Na Pueo December 2022 Issue

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DECEMBER 2022

-Na PueoVOLUME 57 ISSUE 2

NAPUEO.COM

STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC

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 fter a dedicated sixteen years on campus, Middle and High School Principal Dr. Dwayne Priester is setting his sights on a new school in China. ,ăLJ[P]L 1\S` +Y 7YPLZter will conclude his journey ^P[O 4PK 7HJPÄJ ^OPJO OL described as a wonderful learning experience.

To go along with the title of Middle School Principal, Dr. Priester was named High :JOVVS 7YPUJPWHS PU 4H` :PUJL [OLU 4PK 7HJPÄJ OHZ integrated the middle and high schools.

Dr. Priester will become the Assistant Head of School

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Where does our tuition go?

By Charlize Gaudiello Staff Writer ately, for Americans, PUÅH[PVU OHZ THKL VUL [OPUN JSLHY! SPML PZ L_WLUZP]L And another rising cost is pri]H[L ZJOVVS [\P[PVU -VY 4PK 7HJPÄJ WHYLU[Z [OH[ TLHUZ H UL^ IPSS! MVY [OL school year the starting tuition PZ *OPLM 6WLYH[PUN 6ĄJLY Leslie Keneshiro said, many MHTPSPLZ HYL \UKLY ÄUHUJPHS pressure due to the pandemic HUK PUÅH[PVU HUK [OPZ PZ ZVTLthing the school recognizes when they increase tuition.

“Due to the pandemic the school tried to be cognizant that a lot of families were Z[Y\NNSPUN ÄUHUJPHSS` ZV K\Ying that year, we tried to limit [OL PUJYLHZL ¹ *OPLM 6WLYH[PUN 6ĄJLY 3LZSPL 2HULZOPYV ZHPK 5V^ [OH[ [OL ^VYZ[ LăLJ[Z of the pandemic appear to be

ILOPUK \Z 4PK 7HJPÄJ OHZ decided to increase the tuition by 4% this year.

During the pandemic, the school wasn’t able to host Z[\KLU[ MH]VYP[L L]LU[Z SPRL Ho’olaulea. This resulted in the school spending less money then they would during a normal school year. The tuP[PVU PUJYLHZL ^HZ OLSK [V Now with the school more VWLU [OLYL HYL TVYL HJ[P]P[PLZ H]HPSHISL ^OPJO L_WSHPUZ [OL 4% increase.

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Where does the money go? ;OLYL HYL Z[\KLU[Z WYL2 LUYVSSLK PU [OL ZJOVVS ;OL YL]LU\L [OH[ [OL school collects from tuition, KLK\J[PUN TPSSPVU MVY ÄUHUJPHS HPK PZ HWWYV_PTH[LS` MVY [OL school year.

If you were to calculate how

Earning from tuition: Breakdown of tuition income and the amount left for spending. Graphic by Archer Liang,

much money a family would be spending starting this year, going to the school from preZJOVVS [V [O NYHKL VU UVYTHS tuition with a 4% increase per year, the bill would come in H[ ;V W\[ [OH[ PU[V WLYZWLJ[P]L [OPZ JV\SK I\` H WLYZVU HYV\UK H]LYHNL priced cars with that amount.

2HULZOPYV ZHPK VM YL]enue expenditures was spent VU 7YVNYHT :LY]PJLZ HUK [OH[ ^HZ TPSSPVU 7YVNYHT :LY]PJLZ PUJS\KL! All student programs including academics, MPSA and athletic programs Teachers salary Other costs include supplies, TH[LYPHSZ [LJOUVSVN` HJ[P]P[PLZ ÄLSK [YPWZ ¸6]LYHSS TVZ[ VM [OL TVUL` NVLZ [V [OL (JHKLTPJZ ¹ Kaneshiro said. ;OL YLTHPUPUN TPSSPVU VM YL]LU\L NVLZ [V^HYKZ Z\WWVY[ ZLY]PJLZ :\WWVY[ :LY]PJLZ PUJS\KL! Cost to maintain the campus and facilities The people who help maintain our campus Insurance the school maintains (UJPSSHY` ZLY]PJLZ Non-teaching employees PUJS\KPUN I\ZPULZZ VĄJL PUZ[P[\[PVUHS HK]HUJLTLU[ HKTPZZPVUZ¹

