Na Pueo December 2022 Issue

FAREWELL AFTER 16 YEARS: PRIESTER HEADED FOR CHINA

HS and MS Principle Dr. Dwayne Priester pursues his next step in Shanghai.

By Charlize Gaudiello Editor-in-chief

After a dedicated sixteen years on campus, Middle and High School Principal Dr. Dwayne Priester is setting his sights on a new school in China. -

ter will conclude his journey described as a wonderful learning experience.

To go along with the title of Middle School Principal, Dr. Priester was named High

integrated the middle and high schools.

Dr. Priester will become the Assistant Head of School

for Teaching and Learning at Concordia International School in Shanghai beginning

said Priester.

President Paul Turnball had nothing but good things to say about the departing Dr. Priester.

“We’re proud of the work that Dee has done at Mid-

the remainder of this school place for learning and growth, not just for our students, and we are excited for Dee to take this next step in his journey as

said.

Dr. Priester explained to the year an Interim Principal will be hired. The next step will be to conduct a thorough permanent new principal. He said that the school’s two Vice-Presidents - Lori Perriera and Rebecca Hodge - will continue to manage the middle and high school operations. ability to continue the great of your work as extraordinary educators. Continue to care

Thank you for being Mid-

Where does our tuition go? COVID’s latest toll: student mental health

By Charlize Gaudiello Staff Writer

Lately, for Americans,

And another rising cost is prischool year the starting tuition

Leslie Keneshiro said, many pressure due to the pandemicthing the school recognizes when they increase tuition.

“Due to the pandemic the school tried to be cognizant that a lot of families wereing that year, we tried to limit

of the pandemic appear to be

decided to increase the tuition by 4% this year.

During the pandemic, the school wasn’t able to host Ho’olaulea. This resulted in the school spending less money then they would during a normal school year. The tu-

Now with the school more

4% increase.

Where does the money go?

school collects from tuition, school year.

If you were to calculate how

much money a family would be spending starting this year, going to the school from pretuition with a 4% increase per year, the bill would come in priced cars with that amount.enue expenditures was spent

All student programs including academics, MPSA and athletic programs

Teachers salary

Other costs include supplies,Kaneshiro said.

By Ellie Fink Staff Writer

With two years of no physical contact, awkward zoom calls, and the lack of experiencing the ups and downs of a normal middle and high school career, many teenagers’ mental health has fallen fell into a noticeable decline.

Among those are the students

Cost to maintain the campus and facilities

The people who help maintain our campus Insurance the school maintains

Non-teaching employees

health in the past few years

freshman English teacher.

health following COVID.

“I feel like all the kids were

just isolated, and didn’t really places to go, and really being stuck in one place for a long

When asked if students’ increase in anxiety and depression correlated with the appearance of COVID, Lee

“I would say so. It depends on a kid to kid basis, but stress is Lee said.

Assistant Principal of Student Life Rebecca Hodge, nothing but detrimental to students.

Illustration by Emi Lew

Earning from tuition: Breakdown of tuition income and the amount left for spending. Graphic by Archer Liang, See MENTAL page 2 See TUITION page 2

MENTAL:

“I think

students less social. I think that it’s made them less eager to engage with other people, Hodge said.

The restrictions on social of the pupils.

“Because I was away from my friends, I couldn’t really talk to them about certain things that were bothering me, like, Schroeder said . interfered with students’ social academic growth. Students studies upon the return from the pandemic.

“There is a general change “I see fewer students taking fewer students putting in the extra time, asking questions. I feel like people are just standing around, asking, ‘what’s it all for in the end of it?’ ‘Does

GUNS! Coming to a city near you.

By Archer Liang Illustration Head

thrust into.

we were in quarantine, I had and make myself better, so I -

Daniel Oato.

In many cases, COVID’s effects on student’s mental health the adjustment to high school.

“A lot of my touchpoints with working with has been about said. “In working with ninth the focus has been less about depression, stress, anxiety, and -

the academic coursework more stress-inducing than the return to the regular school year from COVID.

problem among students-antine interfered with structure.

“Here at Mid-Pac, we likeronment where students are working together and studentsHodge.

Despite its seemingly bleak quarantine are not completely

TUITION:

Kaneshiro said. donations, endowments and organizations renting out the the school another source of income.

