The Pinion Vol. 90 No. 7

The Pini

n

President William McKinley High School

Vol. 90, No. 7

McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

May 14, 2012

Graduation is coming soon

by Brannagan Mukaisu Graduation is right around the corner, as the seniors start to countdown the days and feel the ever growing excitement. The campus has two silver bleachers set upon the footsteps of A building where the seniors can begin to imagine what it will be like to be seated there on graduation day. This year McKinley’s graduation commencement ceremony is on May 20 at 5 p.m.

The MHS graduation ceremony is unusual because the graduating seniors do not get their names called and at the completion of the ceremony the final steps for the graduating class is to walk across “The Oval,” a long-awaited tradition for four years.

Senior Jackie Recaido said, “I feel that our graduation tradition is very honorable; walking across the oval with my class (of 2012) and getting to celebrate this significant moment in ours as well as our family’s lives.”

Seniors are starting to feel a rush of different emotions as graduation day is becoming closer. Recaido said, “My feelings about graduation is kinda jumbled up. I can’t explain how I feel because there are just so many different emotions that I know I will probably

have before, during and after graduation.”

After graduation the next question for seniors is “what do I do next?” Recaido said, “I chose to attend project grad because I want to spend time with my fellow classmates and because it might be perhaps the last time we see each other.”

Recaido feels graduation is the “moment where we celebrate our years of accomplishments, struggles, achievements, whatever else it may be, with the people we care about as well as the people who care for us.” She said graduating also means, “that we are heading towards the next steps of our careers and we are now capable of making our own decisions in our lives.”

Recaido plans to attend Kapiolani Community College after high school and be enrolled in their nursing program.

She said, “In the future, I plan to be working in the medical field. I also plan to become a journalist later on.”

Senior Hing Yee said, “I look forward to graduation, which is coming up fast.

To me, graduation is a milestone, and it is just the beginning.” Stephanie Ngo, a graduating senior, said “ I’m definitely going to miss the comfort of high school.”

Recaido said, “To the class of 2012, I just want to congratulate everyone in completing the seemingly easy but hard, long but short four years of high school.”

She said there has been many moments over the years, which makes it hard to believe how fast the time has flown by.

Recaido said, “I hope that everyone will be happily successful in what they do. I will miss the feeling of hating to go to school, the nagging teachers who even weren’t our enemies but actually were there to help us.” She said, “I will miss the funny moments that there was with everyone, with my friends, and with the teachers,” and “most of all, as much as I don’t want to admit, I will truly miss high school.”

The senior class of 2012 will go on to pursue their bright futures and embark on marvelous journeys. Wherever life takes them, they will forever have the memory of being a McKinley tiger engrained in their hearts, from all the bad times to all the good times. Best wishes to everyone in the graduating class of 2012! May your future be bright and very prosperous. Let’s begin the journey to forever!

Congratulations Graduates!

“ Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson RS 12-1339

2 THE PINION May 14, 2012

Helpful tips for college planning

Get ahead for your post-high school education

by Kelsey David Four years of high school, and then the real work begins. The part where you have to grow up and take charge of your life. For many students, college is the first step toward a good future.

College, or even the idea of it, comes with many things. For many students, the biggest hurdle they have to face is money. Whether you’re looking into a community college or a university, it’s likely that you’ll be short on the money to pay for it. The best way to deal with this problem is to apply for scholarships.

There are literally thousands of scholarships you can apply for, and getting a head start on them will only help your chances of receiving one. Saving up your money throughout your high school career will no doubt help you even more.

However, your money isn’t the only thing that colleges want. Most universities look for well-rounded students.

Sports and involvement with extracurricular activities on your transcript will make you seem all the more appealing, so get a head start on that, too. Colleges are impressed with a person who isn’t just book smart, but also, for example, did volunteer work and has cultural insight. You should know that universities also look for those who took some sort of foreign language.

Still, the utmost important detail that you should keep in mind throughout high school is your grades. Grades, test-scores, extra-credit. They all count.

Keep them up, or if you started out bad,

then get them up. Show that you’ve improved through the years, and colleges will recognise and appreciate the effort.

They also value a student who has been in AP and Honors classes.

