Na Pueo December 2019

na pueo news

Check out the newest tech in the math department this year.

Page 2

editorial

Do your parents really know what’s best for you? Editor Erin Goya addresses parent pressure in her latest column.

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the diamond

Are injuries preventing you from performing at your best? Learn how to prevent injuries so you can play at 100 percent.

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features

Students are going back in time for fashion choices. See what styles they have revamped for the new age.

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back page

Should teachers be strict or sweet? See student opinions on the back of this issue.

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SURVEY SAYS:

70%

14%

16%

Yes

Neutral

No

Should announcements be moved back to chapel?

Infographic by Steven Aspera Staff Writer

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STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 54 ISSUE 2 NAPUEO.COM

REFUGEES:

By Maia D’Amato Staff Writer

Volume 51 Issue 4 May 2017

8th grade students spend time in high school immersion experience

Opening the door to a new environment, unknowing of what is to come, three students were forced to step out of their regular classrooms into one they knew nothing about.

Imagine being in eighth grade and suddenly thrust into an 11th grade math class.

What would you do? How would you fit in?

This experience could be similar to the experience of a refugee to a new country. They may not understand the language, culture or be familiar with any of the surroundings.

To help students understand the experience of a refugee, Grade 8 teacher Kalei McDonnell planned a day where small groups visited a different grade classroom and had to explore into the different culture.

“I’m hoping that this immersive experience gives them a first hand feel for what it must be like to leave the comforts of your own class and then actually be forced to go somewhere where you’re not familiar with what’s going on,” said McDonnell.

Students had to figure out how to assimilate into their “country” and how they were going to contribute, McDonnell said.

Three eighth grade students entered an algebra 2 math class, taught by Michael Hangai. During the time they were there, Junior Sarae Miguel opens the door and welcomes 8th graders to the Algebra 2 classroom. Photo by staff

See REFUGEES page 2

photographer Maia D’Amato

Students can give input on future of Wailele spring design ideas of having a lo’i or wetland, a possible waterfall, and native species,” said Hamura.

Students passing by Wailele The changes made to spring today might see a muddy Wailele, as the heart of the pond filled with dirty water campus, will be the nexus from surrounded by a broken fence. which the campus springs, What they could see if a campus according to the campus master plan is approved is a peaceful facilities plan. area flourish“The Wailele ing with Spring, closed greenery, off and overpark benchlooked in its es and happy current state, animals. will be restored By the to a more end of the beautiful and school year, natural state,” campus ofaccording to ficials should the document. have agreed Makana on plans Kāne Kuato improve Wailele Spring could look like this, hiwinui, the according to a future design plan.

Wailele Hawaiian spring, which is a fenced off Language teacher said she area next to the football field. hopes the improvements made Director of Campus Planning to Wailele will restore the integand Renewal, Sandy Hamura, rity of the very sacred site. is starting to gather input from “From hearing the story of students, faculty, and staff Wailele, I’ve had this picture members about the project. of it in my head according to “I picture it as a collaboration these old and traditional stories of a lot of different ideas from and when I meet Wailele for our various groups and their See WAILELE page 2

By Tia Shimabukuro Staff Writer

Students defend against cyber attacks in new club

By Erin Goya Staff Writer

Mid-Pacific students joined middle and high schoolers around the nation to inspire teens towards careers in cybersecurity and STEM fields.

Every year, students around the country participate in the National Middle schoolers get ready for the CyberPatriot competition.

Youth Cyber Defense Competi- Photo by Director of Educational Technology Brian Grantham understand coding and they need tion where they are to understand how networks responsible for securing virtual work because we are already networks. This program is called solely dependent on it now,” said CyberPatriot. It was created by Grantham. the United States Airforce to teach The purpose of CyberPatriots kids around the nation to defend is not only to teach kids how to deAmerica against cyber attacks. fend against cyber attacks. It is also The CyberPatriot club at recruiting and educating the next Mid-Pacific was approved last generation of cyber professionals. year and used it as a learning year “You’re put into the simulation where they worked on developing of the network, you are trying to the team and their strategies as a figure out problems in exchanging whole. This year, they are lookdata through devices,” said Kimi ing to be in the Platinum division Weng. Weng competes in the and finish in round 2 to qualify Packet Tracer division. This divifor states, says club advisor Brian sion teaches you how to troubleGrantham.

See CYBERPATRIOT page 2 “Every kid needs to know and

news

Mid-Pacific goes beyond white boards with iPad Pros in math classrooms

By Wyatt Cullison Staff Writer

The teacher sits at the front of the class, lecturing. He gestures to the example animatedly, enthusiastically explaining the quadratic formula. This scene is familiar to high school students across America, but the teacher isn’t standing in front of a chalkboard or even a white board or a smartboard.

At Mid-Pacific, this exchange takes place entirely on an iPad. This year the math department started a trial of the new iPad Pros, which are an upgrade from smartboards.

The use of the iPad Pro came about from unused and neglected iPads that were once part of a previous class, said Brian Grantham, the Director of Education Technology.

“We try to use our technology as much as we can, and we had an iPad Pro cart of about 12 iPads [...] that didn’t have a home,” Grantham said.

The goal is for the math department to teach more through the current technology, said Grantham.