Different Perspectives

on Tuition

that the price of the tuition does not match the quality of the school and education.

“It wasn’t COVID, it was school. School screwed me

Yuen said.

school during quarantine made the transition back in much

“Since students were gone from school for a couple to get back to their train of

schools that are cheaper thanTaro Tsuji said.ent opinions on whether the tuition is reasonable. As shown, than a student would. Majority of parents pay for their child’s tuition, so they are able to get a better understanding of where the money goes.

Sports: Looking Ahead

The school attempts to stay current in their sports and

D

emand is growing in Hawaii for gun owners to carry guns in public. This is a response to the United State Supreme Court’s decision any restrictions on carrying county is still struggling with Mayor Rick Blangiardi asked the City Council to draft an places where gun carrying is illegal. This includes many public places. -

law, according to the written Blangiardi said in the statehas restricted public carrying and as a result, has one of the the country and we want it to compliance and risk manageschool always makes changes to safety regulations to keep the campus safe.

“The school’s always going to be actually sticking to the requirements for safety for guns or anything else that it’s occurring now, so when these regulations do become actual school will continue to follow our policies that no guns are People who agree or op-

maintenance of the school’s practice facilities.

“When I think about the school implementing new features, I think about what new sports features are going Tsuji said.

Another main project that the school has in the works is track

“I think that some of our facilities are outdated, and I understand that they recently track, but there are also lacking factors in our school, such as due to the fact that people either disagree or agree to how much money should be funded towards each sport, and whether gender goes into account while deciding the amount they need.

“I wouldn’t say that I am sending my child to Mid

and sports are secondary. Your child is not guaranteed into said.

pose the law both agree that safety is a concern. Here in the committee that watches the law change.

Some teachers and students share their opinions on the new gun regulations in Hawaii.

Science teacher Hélène Drazen, who has a hunting gun at home, said she doesn’t see the need to carry guns openly in Hawaii.

“There are other ways to feel -

doesn’t like guns.tional right for people to carry

strange that people can get a gun easier than getting an

doesn’t feel safe about the new

-

body is “strapped [slang term referring to be equipped with,

futile because of how many Mejia said. “You cannot legislate to decrease rates of gun

Social Study teacher Henry Hail, who has a Ph.D. in sociology, said he doesn’t feel unsafe about new gun regulations in Hawaii.

he said.

risk of getting in danger in Hawaii is “still low compared

Read the rest of the story from NaPueo.com

amount. There is no gender bias in our school.

ming pool and some swimming students said “we don’t

into consideration students’ comments on the size of the pool, but if you look at our budget, our budget can barely students. The main way to go forward with a large project Kaneshiro said.

The topic of what our tuition goes towards has gotten many students riled up and eager to speak out.

“I feel like they bias opinions that go towards the funding of sports, a lot of money towards the baseball program, they always get the new equipment, while I feel like other sports like swimming gets less funding and all we get is new suits,

Boys and girls sports are and both are funded the same

Scott Wagner said. Three percent of the schools Total Operating Expenses goes towards sports. This data school year.

“The three percent that went towards the Athletics was taken during a pandemic year, so I’m sure that this year will said.

Compared to the Athletics, six percent of the total Operating Expenses goes towards the MPSA Program.

The pandemic created great uncertainty, but the leaders of community that all decisions are made with care.

“I think it’s important for students to learn and understand what our tuition goes towards before gaining an opinion. We highly appreciate families that are trusting our school with educating their child, we understand that it is not cheap -

U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Jun. 23 struck down any restrictions on carrying Photo from Unspalsh.

Features

Representing the student body

time on October 25 with the new student representative senior Maddie Ibara.

“It’s a big honor, if I’m being quite honest, and I’m super grateful that I got chosen out of all the applicants to be the student representative to the Board,” Ibara said.

Ibara collected data from students through a survey and turned the data into a presentation for the Board.

The current schedule was an issue on which she received various student

the Monday schedule most of all, talking about what they suggested for upcoming changes to the Monday schedule,” Ibara said.

Ibara also brought forward the importance of balancing academic and personal life.

“A big part of education now is recognizing that mental health exists, and we need to take care of that as well,” she said.