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for Teaching and Learning at Concordia International School in Shanghai beginning 1\S` ¸0»]L HS^H`Z ^HU[LK [V SP]L PU HU PU[LYUH[PVUHS LU]PYVUTLU[ ¹ 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 Mid7HJPÄJ V]LY [OL WHZ[ `LHYZ HUK ^L HYL MVY[\UH[L [V OH]L the remainder of this school `LHY ^P[O OPT 4PK 7HJPÄJ PZ H 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 H ZJOVVS SLHKLY ¹ +Y ;\YUI\SS

said.

Dr. Priester explained to the Z[Hă [OH[ MVY [OL UL_[ ZJOVVS year an Interim Principal will be hired. The next step will be to conduct a thorough PU[LY]PL^ WYVJLZZ HUK OPYL H 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. ¸0 YLTHPU JVUÄKLU[ PU [OLPY ability to continue the great ^VYR ^L OH]L Z[HY[LK 4PK 7HJPÄJ PZ L_JLW[PVUHS ILJH\ZL of your work as extraordinary educators. Continue to care MVY `V\YZLS]LZ HUK VUL HUV[OLY Thank you for being Mid7HJPÄJ ¹

COVID’s latest toll: student mental health

Illustration by Emi Lew

By Ellie Fink Staff Writer ith 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 H[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ ¸0»]L ZLLU TVYL ZL]LYL TLU[HS health in the past few years [OHU 0 OH]L PU T` WHZ[ `LHYZ VM [LHJOPUN ¹ 4H`H .HYJPH freshman English teacher.

(JJVYKPUN [V H Z[\KLU[ Z\Y]L` JVUK\J[LK I` 5H 7\LV Z[Hă OH]L L_WLYPLUJLK H ZPNUPÄJHU[ KLJSPUL PU [OLPY TLU[HS health following COVID. “I feel like all the kids were

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just isolated, and didn’t really OH]L [OLPY MYPLUKZ [V [HSR [V HUK places to go, and really being stuck in one place for a long WLYPVK VM [PTL JHU KLÄUP[LS` Q\Z[ PUJYLHZL TLU[HS OLHS[O ¹ 1H` 3LL JV\UZLSVY H[ /**- /H^HPP *LU[LY MVY *OPSKYLU HUK -HTPSPLZ ZHPK When asked if students’ increase in anxiety and depression correlated with the appearance of COVID, Lee HUZ^LYLK PU [OL HĄYTH[P]L “I would say so. It depends on a kid to kid basis, but stress is BV]LYHSSD KLÄUP[LS` OLPNO[LULK ¹ Lee said.

Assistant Principal of Student Life Rebecca Hodge, ILSPL]LZ [OH[ [OL ]PY\Z OHZ ILLU nothing but detrimental to students.

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[OH[ B*6=0+D OHZ THKL students less social. I think that it’s made them less eager to engage with other people, P[»Z THKL [OLT TVYL YLJS\ZP]L ¹ Hodge said.

The restrictions on social JVU[HJ[ ^LYL KPĄJ\S[ MVY ZVTL 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, ^LSS PZVSH[PVU ¹ MYLZOTHU 3PZH Schroeder said . ;OL ]PY\Z OHZ UV[ VUS` interfered with students’ social SP]LZ I\[ HSZV Z[\U[LK [OLPY academic growth. Students OH]L ILLU KVPUN ^VYZL PU [OLPY studies upon the return from the pandemic.

“There is a general change PU TV[P]H[PVU ¹ .HYJPH ZHPK “I see fewer students taking HK]HU[HNL VM VĄJL OV\YZ 0 ZLL 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 P[ L]LU TH[[LY&» º0Z [OPZ ^VY[O T` [PTL&» º0 OH]L V[OLY [OPUNZ [V KV »¹ 4V[P]H[PVU PZ UV[ [OL VUS` problem among students/VKNL ILSPL]LZ [OH[ X\HYantine interfered with [`WPJHS 4PK 7HJPÄJ HJHKLTPJ structure.