“They are one of the few departments that are hanging on to the interactive whiteboard [smartboard] because they see that as an integral part of how they teach,” said Grantham.

“The iPad Pro, when it came in, and we were able to offer that to them as a trial period, to test it, then they jumped at it.”

Math teacher Lisa Russell said the new iPad makes class simple.

CYBERPATRIOT: shoot and set up connections between devices.

“We connect our computer to the server which is connected to the international cyberpatriot team and is a competition that consists of 5,000 high school students at the same time,” said Seita Katayama who competes in the Litics division.

This year, Grantham decided to change the way that the students learn the material.

“This year because of the talent that we have in the kids, we decided to let the kids do the teaching,” said Grantham.

“The beauty about it is that these kids have to know their information well enough to teach it to the younger kids or the inexperienced kids which gives them practice to get better,” said Grantham.

The team practices and studies for long periods of time every day in order to prepare for the competitions. Most competitions run on the weekend for about 6 hours at a time.

“We usually start at 2pm and

2

REFUGEES: two 11th graders gave the 3 eighth graders a mini math lesson.

One of the refugees, Norika Christian, said she felt nervous, but she remained attentive to the math lesson.

“I was a little nervous because you guys are older than us and it’s new to me,” said Christian.

The 11th graders were welcoming, nice and helped explain the problems thoroughly, she said.

After this experience, Christian said she understands and sympathize more with those who are forced to flee their homes. “[Refugees] had to adapt to a new space that they have never been to and it’s sad because they had a home ... and made memories there and now they had to go away from all the memories and happiness and they had to go somewhere that they don’t know,” said Christian.

“The central pillar on why I’m doing this project is to get students to be more empathetic for people that are different than they are,” said McDonnell.

High schoolers and teachers had to decide whether they wanted to invite the refugees into their classrooms. It enabled high schoolers to ask themselves, if they should let the new refugees in and why or why not, McDonnell said.

Hangai made the 8th grade students feel welcomed by making sure he smiled a lot, he said.

“I just made sure to walk up to each of them and tell them welcome to our class and I’m glad that they were here,” said Hangai.

Hangai said he wanted his students to make sure they included them in the work they were doing and to have the 8th graders participate.

One of the 11th grade mentors, Sarae Miguel, incorporated the 8th grade students into the work she was doing.

“I kept asking them if they were understanding and had any questions to make them feel more involved … and that creates a sense of involvement or that they’re welcomed into the classroom,” said Miguel.

In the real world, refugees from countries like Syria must flee their homes and this journey can be difficult, dangerous and scary, McDonnell said. McDonnell wanted her students to study and start to understand what this is like.

Not only do McDonnell’s 8th grade students take something away from this project, but the high school teachers and students as well.

“I do want the high school students to take away from this project a sense of: “If I had the power, would I open borders or would I close my borders? How would I accept these new immigrants or new refugees and what implications does it have for my future?” McDonnell said.

McDonnell said she hopes the classroom visits will lead to increased understanding of refugees who have to leave their homes.

“I was a little nervous because you guys are older than us, and it’s new to me.”

Norika Christian, Grade 8

Math teacher Raymond LaFleur uses his iPad Pro to help students visualize their work for math problems. Photo by Staff Photographer Wyatt Cullison “I can easily hand my iPad Pro to a student and they can write on it. It’s easier for me to write and I’m not standing in front of the board covering it.”

Use of the iPads also allows for teachers to post the examples that they use in class online for students to view and study.

“I think that there are benefits both for the student and the teacher,” said Raymond LaFleur, math teacher.” Teachers can take advantage of more vibrant color available on the class television screens.

One of the things that the iPad Pro brought was Apple Pencil support. Now teachers could use the slim Apple Pencil, rather than the thick and unwieldy stylus used with a

smartboard.

Junior Kiana Smith said she preferred the use of regular whiteboards better.

“It causes me to actually pay attention and not go off and do other things pointing and circling and writing things in different colors; I want it to be a physical sensation … on the board kind of thing.”

This testing phase will allow the tech department to determine what kinds of new technology that the teachers will need in next school year, Grantham said.

“This gave us a perfect opportunity to put the device in the teacher’s hand, have them try it, and then get the feedback from them that will determine what they need for the next round.”

end at 8pm and that whole time we are on the computer, and sometimes we get pizza breaks,” said Seita Katayama.

Hitoki Kidahashi studies on average 3 hours per-day learning the material so he can later teach it to the other members. “Right

tournament over the summer.

The club has also grown from one high school team to two.

The middle school team went from three kids to seven this past year and is expecting to field a second middle school team for the upcoming year.

“I recommend this club to everyone even if you don’t know anything about computers, we will teach you from the very beginning how a computer works or how to modify the system,” said Kidahashi.

If you are interested in joining the CyberPatriots club and looking to compete against students around the nation, contact Brian Grantham at bgrantham@ midpac.edu.

“The world is becoming so much more digital that if you don’t want to be told what to do, you’re going to have to have a baseline of knowledge and skills so you can figure it out for yourself. That is the biggest thing, learn how to be independent in the future and not rely on someone else to tell you what to do,” said Grantham.