To get some contrast, Ibara also separated responses between the average of the perspective on it as well.ent, but once I asked them to go deeper and explain, a lot of them had the same opinions,” she said.

nervous, because it [was] my be presenting to such a prestigious group, but I already know that I have earned the opportunity to be there, and I hope that we will be able to connect with each other,” she said.

After the meeting, President Paul Turnbull said he thought that the meeting went exceptionally well.

ing able to hear directly from students allows the Board to make better and more informed decisions.

By Tyrael Goo Staff writer

The Board of Trustees

Mondays.

“I think a lot of people were eager to express their opinion on the schedule, particularly

Before going to the meeting, Ibara gave some of her thoughts and feelings about how the meeting would go.

“Honestly, I [was] a little

Day in the life of a security guard

By Josephine Brewer Staff writer

Weconstantly see guards roaming the campus and driving the golf carts, but what does an average day in their life look like?

Mitchell Miyasaki has been little over a year. His interest in security started during his time in the military.

“I was looking at what jobs kind of match what you do in the military and just got into it, kind of liked it, never left it,” Miyasaki said.

There are many things to do the second he steps foot on campus, but there is one main goal: “Make sure all the kids are safe.”

The average day starts out with patrolling the campus and making sure everything seems normal. He then turns

to checking cameras while other security guards continue to patrol.

Junior Maddix Shizuru has -

ciates the fact that security is willing to drive students to their class when they’re injured.

With all the campus’ hills and to get around with an injury. Without the security guard’s and their help, injured students would have a much harder school day.

“They’re injured, so it would get to class,” said Shizuru.

Shizuru thinks the school’s security is pretty thorough, and with no recent threats to our school’s security, she feels pretty safe on campus.

The guards do so much to keep us safe, so what can we as

a school do for them to make their jobs easier?

“Maybe a little more cameras around. Other than that, a new guard shack would be nice,” Miyasaki said.

With so many guards spending lots of time in the shack working, it’s no surprise that it’s gotten a little bit worn down.

Shizuru says compared to public schools, our security is much better.

“We’re a privately funded school so we have more moneybers,” Shizuru said.

Despite the amount of schools in North America dealing with extreme security threats increasing with every remains strong.

“Maddie is articulate, she presents well, she understands how to translate between what students are looking for and what they need, and how to express that to a high-level group of individuals,” he said. This is the third year that the board is meeting with a student representative, Ibara the position after Julian Ibarra graduated last year.

Turnbull said that from the perspective of the Board, be-

Art Canopy

“Having a student representative on the Education Committee means that there is one more crucial data point that the Board has and that I have as the president. It makes the board members, and it we were able to do something that was in direct response to student discourse,” he said.

As for the future of student representation on the board, Turnbull hopes that it won’t cease anytime soon.

“I would hope [this program runs] in perpetuity. I hope that someone is going to sit in your seat and in my seat a hundred years from now (because we’re 114 years old), and be talking about perhaps something wonderful,” he said.

By Emi Lew Staff writer

Students, parents and faculty gather together to acknowledge the artwork of their peers, create meaningful discussion, and most importantly, enjoy themselves. This is what the Canopy @ Hopwood Art Gallery strives to be.

The Canopy @ Hopwood was created by Jill Johnson, Head of the Arts Department, with the goal of making a space where the entire come together to support one another.

“If [the gallery] can support a creative scene that’s a classes, that would be really great. Considering that Midart scene isn’t as recognized or developed as it could be and supporting that would be my goal,” student project lead Solana Isgar said.

The idea of the gallery was

the 2021 school year to the students in IB Visual Arts, where they began to brainstorm potential names and logos for the gallery. The following year’s class was later tasked with the previous year and turning the gallery into a reality.

“We stuck with the woodsy theme because the [building’s] name is Hopwood and the room is green,” Isgar said.

Each student was to create at least one original logo design, even if they already liked someone else’s idea more. As most created multiple designs, there were many options to choose from.

When all individual designs were complete, the class was able to see all of them and vote on which design they felt represented the gallery best.

“We were going for the owl, wings lead up into the map of the world, which represents how art transcends location and brings every culture together.

See ART page 4

Student representative Maddie Ibara’ 23 by Perfect Portraits Hawaii

school comes to an end. (Photos by Josephine Brewer)

Security guard Cindy Dela Cerna smiles as she waves in cars.

