recycled, but rather than being recycled, 85% end up in the trash. Synthetic fabrics, often used by fast fashion brands, take hundreds of years to decompose. Consumers are buying more and more clothes not only because they want the clothing and think it’s fashionable but also because the low prices enable them to buy more for less. As a result, the average person buys 60% more clothes but keeps them for half as long as someone 15 years ago, which generates a great amount of waste.

Of course, some people simply cannot afford to buy higher quality clothing because it usually entails a higher price. As a result, trendy fashion with cheap prices can come as a blessing, and it is improbable to suggest that these people switch to more expensive options that they cannot afford.

13

RATE OR HATE?

Illustration by Nicole Iwamasa

By Eui Jin Song /Associate & Editorials Editor Student surveys of teachers can often seem like a great thing to students, but not so much for the teachers. Writing reviews can be a student’s way of expressing gratitude towards a teacher, or perhaps a critique of their teaching method. Some may even think that surveys will encourage teachers to improve the quality of the education they provide.

However, while students’ opinions can provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of their educators, the overall inaccuracy of surveys should not be ignored. In fact, many studies have found that there is sometimes no correlation between student surveys and the actual quality of the course. Although student surveys can sometimes offer useful information to instructors, they ultimately compromise the integrity of education.

First of all, course surveys are often influenced by a multitude of biases. Studies have found that several of the evaluations centered around superficial observations of the educators rather than the course material itself. For example, students would comment on faculty appearance, tone of voice or even sexual orientation. Recently, the site ratemyprofessors. org removed the “Hotness” rating, which allowed students to rate how attractive their professors were. The rating was criticized for being offensive and unnecessary. While ratemyprofessors.org or its counterpart ratemyteachers.org (for lower schooling levels) are not official course surveys that schools would realistically use, both are fairly popular and are standard examples of how students rate educators. Although teachers should be assessed based on the quality of education they provide for their students, they are often rated based on workload and how easy attaining an “A” is. Furthermore, experiments with students in online courses show that identi-

cal courses are rated lower if the instructor is randomly assigned a woman’s name. While some may argue that not all evaluations are as biased, the fact that such biases exist makes us question whether or not these surveys serve any valuable purpose at all.

Additionally, the fact that course surveys are often online can be counterproductive.

In many colleges, these surveys are mandated after students complete a course. Since these course surveys are anonymous and online, people are often bolder in their criticisms, even resorting to insults or slurs. Educators who read these surveys are more inclined to ignore them because of the volatile content, rendering the entire survey useless. However, removing the anonymity of these sites would mean less credible results. Students would be too afraid of the consequences of leaving a negative review for the teachers and leave overly positive reviews to stay on a teacher’s good side.

Still, proponents of student surveys assert that teachers find them to be useful guides.

It is true that not all of surveys are biased or obscene. Schools in Georgia administer student surveys for teachers to gauge their teaching effectiveness. These surveys aren’t used as teacher evaluations, for administration boards know that they’re often subject to bias. Instead, they serve as simple guides for teachers to know how their students think about their curriculum and teaching style. If students find themselves bored by a class, then a teacher might be more inclined to make their classes more interesting, which encourages student involvement. Students may be too shy to directly tell a teacher how they feel about their class, so the anonymity of student surveys may offer students a chance to voice their opinions. Teachers do

not have to heed that commentary, but they may make a few changes and see its effects.

I personally read reviews on ratemyteachers. com, not necessarily to formulate judgments on teachers but to instead be cognizant of the tips students give. I sometimes help guide fellow Cougar Connection staff, and reading reviews of other teachers often guides me in how to teach students effectively.

However, what these supporters fail to consider is how these surveys can quickly be used for promotion and tenure decisions and how they might even lower the quality of education. Professors in colleges are often required to average at least a 4.7 on a 5 point scale to have a good chance of advancing career-wise. Even though course surveys in a high school setting often do not affect the integrity of a teacher’s career, there is much pressure for teachers to adjust their curriculum so that they can achieve a good rating.

At first glance, this may seem as useful motivation for educators to improve their classrooms. But what studies have found is that teachers are often forced to “dumb down” their curriculum so that they can achieve a higher rating (as students often base their evaluations on the workload they are given).