“Every kid needs to know and understand coding and they need to understand how networks work because we are solely dependent on it now.”

Brian Grantham, Club Advisor now, 3 is not enough. On average the winning team for US nationals have been preparing for 3 years and study 4-5 hours a day,” said Kidahashi.

“It’s basically like test taking, we have to know our stuff,” said Katayama.

The team competed in the CyberPatriot Invitational and ended up taking first place in the

WAILELE: the first time, it’s quite sad,” said Kuahiwinui.

Hamura said when the spring is finished, she pictures it being a collaboration of various ideas put together with some compromises; it will be everybody’s shared vision.

“What we’re hoping to do is get a concept plan agreed upon by the end of the school year, so we can start moving forward with both fundraising and permitting,” said Hamura.

Kuahiwinui said she visits Wailele Spring when she feels either overwhelmed or stressed.

“Wailele to me is a place where I can ground myself in any given day and in any given circumstance,” said Kuahiwinui.

Hamura said the school and herself has not started contacting any architects, but right now they are in the concept design phase.

“What we do is we go around

and ask advisory and focus groups the questions of: What do you want the spring to teach us? What do you want it to feel like? What things should we keep? What things should we change?” said Hamura.

Hamura said the area is underutilized and under appreciated, but she thinks there’s a lot of potential for academic learning.

“From elementary schools learning the water cycle, and also to even learning the stories behind the spring, there’s a lot of growth in addition to forming an education of giving back to the stewardship all the way up to the high school level,” said Hamura.

Kuawahiwinui said she is unsure when it comes to change, but she hopes that the improvements made to Wailele will restore the integrity of the very sacred site.

“I’ve been advocating for a Wailele reclamation since the first day I’ve arrived here at MidPacific,” said Kuahiwinui.

editorial page

Parental pressure on students: Will we stay friends here are a few things to keep after we graduate? in mind at school and at home

Parents always want what’s parental pressure on them and a best for us, right? That’s why they striking 68 percent of students in continuously pressure us to be China believe the same. our best. However, too It is overwhelming much parental pressure when our parents are can backfire when it always on our case about comes to student perforour grades and successes. mance.

We as students always As a high schooler, it have to remember our seems like your whole parents want what’s best life is dependent on how for us and they love us unyou do in these four years; Erin Goya: conditionally. They want four years of difficult tests, Letter from the us to make the most of the all-nighters and personal opportunities that we are relationships. It’s exhaust- Editor-in-Chief given and to live our life to ing when we, as teens, the fullest. are expected to balance academAs a student, you have to know ics, athletics, personal life and your limit and you have to know somehow succeed in all of them. that just because you don’t get an Sometimes, it just becomes a little A on a test or project, it doesn’t too difficult because there is a mean that you’re a failure. You fine line between parents caring, have to know that the name of and caring too much. It becomes your college isn’t everything and overwhelming and unmotivating your career or income doesn’t if you have someone constantly dictate how successful you are. bringing up your undecided For parents, know that your future or mediocre grades. son or daughter is trying their In 2011, the Pew Research Cen- very best in everything and that ter interviewed 29,100 students there is no predetermined path around the nation and asked them for anyone. We all have to be cogif their parents put too much nizant of the direct and indirect pressure on them. In the United pressure that we put on ourselves States, 11 percent of students and each other in order to be the believe their parents put too much best person we can be.

Editorial Cartoon by Karin Song

Q: What are some tips to relieve/alleviate stress from school/general life?

A: Keeping up with everything can be difficult to manage, and it’s always good to take breaks when you need them! Before starting your homework, I like to time myself and take a 15-20 minute break to just relax ahead of beginning my assignments. If your mind starts to wander off after working for awhile, its best to give it a rest and come back to it with a clean slate.

“I think that a lot of high school students have that go go go mentality, and sometimes you just need to stop and take that break so that you can come back and be mentally prepared to continue your work,” said Mid-Pacific counselor-in-training Amber Alderson.

Another tip to consider is planning. Alderson recommends scheduling your days ahead to help relieve stress from school.

Sometimes things get to a point where it becomes overwhelming, and knowing what comes ahead can help you feel more on top of it. I hope that helped, and just remember to not be super hard on yourself! School doesn’t define who you are, and it’s always good to share your problems with close friends to get if off your shoulders.

Q: How to survive finals?

A: With the end of the first semester coming to an end, finals are coming up. It can be a really chaotic time consisting of sleepless nights and dark eyebags. To start, make sure you know what days your exams are on and what time they start. It’s always good to double Siena Usui: check and write Student Survival it down just in case. You Guide don’t want to be late to your finals! Also, keep in mind that you shouldn’t put too much unnecessary pressure on yourself. Finals aren’t a major part of your grade, and in some classes they are worth twenty percent of your grade. So, as long as you don’t completely fail, it won’t affect your final grade dramatically. According to University of the Pacific, the key to effectively retain information is repetition. Studying in small chunks of time (ex: 40 minutes of studying and 20 minute breaks) will help your brain process information better. And as you study, make sure to eliminate all distractions. Put your phone away and turn off your notifications.

Editor-in-Chief

Another thing is getting a good night’s sleep the day before your finals, which is an extra boost for you. You’ll be more energetic and alert. And, it’s always important to eat breakfast so that you’ll have fuel to power through the test!