Two parents experience the art gallery. (Photo by Emi Lew)

ART: Taking a step back

By Charlize Gaudiello Staff writer

As semester one begins to wrap up, the academic pressure rises as does the these times of stress, turning to mediums such as art, music or dance, can help students center messy storm.

Students recently shared their experiences in non-academic they gained from it.

Art and community

In November, all hula students and selected dance students participated and performed in the Fall 2022

Taking chances

The dance concert also brought together other community. Junior Luke Magelssen participated in the concert as a stagehand.

“I didn’t know what to expect. I never have been in the theater, I’ve never done backstage, but the experience was– it was so fun, a lot more fun than I expected,” Magelssen said.

The opportunity brought Magelssen closer to his friends, and showed him how important backstage work is.

“I was being called the best

The love of music

Students found connections through other shared interests, one being music. During lunch, students Jackson Ibarra, Chaz Wada, Jason Allen, and Kousuke Doyama come together to jam.

“We basically share the passion for music, for jazz, and also we basically have the same taste in music,” Doyama said.

They call themselves the Six Piece Funk, and don’t perform with each other much, but still have fun.

“There’s not really a formal group,” Ibarra said. “We might perform occasionally if

Art as a release

Junior Helena Winchester found that art gives them a much needed break.

During their IB visual arts class, Winchester decided to create a food bowl for their cat.

“I saw a tik tok video saying cats get whisker fatigue and so [after] checking the facts, I made him a bowl because he deserves everything,” Win-

Dance Concert. Junior Taiga

Matsuoka described the experience as one that brought the

“It was [a] good bonding experience,” Matsuoka said.

“All the hardships and all of the highs and the lows– we all experienced it together.”

A given example of hardships were the time restrictions some aspects of their dresses took, but they all got through it together.

“Making a tea leaf skirt, we only had one night to do it, and we all kind of just texted each other and got it done by the end of the day,” Matusoka said. After pushing through the hardships, they were able to

stagehand,” he said. “And it was a really cool experience to learn new things on what happens backstage, how imporlike hyping the dancers up and good job.”

After the performance, dancers were able to greet family and friends outside of the theater for hugs and leis. Though Magelssen wasn’t a performer, friends.

“I was surprised that I got

come out on the other side a stronger team.

“The community that we have and that we built is really strong, so I think we’re all really connected,” he said.

to see that they all came to watch and support the concert, and the dancers, and just, they’re really involved even though they’re not a part of it,” Magelssen said.

It doubles as a canopy- an overarching, protective barrier,” IB Arts Student junior Camryn Machado said.

In addition to the logo, the main part of the name, ‘Canopy’, was also agreed on through a vote. ‘Canopy’ was chosen for its shared symbolism with the logo.

However, this process differed from the other as the class came together to decide

During this step, the class decided to include the ‘@’ in hopes of making the name more memorable and more trendy.

“I really liked the name, ‘The Canopy @ Hopwood’. I feel like that one was the best,” junior Ava Lee said.

identity of the gallery, the creation of a sign was next. At this point, the existence of the Canopy was not widely known. Therefore, Johnson and her students hoped to gain visibility by having a sign to announce their presence.

“We had to turn [the logo] from a drawing on paper to a real, actual sign. My job was to take that drawing and put it onto the computer where we could laser cut it onto wood. That itself had challenges and was time consuming work,” student tech leader Derek Hunsaker said.

While the sign could advertise to people on campus, Isgar created an Instagram account, @canopy_hopwood_mpi, to promote themselves to people who aren’t on campus.

Their Instagram found some parents, which was especially important in their latest show, the Through Your Lens Photo Gallery that focused on being an all inclusive place where anyone, regardless of artistic experience, could participate.

old as grandparents.

“It’s important to highlight the passions of the students, faculty and parents. I think it helps [the students] to see the teachers as more than just a ‘teacher’,” Physical Education teacher and contributor Ian Hunt said.

With the success of this show, the gallery plans to run a similar event in the following year.

Anywhere from four to seven shows will be run per semester. Each show will be up for two weeks to a month with at least

to break down and install the next exhibit.

Putting together a gallery is not as simple as pinning artwork onto a wall, but it takes both time and skill to determine how to make everything look as cohesive and visually appealing as possible.