This hurts the students more in the end, as it results in them learning a watered-down curriculum and prevents them from having the necessary knowledge to advance in their respective majors.

As exemplified by the biases present in student surveys and the negative effects they have on the learning value of classrooms, the costs of student surveys far outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, we should learn to take student surveys with a grain of salt when it comes to assessing faculty members.

Are the policies intended to combat discrimination discriminatory themselves? This is the question surrounding the current lawsuit against Harvard University, which is investigating whether the institution’s affirmative action policies are biased toward Asian applicants.

Plaintiffs headed by Edward Blum, the president of Students for Fair Admissions, have made several accusations of Harvard instituting racial quotas and expressing anti-Asian sentiment. If these claims are found to be valid, the case could have lasting effects on the future of affirmative action. Ultimately, Harvard’s admission policies should be evaluated, but affirmative action should be kept in place to maintain a diverse educational environment.

Affirmative action has been around for nearly 60 years, and many colleges have programs and policies with roots in it. After the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it was illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race or gender. However, it was hard to prove that this act was being followed completely, especially in the college admissions sphere. This was where affirmative action came in, policies that help boost gender and racial diversity on college campuses. Affirmative action policies are guided by a combination of federal and state laws, which set parameters for how the programs can be implemented. A common misconception about affirmative action is that it simply refers to quotas that determine the number of students belonging to a specific ethnicity a university will admit. While this may have been true in the past, the case Regents of the University of California vs Bakke in 1978 ruled that having racial quotas violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution but that race could still be a factor in the college admissions process. This means that being from a specific race may boost the chances of making it into a specific college, but colleges would not choose a person just to make sure that they reach a specific number of students from each ethnicity.

A total of 10 U.S. states have banned or limited affirmative action policies, which has led to varying results in each state. California is the most notable example of how banning affirma-

tive action can have negative effects on the admission rates of black or Hispanic students. In 1998, affirmative action policies were banned statewide, and many California universities saw an immediate drop in the enrollment of both demographics. The percent of black and Hispanic students at the University of California at Berkeley was cut nearly in half, from 24% to only 13%. This percent has gone up slightly since then, as it is 15% today, but with over half of California’s population of college-age citizens being either black or Hispanic, it is far from accurately representing California’s diverse populace. However, in some states, like Washington and Florida, the banning of affirmative action policies has not yielded a huge drop in the enrollment of black or Hispanic students. This trend, apparent among colleges like Florida State University and the University of Washington, shows that the proportion of black and Hispanic students has stayed consistent with the growth of the black and Hispanic populations in each state over time.

This case is just as much about discrimination against Asian students as it is about affirmative action. Harvard itself found that Asian students were being admitted at lower rates than Caucasian students, despite being more qualified (Asians scored higher in categories concerning academics, extracurriculars and test scores). The reason they may not have been accepted comes down to Harvard admissions giving Asians a lower “personal rating,” a score determined by applicants’ personal qualities (such as likeability, maturity, integrity, courage and kindness).

While it is possible that these applicants simply did not meet the requirements for a high “personal rating,” it is more likely an example of how the 1964 Civil Rights Act was insufficient in preventing bias in academics (this is why affirmative action was needed in the first place).

Some may argue that this case is not about affirmative action but rather anti-Asian bias.

However, when looking back at Edward Blum’s previous lawsuits, it soon becomes clear that this case is really about ending affirmative action rather than how it affects Asian college applicants. After losing his last affirmative action case, titled Fisher v. University of Texas, a little

over two years ago, Blum seemed to realize that he was not going to gain any ground without the help of minorities. While it is not certain if this was the reason behind why the Harvard case was orchestrated, Blum’s beliefs and legal past suggest it is plausible. Thus, critics have accused Blum of exploiting Asian students to eliminate affirmative action entirely, which might further hurt minorities. Even if this case does not have any large effect on affirmative action policies, it could open the door for others like it.

It is still uncertain which direction this case could head in. However, the issues that have been and will be brought up by this case are sure to linger, possibly putting doubt in the minds of those who currently support affirmative action policies. Therefore, it is important to remember the benefits of these programs, as they ensure diversity on college campuses, which benefits all students, whether they are from a minority group or not. However, it is clear that Harvard’s “personal rating” criteria need to be evaluated so that there is less bias against a group that makes up nearly 30% of Harvard’s applicant pool. So, are affirmative action policies discriminatory? No. Regardless, Harvard’s admissions criteria may be in desperate need of an update to ensure that some of its most-qualified applicants are not turned down simply because of a one-size-fits-all rating system. Our country is diverse, and it is important that Harvard both recognizes and reflects that.