After finishing your finals, you can let loose and finally relax!

Q: How hard will it be to keep high school friends after graduating?

A: I heard from someone about how even after college, their closest friends were their friends from high school. And when talking to another person, they told me that they were super close with their college friends. So, it really depends on the person. All relationships are a two way street, it takes both people to make it work. Regularly checking up on each other and texting can help keep you and your friends keep in contact. If you can, try to meet up with one another when you can.

As we grow older and go through different experiences, we change.

It might be natural for you and your friends to drift, but it doesn’t mean that’ll put an end to your friendship. Having long distance friendships can be challenging, but as long as you and your friends put in the effort it takes to maintain it, it can work!

Na Pueo Staff

Erin Goya

Features Editor Siena Usui

Sports Editor

Kamm Kojima

Photo Editor

Chelsee Sawai

Social Media Editor Mia Nakagawa Back Page Editor Althea Lutz

Staff Writers

Steven Aspera Wyatt Cullison Maia D’Amato Kenna Kaneshiro Danika Kusumoto Tia Shimabukuro

Advisor

Jessica Hanthorn

Corrections

3

In the October 2019 issue of

Na Pueo, the following names were misspelled: Emmalee Spencer, Grade 10 and Noah Javellana, Grade 10. Na Pueo regrets the error.

Information

Na Pueo is published by dedicated Mid-Pacific students.

Personal opinions expressed by students, faculty, and staff or outside guests do not necessarily reflect those of Mid-Pacific.

We welcome contributions and feedback and will strive to maintain a high standard of professional journalism. Send letters, submissions, and suggestions to: Na Pueo c/o Mid-Pacific 2445 Kaala St. Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 973-5000 email: newspaper@midpac.edu Please contact Na Pueo for advertising information and rates.

All articles and photographs are copyright (c) Mid-Pacific Institute.

features VINTAGE:

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Styles from the past are making a comeback this year

By Kenna Kaneshiro Staff Writer Inside Atherton on a recent morning, the halls filled with students as doors began to open, and in the crowd there are scattered sights of students adjusting their highwaisted jeans and a pair of Vans shoes being retied.

Lately, Mid-Pacific students have been following fashion styles that relate to the 1980s, 60s, and 50s. A pair of high waisted jeans and skirts as well as a floral printed wrap dress is common to find in class.

“I think that these fashion trends are coming back because the vintage style is very in right now, and I think it is mainly due to the popular store Brandy Melville,” said freshman Kalena O’Connell, who was wearing a floral wrap dress and a pair of vans.

Brandy Melville sells clothing such as high waisted denim skirts, t-shirts with vintage designs, sweatshirts with 1990s designs, and loose fitting jeans.

Something that was worn ages or decades ago doesn’t mean it that it shouldn’t be tried or worn again, said school librarian Nicole Goff who said she wore styles in the 90s such as Doc Martins boots and oversized flannel shirts.

This fall, barrettes, scrunchies, loose fitting jeans, and high waisted skirts are starting to rise in popularity, and an “old” type of look is the modern way to dress.

According to a recent article from Insider, loose fitting jeans also called “mom jeans” originated from a Saturday Night Live sketch in the early 2000s about a fictional brand of denim made for mothers. This

Illustration by Rell Uehara

See VINTAGE page 5

Teachers recommend best holiday gifts for everyone in your life

By Danika Kusumoto Staff Writer It’s that time of year again! The holidays are approaching fast, and the season of gift-giving is almost upon us. For those of you lastminute shoppers, finding the perfect present to give your family and friends is the ultimate challenge. Lucky for you, we have a solution.

We asked our campus experts about the best gifts for students to buy this holiday season.

For the Reader…

If you’re looking for a specific title, English teacher Kathryn Wheeler has a recommendation for you. “One book I often give out is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and it’s not a flawless book … but it’s just a beautiful book,” said Wheeler. This dark and thrilling novel set in the Gothic heart of Barcelona, Spain, keeps the reader on the edge of their seats.

You can find a paperback copy of this product on Amazon.com for $11.55.

For the Scientist…

Science teacher Charles Wade has some advice for those of you who are struggling to find the right gift.

“Scientists love coffee, so that’s probably the number one gift you could possibly give to a scientist,” said Wade. It can be a challenge staying awake late into the night conducting experiments, and they could use the caffeine running through their system.

For the Dad…

Science teacher Michael Valentine walks his daughter to preschool every day before school, holding her hand as she walks on the cement benches. He suggests purchasing the versatile Echo Show for your dad this holiday season. “Your dad can turn off and on his own bedroom lights without ever getting out of bed again,” Valentine said.

You can find a McCafe premium medium roast 24 ounce tin of ground coffee on Amazon.com for only $7.15.

You can find an Echo Show 5 - compact smart display with Alexa - on Amazon.com for $79.99.

For the Mom…

Japanese teacher Jodie Sakaguchi has been on more than a few flights, and knows exactly what a fellow traveler would appreciate. “A really good-quality neck pillow, or some noise-cancelling headphones,” said Sakaguchi.

Both items would provide comfort throughout the flight, allowing the wearer to relax and sneak in a couple hours of sleep.