Debt from financial aid, loss of sleep, and a brief farewell to your social life could be a few detractors for the college life, and frankly, some students don’t

wish to make sacrifices for a piece of paper. But to those who are willing, there will have more of a chance in being successful in life. So freshmen, don’t wait until your senior year to get everything together. Sophomores and juniors, it’s still not too late. And to the motivated seniors, good luck with the rest of your life.

Hawai‘i Pacific University Congratulations 2012 HPU Merit Scholarship Recipients!

These McKinley High School scholars were recently recognized at an HPU scholarship reception. It’s not too late to apply for admission and receive scholarships with a four-year value of up to $40,000.

Pinion Staff

Adviser: Cynthia Reves (publishing)

Nancy Wilcox (photography)

Editor: Amanda Muramoto Reporters: Kelsey David, Brannagan Mukaisu, Pauline Yang, Jocel Siapno

Publication Information

THE PINION is published by the Newswriting Staff and printed by the Reprographics Learning Center.

The Pinion McKinley High School 1039 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96814 Email comments or questions to mhspinion@gmail.com

Thien Nguyen, Jonathan Quach

Office of Admissions (808) 544-0238 www.hpu.edu/scholarships Hawai‘i Pacific University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status and disability.

Exercise your right to vote

by Brannagan Mukaisu Over the years, you may have seen bumper stickers that say “No Vote, No Grumble.” This is very true. Every young American adult (18-29 years) has the right to vote but sadly, they choose not to. Young American adult voters should exercise their right to vote because the government policies affect them too. This select group of voters should become more actively involved in voting because their opinions need to be heard. Voting is a privilege here in America, and if you are eligible to vote you should utilize this opportunity because no other country gives us this much freedom.

The idea of getting the younger generation to actually vote begins with high school students. This year, McKinley

vote. David Blanchard, a Social Studies teacher here at McKinley said, “They should be educated when they vote.” He explained that with all of the new technologies we are able to become more aware of the political situation from the social media through the Internet.

Registering to vote is simply not enough. Young American adults should go and vote at the polls on voting day.

In the 2008 Presidential Elections, only 48.5% percent of the age group 18-24 years old who registered had actually voted, according to the US Census.

“In the 2010 election, voter turnout for people over the age of 65 increased 16 percent. In contrast, voter turnout for youth decreased 55%,” according to Project Vote’s website. This is the most important step in the voting process.

Blanchard said, “more (young American adults) should vote. I’ve voted ever since I was able to.”

On the other hand there are students who want to vote but are not of age yet.

Meriam Salameh (11) is currently 17 years old and says she plans to vote when she turns 18. Salameh said, “I feel that (voting) is a great opportunity. I think it’s great that the young American adults get to vote, its not always the (older) adult’s perspective of who should be ruling or running. In general, I think young American adults should have a say in who is in charge of our future.”

Hang said, “I am very excited to get the chance to vote.” Young American adults should take the lead and get involved. Allow your opinion and young voice to be heard. Go and Register. Go and Vote. Now you can grumble.

High School’s junior and senior students have been registering to vote in their History classes. Lina Hang (12) said, “(registering to vote) was pretty easy.”

During the 2008 Presidential Election only 58.5% young American adult voters from 18 to 24 years old took initiative and decided to register. The percentage of this age group registered to vote in 2008 was low compared to the 25 years and older voting group, which their percentage ranged from 65.7% up to 78.9%.

Some say young American adults should not vote because they do not know much about what is happening in the political society. For this reason, students who are near the age to vote and young eligible voters should start to get informed on current political events to help them make a wise choice when they

Kim’s art appraised Senior Bo-Bae Kim’s artwork was featured at the Liliha Public Library. The library held its 2011 Anime/Manga Art Contest and Kim’s piece was chosen as one of the winners.

Kim’s art won first place in the black and white division.

“I used to be a pretty avid reader of manga, and after seeing how simple lines made such a visual impact, I wanted to recreate the same effect, but stronger using black and white and line shading,” said Kim. She drew her work in sharpie.

Kim’s work can be also seen at the Literary Magazine.

May 14, 2012 THE PINION 3

If you are enjoying this Pinion, why not join the staff? Sign up for Newswriting next year.

See Cynthia Reves in E207.