Harvard: a poison Ivy

By Haley Lenander / Staff Writer

Don’t bail on mail

By Eui Jin Song / Associate & Editorials Editor

If there’s one thing that both Republican and Democratic candidates could have agreed on during the last presidential election, it’s that our country needed more voter participation.

The midterm elections, on the other hand, saw a record turnout since 1914. However, the voter turnout was still only 49.2% of the nation’s population, which undermines the very idea of a democratic nation where all citizens are represented. However, some citizens simply may not be able to get to the polling stations. This is where postal voting comes in to play.

Postal voting, in which a ballot is mailed to the home of a registered voter, has become increasingly prominent in elections. All states allow certain voters to cast their ballots on an absentee basis, but in 20 states, a voter has to provide reasoning to receive a ballot in the mail. In 27 states and the District of Columbia, registered voters can cast an absentee ballot without this reasoning. Three states — Colorado, Oregon, and Washington — mail these ballots to every voter automatically. Members of the U.S military living overseas can also vote by mail.

Illustration by Nicole Iwamasa

About 1 in 5 votes were submitted with mailin ballots in 2016, and statistics show that it is significantly increasing voter turnout. Voters get weeks to fill out a ballot in the comfort of their own home rather than endure long lines at polling stations, and they also have time to research each candidate at their leisure. Disabled citizens who aren’t able to get to polling sites are also able to participate in politics. In fact, 3 million more people would turn out to vote if Americans with disabilities voted at the same rate as similar non-disabled people, according to a 2013 study by Rutgers University.

However, detractors of the system point to several cases of voter fraud. In Texas, electoral fraud was reported in 2010 after political operatives illegally aided those eligible to vote by mail, usually voters who were over 65 years of age or voters with a disability. Assisting others to vote, particularly the elderly or disabled, is not a crime.

Yet state law requires an assistant to co-sign the ballot envelope, and people cannot assist more than one voter. Political workers could earn $150 for the successful return of 50 mail-in ballot ap-

plications, according to the Texas Watchdog.

A more recent case is North Carolina’s 9th congressional district election, whose results have not yet been certified due to fraud allegations.

The Republican candidate, Mark Harris, had seemingly won the election by 900 votes. Leslie McCrae Dowless, one of the political operatives hired by Harris, is being investigated for handling or manipulating absentee ballots. Of the 1,300 absentee ballot requests, Dowless turned in almost half of those. Harris won 61% of the mail-in ballots. Yet, of the voters who reportedly turned in these ballots, only 19% were registered Republicans. With such cases of fraud, mail-in ballot systems seem dubious.

However, the actions of certain individuals shouldn’t be used to limit the practice of postal voting. Postal voting can help states save money and make voting more efficient. States can save millions by allowing postal voting, as they don’t need to set up polling stations or hire staff. For example, the Pew Research Center found that costs decreased by an average of 40% in Colorado, with 46 of the 64 counties spending about $9.56 in the 2014 general election compared with $16 in 2008. Election officials in many areas have also reduced the number of workers, while some polling places are using old machines from 2002 that break down regularly. As a result, there are long lines (people have reported waiting for more than 2 hours to vote) that discourage citizens from voting.

If we truly are a nation of democracy and innovation, we should recognize the benefits that postal voting brings to the United States. While voter fraud is always a possibility, the time and money that we can save with postal voting cannot be understated. Lastly, postal voting allows individuals who wouldn’t normally be able to vote to participate in one of the most important freedoms our nation guarantees.

‘Tis the season to be sneezing. Flu season is here, and so is the disgusting amount of germs that it brings with it. However, to get rid of the flu, there’s a simple solution – vaccinations. Of course, many oppose such an artificial form of immunization: some believe that vaccines will cause autism, some believe that certain ingredients like aluminum found in vaccines temper any positive effects, and others are against them for religious reasons. Whatever the reason, 1.3 percent of American children born in 2015 went unvaccinated, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s worse is that this percentage is increasing, an alarming trend that will impact the health and security of Americans everywhere, especially during the winter. Due to the growing number of coughs and sneezes that come with the cold months, illnesses spread more easily. This is all the more reason to get your vaccines, as they provide a safe, well-tested and effective solution to this problem. Also, by not getting vaccinated yourself, you risk jeopardizing the health of those around you.