“We had to talk and collaborate. I had never put together an art gallery so my eye wasn’t really trained. I had to think: what do we want to put in, how do we create this bond with [the art], how do they relate, how are they connected? Not just ‘here’s all these pieces’,” Lee said.

With more practice, the art students have begun to develop an ‘eye’ for aesthetics. Currently, the Canopy is driven byJohnson, but their hope is that as they grow used to setting up, it can become completely student run in the future.

Through the Canopy @ Hopwood, the students are able to show how they want to build community: to bring people together, to build schoolwide bonds, to be a place where art is shared and appreciated.

there’s school events.”

The members of the group have always loved music. discovered music.

“I found my passion for music when I was in middle school, like maybe seventh grade or something like that, and I basically love rock and roll music, you know 1960s music like [the] Beatles,” he said.

chester said. Where academic classes canchester a much needed break.

“If I didn’t do art, I don’t know what else I’d do because I don’t enjoy writing, science, or anything else,” they said.

“But art is fun and [has] a lot of creativity, and what am I if not an artist?”

Winchester said art was their most important form of self expression. It highlights an

Having had music play such a key role in his life, it’s only other students who love music like him, and make connections that last.

“Music brings people together and it’s this shared language that people can communicate with, that people can experience together,” Ibarra said.

area of their life where they can freely express themself.

“I guess with art there’s no rules,” Winchester said. “You don’t need to be– do anything exact.”

“A gallery is not just for art students,” said Jill Johnson. The Canopy received over 200 photos from people as young as the preschool to as

“I would encourage everyminutes, just to walk by, walk through, either with a friend or by yourself. Everyone put so much work into the gallery, now we just need people to come,” Johnson said.

Anime Momotaro

In December, the Middle and High School put together the Anime Momotaro production. Pictured above are Wehena Hussey-Townsend, Ava Kagimoto, Emme Matsushita, and Terynn Horita. (Photos by Charlize Gaudiello)

When does freedom of speech becomes a toy?

The creative harms: Juul and Weed

to attend prom, winter ball, or any other schoolwide activity?

Well then, don’t be tempted to use illegal contraband or carry it around with you. Located on page twenty-four in the student handbook, the use of drugs, tobacco and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited.

“Overall, our primary concern is health and safety, so for me personally, it’s about caring for students and creating an environment where they learn what health, safety and respect looks like,” Freshman Dean Erin Regua said.

Disciplinary action would be immediately implemented if caught vaping or smoking on campus; however, it varies per

Registration nears: do teachers matter?

As course selections roll around each year, a common consideration when choosing classes is the type of teacher conducting the class. Some students prefer taking a class taught by veteran teachers. Although, many other students that they’ll get a class from a younger teacher.

Many students have a favorite teacher at school. They were the ones who stood out because some students were able to learn more easily from, connect to, and have fun with. When students were asked for their preferences - a younger or veteran teacher - a majority leaned towards the former.

“Personally, I prefer younger, newer teachers,” junior Naiya Siple said.

However, there are still students that favor veteran /old school teachers.

“I prefer old school teachers,” sophomore Nicholas Nakatani said.

The common thought between many students is that younger teachers are able to

establish relatability within the classroom, as well as being more understanding towards students, making it a more enjoyable environment.

“Younger teachers understand us better and give more moral support because they are closer in generations and have better insight and empathy for what we go through,” senior Ethan Chang said.

“When relating to younger teachers, you are able to put yourself in their shoes and see yourself in their perspective, which leads to you having more respect for them,” Siple said.

The relatability that students favor is what makes a younger teacher’s class more enjoyable.

“When you allow your students to see your humanity, they are more likely to share theirs,” Visual and Digital Media Arts teacher, Meeka Fontaine said. “I kind of just gauge how people will respond to me in class. If they’re smiling, having a good time and enjoying what they’re learning, then I am doing a good job.”

Although, the long years of experience that veteran teachers have earned is hard to beat, as their knowledge is invaluable.

“Veteran school teachers have a standard

Wantcircumstance and student.

“There are two factors that we consider when taking disciplinary action - severity and frequency,” Regua said.

According to Regua, put simply, frequency refers to the amount of times a student gets reported for vaping or smoking on campus. The more a student gets reported, the more severe the punishment.

According to Regua, quantifying the severity of an incident isn’t as obvious as one might think. When administration looks into the severity of an incident, they consider how many students were involved, as well as the harm that the student caused to the community.