Macon Telegraph/MCT

4 THE PINION May 14, 2012

Sports provide benefits

by Pauline Yang “Sports enhance personality, teach respect and increase one’s quality of life,” says Neal Takamori, McKinley athletic director. Being active and exercising every day helps support the body’s health and performance. At McKinley, we have 20 different sports that students can take part in.

Students involved in sports are always moving around. This helps circulate blood throughout the body, lets more oxygen get to the brain and makes the person more alert to their surroundings. The body also develops stronger muscles and bones and the immune system increases in strength. One will not be as prone to illnesses and have the ability to maintain his/her appropriate weight.

Partaking in physical activities also gives students a way to relieve stress and reduce depression. From families.com, students who participate in sports are more likely to succeed in academics and

graduate from high school. They are also more likely to not take drugs or smoke because they realize the negative impact it would have upon their performance.

The social benefits are that students will be able to meet new people that share similarities with them. Everyone will have to work together in a sport.

Students learn how to communicate with each other in order to achieve their desired goal, like going to OIA championships. Students also gain self-confidence, self-esteem and discipline. These qualities help students handle defeat and victory in acceptable manners and show good sportsmanship.

According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, one gains personal rewards from playing sports that can last a lifetime. One learns the value of working hard to reach a desired goal, the importance of picking one’s self up after falling down and just enjoy his/her time out there when playing with teammates.

Weed and Seed Variety Hour Lillian Kuo (10) plays the drums.

Photo by Jomar De Vera (11)

Here are what some students have to say about the sports they participate in: -Golf: Tony Cho (12) “Golf is not only a sport which you swing your clubs to hit the ball, but also a sport of integrity, perseverance and responsibility.”

-Bowling: Michelle Goo (11) “You obtain patience, hand-eye coordination and teamwork because not one person can beat another team alone.”

-Basketball: Teng Yu Wang (11) “I enjoy my sport because it is very competitive. I like to try my best and beat everyone on the court.”

-Volleyball: Jerry Wu (11) “Being in volleyball allows me to train my footwork and vertical jump, while having a lot of fun playing with the guys.”

-Baseball: Hunter Vincent (11) “I like how you have to think to play and it’s all about communication with your teammates to have a good outcome.”

-Paddling: Kauanoe Ganal (11) “I like being in sports because I get to meet new people and experience new things.”

Students can also get exercise in other sports outside of school:

Andrew Gibson (11) performs on stage.

Photo by Jeremy Chang (10)

-Benjamin Duong (11) “I do martial arts, train in Muay Thai, Western boxing and karate. I’m also constantly skateboarding.

Sports help build character, fitness, respect, enlightenment and teaches us to be humble and passionate.”

Find the Pinion online at myhsj.org/pinion

May 14, 2012 THE PINION 5

Water Polo team shows Tiger Pride

Photo courtesy of: Parents of Casey Tuumalo

by Kelsey David “Water polo is similar to other sports, yet is still unique,” said Tawny Stockinger(10), member of the girls water polo team. “It’s a mix of football because of the contact, basketball because you have to dribble the ball down the pool, and soccer because of the goals.”

In water polo, players are only allowed to have one hand on the ball at all times as well as not being allowed to touch the bottom of the pool in the shallow end.

They have to be treading water the entire time, unless they’re the goalies, who have exceptions to those rules. The ball can’t be underwater, and when it comes to getting it back, there is no grabbing or harming the other players.

“We’ve had a water polo team for 6-7 years now,” said Neal Takamori, sports director for MHS. “It’s still kinda new, and we’ve been trying to get more people to try out for the team.”

When asked how she got interested in water polo, team captain Casey Tuumalo (10) said “My dad always wanted me to play water polo, but I thought it was weird. Eventually, in my freshman year, I tried it out and kept pushing. Now it’s my favorite sport!”

Stockinger also mentioned that all besides two other members were ‘newbies’ at water polo. “It was hard to just

go out and play, but we’re still learning, especially during games. It’s a good experience.”

Team member Moani Doval (10) said “I’ve definitely benefitted from water polo. It taught me how to be part of a team, and work together.”

The lack of a swimming pool on campus has made it difficult for the girls to train, but they managed to find the time and place. They would practice three

times a week, from 6:00 -- 7:00 AM. At the beginning of the season, the team used the Makiki district pool, but other schools became willing to lend their pools to the team soon after.