Due to widespread myths about vaccines, the average citizen may have their doubts about vaccine safety. Despite the somewhat common belief that vaccines cause autism, researchers have found no link between the two. This erroneous belief stems from an article written by Dr. Andrew Wakefield, along with 12 co-authors, in the UK medical journal The Lancet. Published in 1988, it connected the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to developments of autism and bowel disease, based on a study of 12 patients.

What followed was appalling: a drop to 79% of children receiving the MMR shots in January 2003, and in 2006, 450+ measles cases in England and Wales resulted, the highest number in 20 years. Wakefield’s claims were largely untrue and disproven, but the repercussions of his article (it has since been taken down) still remain.

Contrary to Wakefield’s findings, a report from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that after studying the health records

of over 95,000 children, the MMR vaccine didn’t lead to increased autism rates. Many studies have been undertaken to ensure the safety of vaccines, and researchers have reached a similar consensus that there is no link between shots and autism.

There have also been concerns about the ingredients contained within boosters (doses that provide re-exposure to an immunizing agent), mainly aluminum and thimerosal. The reason why these components are added in is that they act as adjuvants, ingredients that prevent the person receiving the shot from being affected by the dead bacteria present in the booster. These enable a patient’s immune system to work more efficiently and fight off possible infection. People have raised concerns about certain ingredients because they can lead to disease. For example, high levels of aluminum have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, as the metal can produce increased oxidative stress in the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s. However, the amounts of aluminum in vaccines are so low that, for over 70 years now, scientists have not found a significant negative impact. Anti-vaccine proponents have also voiced their worries about thimerosal, as it contains mercury. However, thimerosal has been shown to break down into harmless ethylmercury and thiosalicylate in the body. Even if you are still intent on avoiding thimerosal altogether, you can get vaccinated by a dose that doesn’t contain it.

In the past, vaccines have served to stop certain strains of viruses from being a threat to the general public. Children no longer worry about diseases like smallpox, which, in 1967, infected an estimated 10-15 million people, because shots have served to immunize the general public. The virus itself was eradicated and is no longer able to spread – as a result, we don’t even need smallpox shots anymore. Not just for our sake, but for the sake of posterity, vaccinations make a difference. However, they only make a difference if we receive them. Yes, walking into a whitewalled, sterilized room to have a dosage of dead bacteria injected into your arm, the punctured

skin covered up with a tiny, circle-shaped bandaid, may not be our idea of fun. But it is certainly more fun than returning to the same room with a runny nose and high fever.

Some may think that it doesn’t matter if you don’t get vaccinated, as your decision won’t impact anyone else. However, vaccines are only effective when the majority of the public receives them. At that point, herd immunity factors in, where the amount of unvaccinated people is so low that there are not enough to catch and spread the disease, thus preventing an outbreak.

The virus may still be present, but it will disseminate amongst the community at a much slower pace or not at all. This is necessary because getting your shots, while it makes you less likely to catch a virus as well as more immune, doesn’t mean you can’t become infected. Also, for those who can’t get vaccinated at all, and for those with weaker immune systems or who have other health conditions, it is especially important that herd immunity is present. For the more contagious diseases, 90-95% of the population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, which is far from our levels of vaccination for influenza at the current moment. A study by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department found that less than half of all Americans receive the flu shot. If we want to protect all of the people in our communities and not just the healthy, we need to make getting shots a common practice.

There is no reason not to take advantage of the technology that the field of medicine has to offer, and in the same sense that you wouldn’t refuse a cast for your broken arm or heart surgery, you shouldn’t turn away from a potentially life-saving shot. Missing a week of school due to the flu and returning to find that you’ve missed three tests and two projects during finals week is probably one of the worst things that could happen. I don’t know about you, but I’d take a bit of red swelling in my arm and seconds worth of pain over the headache that follows coughing fits and congested lungs.