“Here at Mid-Pac, we like [V \ZL H JVSSHIVYH[P]L LU]Pronment where students are working together and students OH]L NV[[LU \ZLK [V UV[ ^VYRPUN ^P[O V[OLY Z[\KLU[Z ¹ ZHPK Hodge.

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Kaneshiro said. ;V HKKYLZZ H KLÄJP[ donations, endowments and 1XPEHU RI VWXGHQWV V[OLY YL]LU\L ^LYL JVSSLJ[LK SLH]PUN [OL ZJOVVS ^P[O H UL[ 7XLWLRQ Z\YWS\Z VM VY TPSSPVU 6[OLY YL]LU\L PUJVYWVYH[LZ 7RWDO LQFRPH IURP WXLWLRQ organizations renting out the ZJOVVS»Z MHJPSP[PLZ ^OPJO NP]LZ the school another source of )LQDQFLDO DLG RI WXLWLRQ income.

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:KDW ZH KDYH OHIW WR VSHQG tives on Tuition

:LUPVY ;HYV ;Z\QP ILSPL]LZ that the price of the tuition does not match the quality of the school and education.

2 ULNH[P]L" P[ OHZ WYV]LU P[ZLSM ILULÄJPHS MVY JLY[HPU PUKP]PK\HSZ HUK THU` OH]L MV\UK [OLTZLS]LZ [OYP]PUN \UKLY [OL JPYJ\TZ[HUJLZ [OL`»]L ILLU thrust into. ¸*6=0+ KPKU»[ HăLJ[ TL PU H ULNH[P]L ^H` TVYL PU H WVZP[P]L ^H` ZVTLOV^& >OPSL we were in quarantine, I had [PTL [V YLÅLJ[ HIV\[ T`ZLSM and make myself better, so I NV[ [V ÄUK UL^ OVIIPLZ VY NL[ IL[[LY H[ Z[\ă 0»]L HSYLHK` WHY[PJPWH[LK PU ¹ ZHPK ZVWOVTVYL Daniel Oato.

In many cases, COVID’s effects on student’s mental health OHZ ILLU ZPNUPÄJHU[S` SLZZ [OHU the adjustment to high school.

“A lot of my touchpoints with [OL UPU[O NYHKLYZ 0»]L ILLU working with has been about THUHNPUN [OL JV\YZL^VYR ¹ -YLZOTHU +LHU ,YLU 9LN\H said. “In working with ninth NYHKLYZ BMVSSV^PUN *6=0+D the focus has been less about depression, stress, anxiety, and TVYL HIV\[ ºOL` [OPZ PZ KPăLYLU[ MYVT LPNO[O NYHKL »¹ *LY[HPU Z[\KLU[Z OH]L MV\UK the academic coursework more stress-inducing than the return to the regular school year from COVID. “It wasn’t COVID, it was school. School screwed me V]LY ZV OHYK ¹ MYLZOTHU :OLH Yuen said.

-YLZOTHU 5`HSPU 1VSPRLW ILSPL]LZ [OH[ [OL IYLHR MYVT school during quarantine made the transition back in much TVYL KPĄJ\S[ HJHKLTPJHSS` “Since students were gone from school for a couple TVU[OZ P[»Z KPĄJ\S[ MVY B[OLTD to get back to their train of [OV\NO[ ¹ ZOL ZHPK

GUNS! Coming to a city near you.

¸0M `V\ SVVR H[ V[OLY WYP]H[L schools that are cheaper than V\YZ [OL` OH]L H IL[[LY Z[HUKHYK HUK TVYL [V VăLY ¹ ZLUPVY Taro Tsuji said.

4\S[PWSL WLVWSL OH]L KPăLY ent opinions on whether the tuition is reasonable.

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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 [V IL HKKLK PU [OL M\[\YL ¹ Tsuji said.