Stephanie Render, history teacher and super mom, has some ideas of what your mom would love for the holidays.

“Something that shows that you appreciate what your mom does … like that coupon book of ‘I’ll help out around the house,” said Render. This present only costs a little time out of your day dedicated towards making your mom smile.

You can create a coupon book filled with different favors for free.

For the Traveler…

See HOLIDAY page 5

features

Japanese students learn culture for a cause with #onigiriaction campaign

By Chelsee Sawai Staff Writer Heaps of steamy, white rice lay in the palms of student’s hands as they formed and molded them into thorough geometric shapes, squeezing as hard as they can to get that precise shape.

Nori cut into strips soon contributed to the rice sculptures turning them into fun characters.

As soon as freshman Tristy Goya made onigiri, she took to social media and used the hashtag #onigiriaction2019.

An onigiri is a Japanese dish consisting of small shapes of rice stuffed with any type of filling and typically wrapped in dried seaweed.

Many of Lisa Asato’s Japanese 2 students experienced Japanese culture with rice, nori, and filling to make rice balls for Onigiri Action 2019.

“I think it’s fun to experience and also meaningful,” said Asato.

Onigiri Action 2019 is an annual campaign from October 7th to November 20th. People can follow three simple steps to help starving kids in Africa.

All you need to do is make an onigiri, take a picture of you ei-

ther making or posing with your onigiri and then post it to social media. Then, 5 plate lunches will be shared to the hungry for every shared rice ball.

“I thought it was a really interesting way to help people since it was so simple,” said Japanese 2 student Bryn Higuchi.

“Before we did this project, I thought you had to donate money in order to help and make a difference,” said Higuchi.

A total of 295,398 onigiri photos were shared on social media from people around the world and 8,000 children will be provided warm school meals for a year to the hungry children in Africa.

Other schools from across the island took initiative to help the cause such as Aina High School and Hawaii Baptist Academy.

Asato talked about the two main purposes that she wants students to understand throughout this project. It is one of the more dominant events that Asato does with her students.

“I want students to learn that we have such a wonderful project that it doesn’t take a lot to support people in need,” she said.

“Also, I want everyone to learn

I feel like we need to think about our food more preciously, and do not waste it.

Lisa Asato, Japanese Teacher

VINTAGE: piece of clothing eventually evolved into a fashion choice.

People also are using scrunchies, a type of hair tie that was popular in the 1980s.

It originated from a brand called Scünci in 1963 founded by Phillips E. Meyers.

It became a well known accessory in 1987 when a woman named Romy Reverson began to use it for her singing and dancing performances.

“I think the reason why high school girls like these types of trends is because we see it a lot on social media with our favorite influencers or popular people who we admire their style. Therefore, we want to dress like them,” said O’Connell.

Some influencers include Jaci Marie Smith who wears “mom jeans” and boldly colored striped sweaters. As well as Emma Chamberlain, an American youtuber who also wears mom jeans and scrunchies.

On social media, there are advertisements from stores that sell vintage clothing that attracts

students and exposes them to a new style, said senior Ashley Uyematsu.

“I feel like it [vintage styles] will be occurring in every single generation. It will be like this cycle,” she said.

IB physics and forensics teacher Kymbal Roley said she used to wear 80s fashion styles such as midriff tops and polka dots.

“Styles from the past, when they bring them back I think they bring back what’s good about the style but they put a new twist on it,” Roley said.

Boots or Uggs resemble a variation of leg warmers and high waisted pants and tops are designed to be worn higher rather than the 1980s low slung clothing.

It is fun to see people in the fashion industry who are taking old ideas, but also making them new and different, Goff said.

“You don’t want to bring something back exactly the way it was, so there are always going to be bits and pieces of a shirt, a pair of shorts, shoes that change,” said Goff.

“I think they bring back what’s good about the style, but they put a new twist on it.”

- Kymbal Roley

the Japanese tradition of making onigiri, which is riceball and the importance of rice.”

The kanji for rice ball has the hidden kanji numbers for 88.

The hidden meaning is that it takes 88 days to make a small batch of rice.

“That’s how hard people work to make rice. I feel like we need to think about our food more preciously, and do not waste it.

There are so many people like the ones in Africa who don’t even get to taste rice,”said Asato.

Higuchi said it felt good to be learning Japanese culture and participating in a worldwide trend.

“It made me feel like even though I was just eating and making onigiri, it was going a long way, helping someone else,” she said.

Japanese 2 student Kaitlyn Yoshimoto said these onigiri are more than just food to enjoy but for a good cause to support.

“Hunger is an issue that should be addressed more often and I feel we did that through this project,” said Yoshimoto.

Asato said she remembers her teacher who would always let students try to make onigiri for the experience and wants to give students the experience she got from making onigiri with her teacher.

“For the students who aren’t

HOLIDAY: You can find a ZAMAT memory foam travel pillow with adjustable compact comfort, breathable and machine washable case, 3D eye masks, and ear plugs all on Amazon.com for the low price of $14.99.