By Nicole Iwamasa / Features Editor & Chief Illustrator

Shots aren’t for naught

17

Courtesy of Sakura Liu

Kaiser football back on track

By Jaren Kawada / Staff Writer

Kaiser football back on track

by Jaren Kawada / Staff Writer

The Kaiser varsity football team cheers before the start of the game.

A year has passed since Kaiser’s unfortunate 2017 campaign. The disappointing season featured an abundance of forfeits, six of them in total, and one blowout loss to Campbell. The 2018 season was a complete turnaround, from coaching staff to player personnel, and many were pleased by how well Kaiser did just one year removed from a season that was nearly rock bottom for the program. The Cougars finished with a record of 4-4-1, with wins against Kalaheo, Kalani, Waialua and PAC-5.

Considering that, just a year ago, only 19 players suited up in the blue and gold, it was a functional rebuild of the program in 2018. The Cougars turned to assistant coach Tim Seaman to be the next head coach, as he revamped offensive and defensive schemes. At the start of the season, the roster listed 53 players, a whopping 34 more than a year ago.

The varsity team was led by senior quarterback Koa Tom, who achieved team-highs in every major passing category: he finished the season with 96 completions for 1330 yards and 12 touchdowns. Seaman used a committee approach at the halfback position, with three players taking on much of the work. Sophomore Cavin Lime led with 70 carries for 215 yards, and senior Noah Matsumoto led the team in total yards with 244 off of 41 touches. Senior Curtis Chung also added 39 carries for 97 yards and tied the team-high score for rushing touchdowns with two. As for receiving, sophomore Mason Yoshino racked team-high stats in receptions (36), yards (614), and touchdowns (5). Junior Dre Falls was second on the team, with 27 catches for 354 yards and 4 touchdowns. Junior Jesse Stroede added 16 receptions for 222 yards and four trips to the end zone.

The dual-threat quarterback Tom was instrumental in facilitating the offense. He saved multiple broken plays, giving Seaman the flexibility to run multiple sets on offense.

Casey Nguyen, the returning starter, was equally influential, completing 18 passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns.

The varsity team ended the year in unfortunate fashion with a canceled senior night game against McKinley and a loss to Kaimuki in the first round of the OIA playoffs.

However, the junior varsity team, coached by Alex Miguel, did reach the Division II championship game before losing to Pearl City with a final score of 28-14.

On that night, sophomore quarterback Brock Perreira threw for 185 yards off of 17 completions and two touchdowns, his main target being freshman Kamakana Mahiko. Mahiko hauled in a team-high five catches for 53 yards, and sophomore Hudson McQuay led the team in receiving yards with 63 off of three catches. However, all night, Kaiser’s rushing game was stifled by the suffocating Chargers’ defense. Kaiser scored 14 points in the second quarter but none in the other three periods.

Both the varsity and junior varsity teams did respectively well during what seemed destined to be a developmental and transitional year. It is projected that 27 underclassmen will continue to participate in the varsity program, including stellar wideout Mason Yoshino, who led the team in receiving yards and turned heads during his sophomore campaign.

It seems likely Kaiser will remain in Division II next season, but if this first year under Seaman is any indication, the Cougars could be headed for the top in the next few years.

No Coach, No Problem

By Taylor Dunaway & Landon Murai / Staff Writers

Courtesy of Ethan Mamiya Without a strong leadership position, building a team is a daunting task. And yet, a strong team is crucial to a successful season.

The soft tennis team’s previous coach, Kristie Yamamoto, has stepped down after 21 years of coaching. Yamamoto accepted an IB coordinator position this year, and is guiding teachers in applying MYP principles and establishing grading scales for their subject area, while still teaching math part-time. As a result, the team has been confronted by many challenges and the struggle to close the gaps has affected the players.

The team has had to grapple with the pressure of the situation; learning to deal with issues without losing their composure and perspective. Yamamoto was known for her strict disciplinary style, quickly gaining respect among players. Without her there to establish structure during practices, new members adopted a more casual attitude. “[Some players] get lazy and do whatever. I can help them but I don’t have the authority like a coach would,” said senior Felix Krendl. “I’m frustrated at the lack of motivation of some of the players.” A major challenge was communication among the players. Poor planning and communications resulted in uncertainty amongst members about practice times. “Players were sometimes told of cancellations on the day of practice. Also, attendance for some was often sporadic, and at times the ones who did show up treated practice casually

rather than focusing and trying to improve,” said Krendl.