“Distributing vapes and weed, is in some ways, harming our community,” Regua said. She continues to state that if case, the personal story of the student is taken under close consideration. She used the example: if a student who lost a

close relative, maintained good grades, no previous infractions, suddenly uses a vape as a way to release themselves,

consequence than a repeated

“It is common that many appear a certain way, resort to not only using devices’ like vapes, but also distributing them too,” Chellina Okimura from Hawaii Center for Children and Families (HCCF) said.

Acts of distributing vapes and marijana, is considered to be even more severe than personally using the device. Distributors are considered the instigator of the incident, in addition to breaking the federal law of handling and selling nicotine or THC to minors.

There are many types of e-cigarettes on the market nowadays, ranging from a disposable device with a

Tnition of indoctrination is the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. When a teacher discusses politics in class, is that really indoctrination, or is it just education?

Some feel that when a teacher opts to include their political opinions in a lesson, they are atand crossing a line.

“There’s a basic sense of trust students have for their teachers; that teachers will teach them what is correct. So when teachers express their own political views, it’s sort of indoctrination. Students will feel inclined to believe that very thing, because that’s what they’re being taught by the teacher,” sophomore Joseph Cupo said.

Others believe that as long as an educator does not attempt

sharing their own opinions on a political topic can elevate a lesson. Being aware of all the ideologies and opinions in the world from a young age can be key to developing one’s own ideas.

“When students get out in the

real world, they’re not going to be living in a bubble where all the people are just like them. Especially in college, you’re gonna have students that are -

cultures,” history teacher Lou Majchrzack said.

Some topics require the discussion of politics, but there opinionated information with impressionable teens and simply including both sides into a conversation.

“I do believe they can [share their opinions], so long as they’re not showing an extreme bias. I know every teacher has

some sort of bias relating to politics, but as long as it’s not extreme or they try to push their views on other people,” junior student Jonah Gillia said.

issues will arise, but some people consider those topics to be unavoidable.

In classes like Media LIteracy and Argument and Rhetoric, which are designed to study media and language, Language Arts teacher Roland Nipps said that the discussion of politics is necessary to address.

“If I mention the former president,

Editorial Cartoon by Emi Lew

Steven Aspera Staff Writer

Carly Kaneshiro Staff Writer

Katie Troske Staff Writer

Drawing of two people discussing politics with differing symbols around their heads. Illustration by Katie Troske.

way of teaching where they know what works and what does not due to their experience,” Nakatani said.

This experience allows them to steadily run their classes.

“Having veteran school teachers usually makes the classes move more smoothly, since they developed structure and expectations over the

active in class, visually and interactively,” Mell said.

“Younger teachers are still like to teach a which leaders day or week while they’re experimenting. It’s good you’re not stuck in a boring routine” Siple said.

In spite of this, there are students that enjoy structure in the classroom, as it helps them to learn the material better.

“Being in a veteran school style of class where it is very fast paced and you have to keep up with the teacher to understand, helped my brain process what I needed to learn easier,” Long said.

and sophomore math teacher Carolyn Roscoe said.

Many agree that it’s important that we keep hiring new teachers and have them around school.

“In order for the newer generations to grow, there needs to be new ideas. Younger minds help grow the world,” Chang said

“It’s a fresh pair of eyes, which is nice to have. There is also insight from younger teachers who are new and have more leniency with their teaching” Mell said. With this in mind, we should continue to grow as students under the guidance of a veteran teacher.

“Veteran school teachers know what works to help you towards success,” Nakatani said.

between the two types of teachers will always be valued at school.

“Some methods work for some students and some don’t work for other students and and new is good,” sophomore Eva Rogers said.

“I think it’s so valuable to have young voices and experienced voices. Having these two combined there is so much that can be learned from each other and I think that’s the goal, is sharing knowledge” Fontaine said.

POLITICS:

it is not

VAPING:

predetermined amount of “hits”, to complex mods and devices which can be reused and charged.

The amount of nicotine used also varies from device to device. But no matter how little nicotine is used, commercial devices will still hook young users, even with a minute dosage.

The sizes of each device ranges on a spectrum of large to small. However, if creative enough, each device can be concealed from authorities. Which may tempt students to partake in activities such as vaping.

years,” Visi said.