Another main project that the school has in the works is track HUK ÄLSK “I think that some of our facilities are outdated, and I understand that they recently YLJLP]LK M\UKPUNZ [V I\PSK H track, but there are also lacking factors in our school, such as V\Y WVVS ¹ ;Z\QP ZHPK :WVY[Z PZ H JVU[YV]LYZPHS [VWPJ 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 7HJPÄJ Q\Z[ MVY [OL IHZLIHSS WYVNYHT OL \UKLYZ[HUKZ ]LY` ^LSS [OH[ ZJOVVS JVTLZ ÄYZ[ and sports are secondary. Your child is not guaranteed into HU` ZWVY[ ZV `V\ ZOV\SK ]HS\L [OL ZJOVVS»Z ]HS\LZ ÄYZ[ ¹ +P_VU said.

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Sports: Looking Ahead The school attempts to stay current in their sports and

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By Archer Liang Illustration Head 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 VU 1\U [OH[ Z[Y\JR KV^U any restrictions on carrying JVUJLHSLK ÄYLHYTZ (Z VM 5V]LTILY /VUVS\S\ county is still struggling with ÄUHSPaPUN [OL N\U SH^ Mayor Rick Blangiardi asked the City Council to draft an VYKPUHUJL [V KLÄUL ZLUZP[P]L places where gun carrying is illegal. This includes many public places.

(Z VM 5V] WLVWSL VWWVZLK [OL IPSS HUK WLVWSL Z\WWVY[LK [OL ZLUZP[P]L WSHJLZ law, according to the written [LZ[PTVU` VU IPSS Blangiardi said in the stateTLU[ VU :LW ¸6\Y Z[H[L has restricted public carrying VM ÄYLHYTZ MVY ULHYS` `LHYZ and as a result, has one of the SV^LZ[ N\U ]PVSLUJL YH[LZ PU the country and we want it to Z[H` [OH[ ^H` ¹ 1VL +\THWP[ [OL KPYLJ[VY VM compliance and risk manageTLU[ H[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ ZHPK [OL school 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 SH^ PU /H^HPP ¹ OL ZHPK ¸;OL school will continue to follow our policies that no guns are HSSV^LK PU ZJOVVS ¹ People who agree or op-

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U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Jun. 23 struck down any restrictions on carrying DPODFBMFE àSFBSNT Photo from Unspalsh. pose the law both agree that YLN\SH[PVU ILJH\ZL L]LY`safety is a concern. Here in the body is “strapped [slang term 4PK 7HJPÄJ [OLYL PZ H ZHML[` referring to be equipped with, committee that watches the WHY[PJ\SHYS` ÄYLHYTZD ¹ law change. ¸;OL NV]LYUTLU[»Z LăVY[Z Some teachers and stu[V SV^LY N\U ]PVSLUJL HYL dents share their opinions on futile because of how many the new gun regulations in PSSLNHS ÄYLHYTZ BUVU YLNPZ[LYLK Hawaii. ÄYLHYTZD [OLYL HYL L]LY` `LHY ¹ Science teacher Hélène DraMejia said. “You cannot legzen, who has a hunting gun at islate to decrease rates of gun home, said she doesn’t see the ]PVSLUJL PU [OL <UP[LK Z[H[L ¹ need to carry guns openly in Social Study teacher Henry Hawaii.

Hail, who has a Ph.D. in “There are other ways to feel sociology, said he doesn’t feel ZHML HUK N\UZ HYL UL]LY H ZVS\unsafe about new gun regula[PVU ¹ +YHaLU ZHPK tions in Hawaii.