For the Athlete…

Daniel Wagner, a physical therapist and MPI graduate class of ‘11, has a few thoughts on what athletes might appreciate this holiday season. “The Hypervolt massage gun … that’s, like, for everyone,” said Wagner. This percussion massage device helps relax sore and stiff muscles to improve mobility, allowing up to three hours of use per charge.

You can find the Hypervolt handheld massage device on Amazon.com for $349.00. You can find a cheaper Cryotex massage gun on Amazon.com for $134.50.

For the Tech Lover…

5

that good at Japanese, I hope they remember this experience that I gave them when they grow up,” she said.

Asato said this year, she feels the activity was more of a success than previous years because she taught people how to clamp the rice to form its shape.

“I think they all enjoyed the onigiri but I also appreciate that all the students were thankful for this activity. I was very happy,” she said.

Students said they admired Asato’s project because of its fun in learning and would like to continue to do hands-on activities like this throughout Japanese students shared in this social media campaign to feed the remainder hungry children. of the year.

“It was learnway that the class could easily foling but in a fun low along and feel sympathetic. way. I feel students learn more “She did a really good job of through interactive activities,” sharing who she was trying to said Yoshimoto. help through this and why her Higuchi said Asato got her purpose was so soulful,” she said. point across to the students in a MPX teacher Robert McIntosh has a few suggestions for someone who adores the world of technology. He explained why a little robot named Cozmo has caught his eye, describing the different functions of this fun and educational toy. “He is a wonderful tool that teaches all different types of technologies,” McIntosh said.

You can purchase Cozmo on Amazon. com for $127.90.

For the Musician…

Music teacher Jeremy Lawi has a couple ideas of what to purchase a budding musician this upcoming holiday season. “A tuner or a metronome, it’s good not to always rely on apps,” said Lawi.

He also suggested getting a

tuning fork if you happen to be a percussionist. These musician’s tools will help you improve your skills and practice more efficiently.

You can find a Korg tuner and metronome supporting a broad range of instruments on Amazon.com for $22.99.

For the Gamer…

For those of you who need a little advice on what to buy the gamer, technology specialist Tony Johansen recommends purchasing the Nintendo Switch.

“I personally love my Nintendo Switch,” Johansen said. However, if you’re looking for something a little more affordable, he said socks with video game characters on them never fails to impress.

You can find a Nintendo Switch on Amazon.com for $289.95. You can find novelty gamer socks on Amazon.com for $6.99.

the diamond 26.2

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

12-year-old runner competes in Honolulu Marathon

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer Weighing in at 78 pounds and standing at four and a half feet tall, seventh grader Zachary Wagnild is your average middle schooler. He plays video games, watches Youtube and enjoys memes. However, unlike most 12 year olds, he is registered to compete in the Honolulu Marathon this year, running 26.2 miles.

Zachary is one of more than 10 people age 12 registered for the Dec. 8th race, and more than 40 runners are age 12 or younger, officials said. More than 33,500 runners ran the Honolulu Marathon last year, according to race statistics posted online.

The route starts from Ala Moana Beach Park and ends in Waikiki. The race association does not track times for runners under age 15. Last year, the fastest runner for ages 15-19 had a finishing time of two hours and 36 minutes. Zachary aims to cross the finish line in six and a half hours.

Zachary Wagnild running for cross country.

“I think that this will help

Photo contributed by Craig Wagnild

Boys bowling nets two-time ILH championship title

By Steven Aspera Jr. members said.

Staff Writer Every practice, they played The boys bowling team won like they were getting ready for the ILH championship for the a game, mainly by working on second year in a row, continuing spares and consistency, said their winning streak from last Manabe. year’s season.

The team also needed to Mid-Pacific played Saint Louis prepare mentally: how they act, in the state championship, which behave and handle negativity on was their hardest game, players the lanes, Craig Yamada said. and coaches said.

They prepared for the “The strength of season by having prac“We had two really challenging the team is in their tice over the summer games, both of to improve their game. chemistry.” them were against Kai Yamada, a senior Saint Louis. The who ranked - Kai Yamada, bowler first game we beat second in the state, said them 3-0 and the senior bowler younger players can imsecond was to prove in the offseason. decide who was “Working in the the first place, we offseason you learn so won 2-1,” said Kody Manabe, a much, and it makes the game varsity bowler at Mid-Pacific. easier because you have way Mid-Pacific tied in the regular more experience rather than just season, which led them to one time a year,” Kai Yamada playoffs. said. Kai Yamada is the son of “We lost our first game but coach Craig Yamada, and Kai came back in the next two has bowled on the team since his games, so it was a pretty freshman year. dramatic comeback,” said coach Coach Yamada said many Craig Yamada.

Practice was a key factor in See BOWLING page 7 winning the championship, team

show others that I’m not weak,” Zachary said.

Zachary trains with his entire family. His mom and dad are both finishers of many marathons, and his brother, 5k school record holder and marathon runner, Parker Wagnild, encourages and assists Zachary in this task.

“All, the things I learn, I just try and pass on,” said Parker Wagnild.

Some running experts and doctors said young runners should be cautious when training for a marathon, according to an article on Activekids.com. The Honolulu Marathon requires runners to be at least seven years old in order to run. The Marine Corps Marathon age requirement is 12 years old, and the Boston Marathon requires runners to be 18 years old.