Amanda Nitta, a junior on the girls team, agreed with Krendl. “[Returning players] know that a match is not a place to fool around, but the others were not disciplined [enough] to know that. Matches were already rough due to a few being rescheduled in the beginning of the season.”

However, the team didn’t go down without a fight. Students and parents voiced their concern about not having a team, and eventually, athletic director Nelson Chee stepped in to supervise the team. “It’s definitely a group effort,” said Chee. “I played tennis when I was younger, and understand basic techniques, skills, and rules, so I am able to help new players with beginning techniques, and provide them with a foundation and skill set they can use to compete.”

While Chee is able to assist with basic skills, he acknowledges that beyond that level, there isn’t much he can do for players. “It’s not my forte,” he said, adding that “returning players already have their own style and that they’re at such a high level, it’s hard to find things to adjust.”

Nitta said players on the team appreciate Chee’s commitment, which enabled the players to participate in the matches, and likewise, Chee is grateful that the team aided him. “I think the team understood the situation; they kept a good attitude and gave a lot of effort,” said Chee.

Fortunately, halfway through the season, Chee found a new coach, Norrin Lau. Lau had previously coached at Roosevelt and with over 20 years of experience, beginning with being a Kalani tennis alumn, he comes with lots of expertise. “Mr. Lau has been a vital part to this season’s survival, from simple things like introducing new drills, to bringing an engaging new style of coaching,” said Nitta. “He wants to be there for the team, and is very encouraging and open. He keeps members from being discouraged.” Since the short season is almost over, Lau will be joining Kaiser as the official coach next year.

Even in this situation, the team strives to live up to the accomplishments made by last year’s team. The boys doubles team took first overall in the OIA last year, and left a strong legacy among the players who continued playing on the team. So far this season, Felix Krendl and Connor Tsang of the boys’ team won first place in OIA east competition.

The future for the team is bright, and players remain optimistic. Nitta believes that “with work, the whole team can work their way up”.

Returning players are still motivated to stay on top. A promising new coach will take on the role next season, and the players are grateful for Chee’s support. “We practice three to four times a week,” he said. “We participate in matches like normal. We’re still functioning. I see a team.”

Meet Kaiser’s basketball players Cyrus Singelman

Mario Drummer

By Jaren Kawada / Staff Writer Dre Falls & Miles Clarke

Without a doubt, it will be junior Cyrus Singelman, starting at center for the third year in a row, who will be the focal point of the offense early in the season. Singelman is a rare post player with great strength and agility, leading the team in rebounds for the past two years and never averaging less than ten points per game. With the team in need of quick points, Singelman is unstoppable on offense, touching the ball nearly every possession. He is also a very capable passer out of the low block and can be a dominating glass cleaner due to his excellent positioning and strength.

Drummer will be a key component of Powell’s first-year campaign, possessing the quickness and agility to play guard, as well as the size to play forward and even occasionally small-ball center. Whether he starts or not is yet to be seen, but either way, he will be an impact player capable of taking the floor at multiple positions. Drummer can score in different aspects of the game and may be one player Kaiser can be comfortable isolating.

Powell should and will pride himself on the defensive end of the floor, and having players like Falls and Clarke definitely helps the cause. Both are aggressive, on-ball defenders featuring strong hands, quick thinking and lightning speed. Falls will more often than not take on the most intimidating opposing ball handler, and Clarke should face the best opposing wing player. Falls lacks in size but makes up for it with lightning speed and an ability to run point on offense, and both Falls and Clarke are adept at turning defense into offense.

Luke Stevens

Hunter Dias & Nicodemus Garcia

Kenji Toyama & Dane Tsue

One of five returning seniors, Stevens could see a role either starting at power forward or seeing quality minutes off the bench at both big positions. Stevens displays great athleticism, size, shooting skills, and defense, and he, in some games, could lead Kaiser in scoring.