“The girls have definitely made a lot of sacrifices,” said Takamori. “They gave up a lot of time to learn the game, and practice. We’d like to see more girls try out next year. It’s a really fun sport.”

This year’s water polo team, Top row (left to right): Mahealani Wilson(9), Brooklyn Dela Cruz(9), Bond Bortman(9). Third row(left to right)Naomi Hill(10), Aina Kodaira(10).Second row(left to right): Tawny Stockinger(11), Casey Tuumalo(10), Moanikeala Doval(10) Bottom row: Mary Huynh (10) Photo by Kelsey David

6 THE PINION May 14, 2012

Letters to the editor

I enjoyed reading your article about “Teacher uses shark to educate.” The first thing that caught my attention was the word “shark.” I think it’s fascinating that the students got to do something not most of us would experience (yet).

Also, I like how you included why Ms. Dominguez wanted the students to watch and learn about dissecting the shark - to learn the similarity between humans and sharks - and how she wanted students to have a hands-on experience.

- Ann Nguyen (10) I liked the article, “The Hunger Games score.” I like it because I agreed with it 100%. I also enjoyed the article because I read the book and watched the movie and I was also not disappointed. Pretty much the whole article explained how I felt about “The Hunger Games.”

- Jane Yang (10)

Poetry The News Tribute/MCT

I enjoyed reading your article about the Academy of Finance students traveling to New York. It kind of got me interested in reading about this article because not a lot of people get a chance to travel somewhere else for a class or for their future career. While reading this article, I thought to myself that they were lucky.

Not everyone gets to have this opportunity when they are in high school. Just from reading this article, it made me feel like I hope I get that kind of opportunity too, to be able to travel for my career - Anne Lau (10) The faculty play this year was really funny and enjoyable. It was nice to see the teachers and other faculty in a way that I have never seen them, and many of them are really talented. I think that the faculty did a really good job putting on a show for the students.

- Shelby Baradi (10)

A round of applause Dear reader,

Thank you for making this year’s issues of The Pinion successful! To all the students who voted in our polls, checked us out online, became our “photographers,” wrote a letter to the editor or if your work has been featured in the paper, thank you!

It was great to see our paper filled with our own students’ voices.

Of course, what would a newspaper be without you teachers? A big round of applause for all teachers who submitted student work, gave us ideas for stories, and the ones who let us interview you and cooperated with us.

All of you have helped us make The Pinion a fantastic student-based paper, focusing on the lives of us Tigers. But most of all you, who are reading this paper, a very big thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely, The Pinion Staff

Walking in the Air

by Yu Zhang (10) I have tomorrow Shiny like a crystal, Pure and emotional I still stay in my castle, Keeping my motto, Be special, Be as my own idol.

But I do not want to be a model, I could be casual, Polish my nails, Listen to Rock and Roll But my writing be formal Stay until April, I want to travel, I will look for something powerful, Or climb to a hill, Be natural, And talk with the animals.

Then take out my pencil, Record or imagine a miracle.

Wander until I am old, I would come back to my castle, Stand in front of the portal.

Start to remember my experience so gentle.

Add my memories in total, That might be my final.

My life is a book of travel, That was so colorful.

I will smile and be thankful, For everything wonderful, If I have tomorrow.

Check myhsj.org/pinion for more poems by sophomores Gavin Mateo, Andrew Nguyen, and Kennedy Togafau.

May 14, 2012 THE PINION 7

HOT SHOTS

Graphic design teacher Lester Higa allowed Likelike Elementary school kids to see his graphic design class.

by Brannagan Mukaisu and Amanda Muramoto

July 4th is coming up, but it’ll be harder for people to play with fireworks. Since 2010, fireworks are illegal to play with unless you have a permit. Most stores still sell fireworks during holidays like New Years and fourth of July. If you want to play with fireworks, you should check out honolulupd.org and search fireworks information.

This year’s Literary Magazine Forza della Tigre

by Sandy Bach (12) Esprimere te stesso--Italian for “express yourself,” is this year’s Literary Magazine title and theme. Your dose of short stories, amazing photography, breathtaking artwork, advice columns, fashion know-how, and even literary lessons has arrived. Distribution through language arts classes started on Friday, April 27. If you missed a copy, pick one up from Barbara Abrew in W224. The Literary Magazine staff worked their best to present the most intriguing and extensive magazine yet.