According to the article, there are several considerations when kids run a marathon, including overuse injuries, psychological stress, nutrition concerns and heat stress.

On the other hand, Mid Pacif-

ic’s cross country and track and field head coach, Rick Hendrix, is fine with his young athletes running the marathon.

“As long as no one is putting pressure on him to do it,” said Hendrix.

There will be no prize for ages 7-14, race officials said.

However, the marathon association recommends that young runners’ parents accompany their athlete and wishes Zachary the best of luck.

Running with Zachary was his mother, Debbie Wagnild, who has run about six marathons, and father, Craig Wagnild, who has run about 20 marathons.

Preparing for the marathon, Zach and his family woke up before the sun rose, starting their long runs, which started at four miles and every week a mile or two was added.

Getting pumped for his race, Zachary listened to music as he laced his shoes. Running around the island, he and his family dodged tourists as they ran alongside the sunrise.

See MARATHON page 7

New coach hopes to improve season record

By Chelsee Sawai Staff Writer The girls varsity basketball team is looking to improve their game from last season’s record of 1-10. They’re already on their way to new heights with their current season record of 4-1 with help from new coach, Reid Sagawa.

“It’s been a total pleasure coaching these girls. The eight girls that we do have, their attitudes are terrific, they work really hard, they support one another, and they do everything that the coaches ask,” said Sagawa.

Sagawa said he enjoys working with kids both in and out of the classroom and coaching is like teaching but in a different subject area that he loves and is passionate about.

“If you think of your best teacher, they don’t have to get mad to have you do well but they’re there to push you and support you and guide you,” he said.

See BASKETBALL page 7

Athletes: know how to prevent injury

By Mia Nakagawa Staff Writer Injuries are very serious for athletes at any level, and it is important to know how to prevent them effectively, according to the web site Safe Kids Worldwide.

There are many different ways to prevent injuries. Some people have a routine they carry out on a daily basis to keep muscle aches and pains away. Others stretch, eat healthy, or workout to keep themselves in shape. It is also important to find other Trainer Joel Jaucian rolls out 11th grader Mackenzie Higuchi’s forearm to prevent further pain. activities that allow Photo by staff photographer Mia Nakagawa. athletes to stay active an injury while they were playing “I do a lot of stretching, because during their sport’s off season a sport, according to Safe Kids I know that if I don’t, I can get said Marcus Oshiro, one of the Worldwide. When an injury tight, and I can get sore which athletic trainers on campus. occurs, make sure to visit the can lead to injuries,” said level 7 “Doing outside activities like trainers near the gym to be safe. and 8 dancer, Lexee Howes. swimming, something that “We can evaluate you and According to eleventh grade doesn’t have too much impact on recommend our next steps to get varsity baseball player, Cayden the body but still allows you to you back on the playing field,” Okada, the best way to prevent move and stretch and strengthen said Oshiro. injuries is to: get a lot of sleep, at the same time,” said Charlaine Athletes should get into the keep a steady, healthy diet, and Katsuyoshi, a ballet and contemhabit of stretching to reduce to incorporate stretching into porary teacher at Mid-Pacific. their chances of getting an injury 90 percent of high school athduring their sport’s season.

See INJURY page 7 letes say that they have suffered

7

Sports

MARATHON:

“Having that time together, but also this challenge, and working through this challenge together, those are some of the greatest lessons you can have, and we can do it as a family,” said Craig Wagnild.

His recovery method includes three simple techniques for success: Coke, iHop and rest.

“It’s been painful but once you finish it, you get it done,” Zachary said.

On the night before the race, the family plans were to eat lots of carbohydrates, drink water, and get lots of rest. Before the sun rose, the Wagnild family left the hotel, wearing matching “Zach Pack” shirts. Running together early in the morning before every marathon, this family is ready for the race.

During the race, Hendrix said

Infographic by Danika Kusumoto

BASKETBALL:

Varsity girls sophomore basketball player Lauren Hayashi said since Sagawa’s started coaching, he has worked a lot with the team as a whole and has focused on team bonding.

“He really has a set plan for us and the route he wants us to take this season and so because of him having so many contacts, we’re able to have more games and more experiences compared to the previous years,” said Hayashi.

At practice, the girls are continuously uplifting and supporting each other while Sagawa is pushing each of them, calling out constant corrections.

For example, in a shooting drill, the girls high five and compliment each other after every shot that was made or missed while Sagawa calls each of them by name, saying what they can do the next time around.

Sagawa is a health teacher at Iolani School and has been out of coaching for eight years before this season but before his break, he’s coached for 17 years straight.

BOWLING:

members of the team have played together for four years.

“The strength of the team is in their chemistry. These boys have been together since they were freshman, from when they were JV and working to get to the varsity level. So the result of improving every year allowed us to win the championship,” Yamada said.

After the championship the bowling varsity team won a postseason tournament. Younger players can improve on practicing more and making sure they are connected as a team, said Manabe.

Sagawa said Mid-Pacific is a place where you can feel the culture not only in basketball but also when you walk around campus.

“The students are real friendly, the staff members are real pleasant and supportive,” said Sagawa. “People go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and to try and help you become successful in what you do.”

Assistant coach and math teacher, Byron Cheng, has known Sagawa for many years and has even coached against him in the past.