Tyson Ozaki & Koa Tom

Ozaki and Tom are two players who could easily turn into Powell’s favorites. Both players are known for hustle, strength and defense, which is very much what Powell likes. Ozaki and Tom could be two of Kaiser’s strongest players, capable of knocking down threes and having a tendency to be all over the court. Ozaki is a slightly more versatile player due to his ball-handling ability and size, but both should see minutes as a wing defender or small-ball power forward.

Dias and Garcia will be two of Kaiser’s top sharpshooters all season. Both were a source of instant offense last year and will be major keys in Kaiser’s three-pointer oriented offense. Both could either start or come off the bench but regardless have a chance to average ten to fifteen points per game. Dias and Garcia are capable of putting up points in a hurry and can be unstoppable within their zones.

Giovanni Flowers & Seth Nakamura

During the spare time when Singelman is off the court, Flowers will man the middle. Flowers is not a traditional center like Singelman and more of a power forward, but his length and shot-blocking ability give him the capability of playing small minutes at center. Nakamura is the one senior on the team who is not a returning player and is a transfer from Kalani.

Seeing that Powell chose to keep Nakamura on his team as a senior shows he values defense over shooting. Both Flowers and Nakamura could see spot minutes at either backup big positions. Flowers is an athletic player capable of playing more minutes next to Singelman, but Nakamura’s flashes of defensive potential and above-average ball handling could have him out there at power forward as well.

In many ways, Toyama and Tsue have a similar playing style. Tsue, a junior, and Toyama, a sophomore, are both undersized point guards with superb decision making and speed. Both players joined the team as sophomores following one season of junior varsity. They both have an equal chance of starting but should split the minutes, and Coach Powell could take a hot-hand approach.

Ethan Kuwahara & Dylan Hickcox

Though Kuwahara saw limited minutes last year, and Hickcox is coming up from junior varsity, both players could have a larger role this season. Both guys are looking to play minutes as combo guards who are stronger players running the offense but easily capable of playing off the ball. There are multiple players competing for minutes at the same position, and Kuwahara and Hickcox will face an uphill battle for time on the court. However, Coach Powell should have no problem rolling either player out there, as they are experienced ball handlers and have advanced decision making.

Kaiser swims towards a 10th OIA title

As soon as a swimmer dives into the water, the only thing on their mind is the next stroke. They can feel each heavy pull and each burning kick. They are not only racing the competitor in the next lane over, but they are racing the clock, and most importantly, they are racing themselves. In a sport like swimming, achieving a personal best feels like winning the lottery.

As one of Kaiser’s strongest athletic teams, the girls swimming and diving team has won the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) Swimming and Diving Championship for the past nine consecutive years, and the only thing on their mind is winning another title for the tenth year in a row. “We are hoping to continue on the legacy of the last nine teams,” said

senior Megan Kaneshiro.

Kaiser’s girls team is one of the most dominant swim teams in the OIA: with 34 participating athletes, they are able to quickly rack up the points. The team also has several stand-out members in almost every event. At last year’s OIA championship, where the girls won their ninth title, senior Megan Kaneshiro got second in the 200 Individual Medley, and sophomore Sofia Carlson placed second in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle. Furthermore, several other athletes won first place in their events: senior Mari Yasumi took first in the 500 freestyle and Erin Patterson in the 100 backstroke.

However, the swimmers are not the only ones

By Leigh Farah / Sports Editor

contributing to these championship wins. At last year’s OIA championship, Kaiser’s female divers earned 52 points for the team, which was 33 points more than the runner-up and Kaiser’s main rival, Kalani High School. Kaiser junior Jill Chaffee won her event last year, winning a total of 16 points for the team.

The combination of team size, strong varsity athletes and a high scoring diving team points towards a 10th championship win this year in January. Kaiser is currently pushing through their last pre-season meet on their way to the championship season. “A 10th win would be a high point for the team,” said Kaneshiro. “We’re in it to win it.”

Tanaka steps down after 41 years

By Nicole Iwamasa / Features Editor & Chief Illustrator Photo courtesy of Mira Ako With its numerous practices and the various aches and pains that follow, swimming is one of the most laborious sports, but with the help of Coach Asa Tanaka, swimmers willingly face the challenges. Tanaka began his coaching career in 1978 at the young age of 21, allowing him to develop years of coaching experience. After swimming at the University of Hawaii for one year following his graduation from Kaiser, Tanaka was asked to coach the swimming team by the very namesake of Kaiser’s athletic complex, Ted Fukushima. While it wasn’t something he planned on doing, he took up the offer and remembers that he “just fell into it.”