“I feel like they know how to teach students better because when you gain a lot of experience over the years you learn what works and what does not work for students,” sophomore Cody Long said. The newer modern method of teaching younger teachers use which includes things such as technology and videos over a textbook is favored by many, as it keeps the class more fresh and engaging.

“Younger teachers are more

“The veteran school teaching methods are a more standard way of teaching though- it allows for the teacher to tailor the lessons to you, to locate and improve on your weaknesses,” Nakatani said.

These veteran teachers are able to uphold a more structured class which a lot of students enjoy.

“I tend, in math class, to do more lecture[s] and [a] teacher centered approach, as it’s a more

All in all, both styles of teaching are a matter of personal preference, as the balance and shared knowledge

to promote him as a candidate, but to analyze how he uses language toward a political end. While I understand certain students may feel that I am being a little too heavy-handed with the content of politics, it is always in the spirit of discussing how language and politics need to be understood,” Nipps said. Bias plays a large part in how everyone views the world. We subconsciously group with people who agree with us, and hold grudges against those who don’t. Bias will never go away, but we can learn to not let our bias impact our relationships with those in our life. Introducing politics in school allows students to learn how to converse about topics with

those around them and remain while still forming their own. constantly changing and evolving world, but the discussion of politics in school could be and educated society.

An apology

to apologize to the following people for misspelling their names in the October 2022 print edition. The errors are deeply regretted.

• Makela Pick

• Archer Liang

• Zoe Porlas-Silva

• Rease Chong

• Tanner Queyrel

• Ava Kagimoto

Old new teachers: a big shout out to COVID time hires

Q: HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FOUND OUT SANTA DOESN’T EXIST?

Kara Hisatake, English Teacher

A: I think I was always cynical and never believed Santa was real.

Editor-in-Chief

Charlize Gaudiello

Managing Editor

Josephine Brewer

News Editor Steven Aspera

Features Editor Katie Troske

Sports Editor Kayla Tom

Sarah Vascincellos, Science Teacher

A: I was probably about 9 when I really came to terms with the fact that Santa was maybe not real. Sometimes though, I really feel like I’m still on the fence.

Editorial Editor Mehana Watanabe

Social Media Editor Taylor Kim

Online Editor Tyrael Goo

Backpage Editor

Riko Santos

Illustration Head

Archer Liang

Camille Lesnick, English Teacher

A: What? Santa doesn’t exist!?!

-Na

Pueo Staff-

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Q: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS?

J-E McEnerney, Math Teacher

A: Anytime I see a chocolate

Shaun Kamakea-Yuong, Hawaiian Teacher

A: In the New Year I resolve to get out more and enjoy the

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Students learning the functions of a Laser Printer from Meeka Fontaine in Digital Media.

Photo by Carly Kaneshiro.

Students learning in Integrated Math 5 with Carolyn RosCarly Kaneshiro.

Doodles by Helena Winchester, Maya Copeland and Archer Liang.

The diamond

The 2022 bowling team made it to the states

By Kayla Tom Staff Writer

Mof 2022 made it to states this year for the boys and girls team with four players competing in the singles division.

This year’s boys team came in third place in the ILH division one, while last year the boys team was second to last in the ILH division.

Although three people on the boys team went to states last year, no one placed in the top 15. While only two people went to states on the boys team this year, Senior Raiden Nakagawa came in third place.

Senior Raiden Nakagawa, a college bowling commit, said: “This year our team was good, we had a pretty good season for ILH, and coming in third place this year was impressive. We also had two people from the boys team go to states for singles.”

Nakagawa, team captain this year for the boy’s team, explains how he did better from this year to last year as he was placed in 18th place last year.

“Personally, for me as an individual, improving was just

what I wanted to do in a year. I just had a drive to be better. It’s more knowledge of the game and understanding what happens and overall practice throughout the whole year that I put into,” Nakagawa said.

Senior Kyler Osaki on the place at all last year, but this year he came in 41st place.

“I think we did better this year. Raiden and I improved a lot, and our team as a whole had more experience because last year’s team had a lot of the Osaki said.

There are 90 boys and 90 girls who can qualify for states; 27 boys and 27 girls in the ILH boys and 48 girls in the OIA

Senior Daynna Mekaru and Junior Caitlyn Chang were states. The girl’s team this year did not qualify for states just like the boys. But, the girls did go to states for singles.