“I have so much respect for him, and I respect his style, and I respect him as a person,” said Cheng.

Sagawa said his coaching style is being strict and demanding when he needs to be, but at the same time acknowledges the positive by yelling in an excited way.

“I would like to be known as being demanding and having really high expectations,” he said.

“But at the same time caring so that we can push the girls but yet they know we’re doing it because

we care about them and we want them to be the best.”

Hayashi said she has a lot of confidence in Sagawa, especially since she has been coached by him before and knows how intense he (Above) New varsity girls coach Reid Sagawa overcan get. looks the players during a drill to give them feed“He’s very back. (Right) Girls varsity basketball team members organized, very Zannah Suehiro shoot the ball during practice, while supportive, and he’s never afraid to Madi Sagawa rebounds. The team has improved their yell at you or tell record since last year under a new coach. Photo by his honest opinion staff photographer Chelsee Sawai. if it means it will Hayashi said she thinks benefit you,” said Sagawa can help her improve Hayashi. her ball handling and shooting Cheng said Sagawa’s most skills this year. admirable attributes are his “He’s putting me in different integrity and honesty. positions that I’m not used to “He’s very encouraging and but he’ll help me become more incredibly knowledgeable about comfortable and grow as a player the game,” said Cheng. “I think he’s just someone that the players that way,” she said.

Sagawa said the team is adjustreally gravitate towards because ing to all of the coaches’ concepts they enjoy his presence and and styles and seeing the girls respects what he offers to the support one another is only the program.”

INJURY:

Correcting muscle imbalances can improve your performance and help to prevent injuries.

“We are trying not to develop muscle imbalance, but creating more balance in the body,” said Katsuyoshi.

Most of Mid-Pacific athletes get injured during practice instead of games, which may be caused by lack of focus during practices, said Oshiro.

“Most of our injuries occur during practice, not necessarily games,” said Oshiro.

Tenth grade, varsity soccer player Curran Matsuki says that injuries are random and cannot be prevented all together. He says that the best he can do is be aware of himself.

your routine before and after practice. He also tries his best to get a quick run in before practices to warm himself up.

“Lots of people do this and they said that it helps, so I started doing it and I could feel the difference,” said Okada.

A common cause of injury in athletes are muscle imbalances.

According to ACE fitness, if a muscle group is overworked and tight, the muscles on the other side of the joint will weaken.

Muscle imbalances are very serious because they can change the position of the joint, and change a joint’s path of motion.

he hopes that Zachary remembers to have fun.

In a pre-race interview, Craig Wagnild described Zachary’s race plan: he will sprint with all his might for three minutes. After three minutes, he will breathe and cool down during a one minute resting period, drinking water and eating energy gels in between. This cycle repeats until all 26.2 miles are accomplished.

“We are all right behind, to give him confidence and we support him,” said Hendrix.

Running with the confidence and love from his coaches, Zachary said he looks up to the fastest marathon runner in the world, Eliud Kipchoge, who broke the world record in 2018 with a marathon time of 2:01:39 “I kind of look up to him because he ran the fastest marathon,” Zachary said. “That is what inspires me to try harder.”

beginning.

“Just to see them gel and mold and play as a team is what I’m excited about. Though, it’s not easy when you have a new coach,” he said.

Hayashi said Sagawa’s coaching is all for the benefit of the team and she thinks they’ll be able to go far with him.

“He’s a super good coach and I can’t wait for this season with him,” said Hayashi.

How to prevent injury: top tips 1. Take time off

6. Warm up

2. Increase flexibility

7. Stay hydrated

3. Learn the proper technique

8. Cool down 9. Vary your workouts

4. Get the right gear 5. Start gradually

10. Know when Source: Harvard Health Publishing and the American Academy to stop of Pediatrics

Infographic by Danika Kutsumoto

What Makes a GOOD Teacher?

The Na Pueo staff asked students what qualities they appreciate in teachers.

“Humor is the best,

“A teacher who’s attentive to a student’s personal well-being and academic well-being.” because if they don -Kian Kajioka, Grade 11 ’t cra ck jokes, how am I supposed to enjoy there even if the cla the class? You wan ss is stressful.” -P t to look forward to ele Leau, Grade 11 going y tr d

ith students an “When they’re interactive w to understand.”

-Camryn Au, Grade 9 “A good teacher

gives you a lot o f support when you need it.”

-Myah McDonald , Grade 12

“Anybody like Mr. Cheng.”

-Marissa Nishihara, Grade 12

“They push us to do our best, but are still friendly.”

-Mia Yamaguchi, Grade 9

“They really care about the students — whether they are learning and understanding the material, but also how they are doing outside of the classroom.”

-Krista Suzuki, Grade 11

“The teachers that I like understand ’ ways ts n e d tu s all students’ perspectives.” e th all They appeal to “ -Kysen Silva, Grade 10 of learning.”

ade 11 r and if you G , lp e m h a d K e e w n e r u D o ing.” “Being personable h c “They ask if y a te e ’r y e th .”

-Kierra Akima, Gra e material th d de 9 n ta s r e d n 0 u 1 e d a r G , n to Illustration by: Rell Uehara -Kea Crump