Of course, his introduction into coaching was not without difficulty. Tanaka found himself coaching those he had swum with during his senior year at Kaiser while trying to develop an authoritative coaching style at the same time. Like many other coaches, Tanaka pulled inspiration from his previous mentors. “They were calm under fire, they had a sense of authority, they were smart; they knew what they were doing,” he said.

“I tried to copy their style.” Even when Tanaka had become accustomed to the routine of coaching, he encountered new challenges. When swimmers graduated, Tanaka would have to begin the process of raising the new team to the level of the previous one. “Sometimes the re-

building, knowing how good [the previous team] was and how much you’re going to have to wring this group again, sometimes it’s like, ‘here we go again,’” said Tanaka. “But you know, then again, to build this team up the way you want it to be, it’s so rewarding.”

Despite these obstacles, Tanaka led the Kaiser boys to claim Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) championship titles in 1987 and 1988. Previously, Punahou had dominated the rankings for 30 years, making Kaiser the first school to break the streak. When recalling the experience, Tanaka said, “I remember when we won ... being so happy and relieved that we finally won, and I just bawled like a baby. I could finally do something for the school [and] for swimming.” Even years after, people on the street would approach and commend him on the win, saying it inspired their teams to try harder.

Tanaka said, “It was such a big accomplishment that, to this day, I look back on it and ask, ‘how did we ever do it?’”

The Cougars have continued a streak of wins under Tanaka’s tutelage, winning 29 Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) titles. There is a reason that Kaiser has managed to win their 10th consecutive OIA girls championship title this year, and that is the hard work that Tanaka puts into mentoring the athletes. Tanaka always ar-

rives early at after-school practices, and one will find him bustling around the poolside, managing athletic approval forms for swimmers and advising them on their training. The sun is hot and the work is tedious, yet Tanaka still manages to maintain order. Team member Megan Kaneshiro (12) said, “He’s not only a coach but a mentor for life, and he focuses on teaching us lessons we need to know for our futures.”

Tanaka will be passing the torch down to assistant coaches Joshua Hervey, Kentaro Horikawa and Skylar Yamamoto. When asked about what he’ll miss, Tanaka joked that there is nothing because he will continue to assist the team and work with the athletes, just not as head coach.

While coaching is most definitely arduous, that is not the only reason why he is stepping down. “[I’m stepping down] not only to ease my burden but to let somebody else feel the joys and triumphs of being a head coach,” said Tanaka.

Having accumulated many accomplishments during his coaching career, Tanaka is able to step down and leave a legacy for generations to come.

“I wasn’t always the head coach when we won, but I feel that I’ve [made] Kaiser proud, I’ve [made] the community proud, and I’ve [made] all the people who came before me [proud],” he said. There is no doubt that Tanaka has put Kaiser swimming on the map.

Coach Asa Tanaka explains the day’s warmup and practice agenda.

Coach Asa Tanaka coaches the swimmers.

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Staff Credit Co-Editor in Chief: Nicholas Okazaki Co-Editor in Chief: Claudia Tang Co-Editor in Chief: Deborah Yuan Associate/News Editor: Tara Mie Morisato Associate/Editorials Editor: Eui Jin Song Features Editor/Chief Illustrator: Nicole Iwamasa Layouts Editor: Sakura Liu Online Editor: Jaron Schreiber Sports Editor: Leigh Farah Advisor: Pamela Ellis Principal: Justin Mew Staff Writers: Jaida Burgon Chelsea Chang Taylor Dunaway Jaren Kawada Morgan Ku Anna Lee Haley Lenander Yuuki Morishige Hannah Mullen Landon Murai Aja Murillo Casey Nguyen Madeleine San Courtney Staples Special Contributors: Mira Ako Gearld Canaday IV Ethan Mamiya Ashley Wolstein

The Cougar Connection is the official school newspaper of Henry J. Kaiser High School, 511 Lunalilo Home Road, Honolulu, HI 96825. The publications office is located in room A202.

Phone: (808) 394-1200 Website: https://thecougartimes.org/ Member of Hawaii Schools Publication Associate, National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association and Quill and Scroll.