“I was happy that we went to States and it was my favorite part about this season because I got to go with Daynna. Al-

Ballin’ into the season

By Mehana Watanabe Staff Writer

Despite a lack of participation in this year’s season, Basketball Team’s goal is to be a competitive team that is out to win.

“I am really excited for this season since it’s my last year,” senior Kayla Tom said.

Tom hopes for this to be her best season yet and to play without regrets.

The energy continues to remain high on the team but there are some doubts approaching.

“I’m a bit nervous since our team is young and we don’t have too many experienced players at the varsity level yet but I’m hoping as the season progresses our team will be one of the strongest,” Tom said.

Tom continues to mention that with the smaller team that they have this season, it’s going they’d like. She has high hopes for their team and is looking forward to what they can ac-

though, I felt a little pressured but I tried to have fun; Being at states was already an accomplishment,” said Chang.

girl’s team captain, placed in third place for the girls division. Last year she came in 10th place.

“For states, I was very disappointed in myself in where I placed which was 27th since last year I just missed placing. I thought I could do way better this year, but the highlight Mekaru said.

Bowling Coach Eric Yuuki has been coaching at Mid-Pa-

states every year for either the teams or singles placement for as long as he has been coach-

have four participants this year, competing in the singles event, despite our inexperienced with only two returnees. I would also like to congratulate

this season, despite our very inexperienced team,” Yuuki said.

Yuuki explains how he is proud of his returning

put in this season to become more successful and better themselves, improving on their bowling skills.

“My favorite part of being the coach is when I see the students enjoying themselves with their teammates and having fun. Bowling is a team sport and I strive to teach this to the students. I also strive to win, but we cannot win it alone. We need to have good team chemistry,” Yuuki said.

complish.

However, after talking to a handful of the players and the coach on the team, it seems to be a popular topic that is being discussed.

Duringnitely was a worry of mine, seeing how small our team had become after all the seniors had left. But I have our team now and I know if we work together and keep practicing, we’ll be on the right track,” senior Dorthea Yoakum said.

Last year’s team only had ten players which left them in a predicament that this year’s team is facing now. After the class of 2022 graduated it left the team with only four girls, leaving them desperate for new players.

“It could be lack of interest things shut down because outside of schools shut down

multiple players to choose from or back-ups limits the amount of wiggle room the team has. If a girl were to get injured or sick during the season, it leaves the team with less options for players.

season.

“I am excited to see what the girls can do this season.

for well over a year because of outlet for learning, playing, or even working on skills training. So, the interest might just not be there since they couldn’t play,” Julianne Nomura, girl’s basketball coach said.

This year’s team consists of nine players now. Not having

“This year I hope that I don’t get injured since last year, my knee got injured and I wasn’t able to play. Another one of our teammates, Kayla Tom, tore her ACL during a game and was out for the season, so it troubles me that something like that could happen again and not knowing where that leaves our team,” Bellevou said.

If an unfortunate event occurred and there were to be an injury, it’d be an unsettling future for the girls. However, Coach Juju is keeping the girl’s energy high and ready for this

solid group of girls that if they believe in themselves as well as each other and work hard, can take us into post season play,” Nomura said.

The vibes that Coach Juju emanates for this season is contagious to the players and in the best way.

“I love Coach Juju, she is really fun and energetic. She knows what she’s doing, so I trust her and there’s no doubt she’ll make the season fun,” Bellevou said.

Although this season has seemed to bring some small challenges, the girls and coaches continue to persevere and do the sport they love. season and all the possibilities to come as time goes on.

“So ready for an awesome season with amazing people, ballin ‘out,” Yoakum said.

Senior Kyler Osaki aims for a strike.

Julianne Nomura.

Holida ound World!

Where are you from?

Do you go home for the Holidays?

Is there any special christmas traditions you do with friends, or family?

“I don’t have any special Christmas traditions I do.” said Ryuku Hashimoto.

“Me and my friends go out to eat, watch movies and exchange gi s,” said Quingyi (Jenny) Wu.

“I eat KFC every year with my family or friends on Christmas dinner.” said Mei Yazawa.

“For our family's tradition is making small Christmas tree and we decorate it,” said Harang Kim.