“I learned to honor due dates and work with people better,” said Jenny Liang (11). The magazine basically ran on deadlines. If you don’t get your work in on time, then that’s it. You’re done. It really taught the staff not to procrastinate, something most teenagers struggle with.”

Devin Lee (11) said students have much to look forward to next year. “The magazine is going to cover more topics such as real life events, cultural experiences, sports and much more.” There is already talk of encouraging other schools to revive this dying art and even hold a competition here, at McKinley, where other literary magazines may compete

for top writing, art, photography, and layout/design awards.

Looking for a challenge? Want experience working on a magazine? Lifelong memories? A chance to express yourself?

Desire to learn to write, critique, edit, develop an eye for art and photography appeal? If you are, look no more. “MHS Literary Magazine” is the place for you.

Senior Ridge Hayashi said,“Initially, I was a more reserved individual and didn’t like to express my feelings and emotions; however, through poetry, writing, and photography, I slowly came out of my shell. Now, communication has become something more natural to me and I feel more comfortable sharing my stories and feelings with others.”

While developing this year’s magazine, the staff faced struggles, which were all overcome together. Using only their own computers, programs, resourcefulness, and with no funding, the magazine, amazingly, came to be. At times, the staff was overwhelmed, but the hard work paid off. This year’s edition is the product everyone on the staff is proud of and know readers will see the work put into this. Graduating class of 2012, this one’s for you!

Steven Yim (12) helps a student.

Kayla Reyes (11) demonstrates how to make a sticker.

Photos by Carmille Junio (11)

Follow the Pinion on Twitter @mhspinion.

8 THE PINION May 14, 2012

Summer reads lead to good reads

by Jocel Siapno

Summer is just right around the corner. Maybe you already have a list of things to do. If however, you don’t have anything, here is one option for you.. Here is one option for you, read books during the summer!

It doesn’t matter if it is a thick or a thin book, find a book that relaxes you when you are under the sun or when you are in your room. If you are not a “book person,” borrow graphic novels or thin novels to start. “If they don’t like reading, I recommend them to read shorter books, take a subject they are interested in.” said Jennifer Asato, McKinley High School librarian.

Once you start the habit of reading, you might enjoy it. A thin book can become thicker and thicker as you get the hang of it.

You can search the internet about books you might have an interest about reading. You can type “top 100 books for teens” or “ teen good book reads.” Also, you can browse our library and list the books that might interest you and you can borrow them at our local public libraries during the summer vacation.

Asato also said that if there are books that you read in the summer, you can take the AR quiz for it next fall. “They can let their parents sign their logs and take the quiz at the beginning of next the school year” she added.

The book that I would recommend to students who are interested in romance and action is Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. You will read about the war between the Banes (werewolves) and the Keep (witches). The

alpha wolf is destined to be Calla’s (main character) mate but a human boy, the one she rescued, comes along and she falls in love with him.

Lastly,this book is so interesting that

you won’t want it to end.I recommend the readers to read it.

- Ny’a Barklage (9) A book that i would recommend to a friend would be,The Truth About Forever by Saran Dessen. This book blends humor,friendship,and love to create a perfect situation for two people falling for each other. This book sends out a strong and unforgettable message about sticking together through rough times.

When you finished reading it, you couldn’t stop thinking about the entire story,and its meaningful message.

- Annie Lien (10) Check myhsj.org/pinion for other book recommendations from: Ishah Garcia (10)

Helpful tips for summer school Los Angeles Times/MCT

by Kiana Ching

The two main reasons students take summer school is because they need to make up credits or they just want tp get ahead. It’s harder for students who are trying to make up credits because if they’re late or miss their summer school class, they can automatically fail. “We don’t need to worry about the students that choose summer school to be advanced and to get ahead,” said counselor Erik Smith.

Smith also gave tips to do well in your summer school course. He recommends that you never be tardy, don’t miss any of your classes, and to always stay focused and be on task.

Interested students should find out when and where summer school will be held on our campus. Semester one of summer school at McKinley will be from May 31 to June 18. Semester two will be after semester one from June 19 to July fifth.

The Modesto Bee/MCT