-PST +PNP[HS TLKPH [LHJOLY ¸0 ILSPL]L [OH[ V\Y JVTT\UP[` 4LLRH -VU[HPUL ZHPK ZOL SLHKLY ^PSS ÄUK ^H`Z [V ^VYR doesn’t like guns. ^P[O SH^Z [V RLLW WLVWSL ZHML ¹ ¸,]LU [OV\NO P[ PZ H JVUZ[P[\he said. tional right for people to carry /HPS ILSPL]LZ L]LU PM [OL YH[L H ^LHWVU 0 ^PSS ^PZO [V OH]L VM N\U ]PVSLUJL PUJYLHZLZ [OL SLZZ N\UZ ¹ -VU[HPUL ZHPK ¹0[»Z risk of getting in danger in strange that people can get Hawaii is “still low compared a gun easier than getting an [V V[OLY ILOH]PVYZ SPRL KYP]PUN ¹ HIVY[PVU ¹ Read the rest of the story from :LUPVY 1VHX\PU 4LQPH ZHPK OL NaPueo.com doesn’t feel safe about the new 4PK 7HJPÄJ PZ VUL VM [OL ML^ WYP]H[L ZJOVVSZ [OH[ KVLZ UV[ OH]L HU 6S`TWPJ ZPaL Z^PTming pool and some swimming students said “we don’t L]LU OH]L YVVT [V WYHJ[PJL PU V\Y V^U WVVS ZV ^L OH]L [V WYHJ[PJL H[ 7\UHOV\ ¹ ¸>L OH]L OLHYK HUK [HRLU into consideration students’ comments on the size of the pool, but if you look at our budget, our budget can barely JV]LY [OL JVZ[ [V LK\JH[L V\Y students. The main way to go forward with a large project SPRL [OPZ PZ [OYV\NO KVUH[PVUZ ¹ 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 OH]L H SV[ VM M\UKPUN HUK [OL` always get the new equipment, while I feel like other sports like swimming gets less funding and all we get is new suits, I\[ ^L \Z\HSS` OH]L [V WH` MVY [OLT ¹ ;Z\QP ZHPK Boys and girls sports are IV[O LX\HSS` ]HS\LK [OL ZHTL and both are funded the same

amount. There is no gender bias in our school. ¸-VY L_HTWSL IHZLIHSS HUK ZVM[IHSS YLJLP]L [OL L_HJ[ ZHTL M\UKPUN ¹ ([OSL[PJ +PYLJ[VY Scott Wagner said.

Three percent of the schools Total Operating Expenses goes towards sports. This data ^HZ JVSSLJ[LK PU [OL school year.

“The three percent that went towards the Athletics was taken during a pandemic year, so I’m sure that this year will IL T\JO OPNOLY ¹ 2HULZOPYV 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 4PK 7HJPÄJ ^HU[ [V LUZ\YL [OL 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 HUK ^L [HRL [OH[ ]LY` ZLYPV\ZS`¹ 2HULZOPYV ZHPK

Features

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

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 schedStudent representative Maddie Ibara’ 23 by Perfect ule was an issue on which she received Portraits Hawaii various student

By Tyrael Goo VWPUPVUZ ZWLJPÄJHSS` YLNHYKPUN Staff writer Mondays.

“I think a lot of people were he Board of Trustees eager to express their opinion YLJLU[S` TL[ MVY [OL ÄYZ[ on the schedule, particularly

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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 Z[\KLU[Z HUK [OL JSHZZ VĄJLY»Z perspective on it as well. ¸9LZ\S[Z ^LYL H SP[[SL KPăLYent, but once I asked them to go deeper and explain, a lot of them had the same opinions,” she said.

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 e constantly see 4PK 7HJPÄJ»Z ZLJ\YP[` guards roaming the campus and driving the golf carts, but what does an average day in their life look like?

4PK 7HJPÄJ ZLJ\YP[` N\HYK Mitchell Miyasaki has been ^VYRPUN H[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ MVY H 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

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to checking cameras while other security guards continue to patrol.

Junior Maddix Shizuru has ILLU H Z[\KLU[ H[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ ZPUJL ÄM[O NYHKL :OL HWWYLciates the fact that security is willing to drive students to their class when they’re injured.

With all the campus’ hills and Z[HPYZ P[ JHU IL X\P[L KPĄJ\S[ 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 [HRL [OLT PUKLÄUP[LS` SVUNLY [V 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

$JOEZ %FMB $FSOB HVJEFT BGUFS TDIPPM USBGàDT BT JU CFHJOT UP áPX JO BOE school comes to an end. (Photos by Josephine Brewer)

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 money [V Z\WWVY[ TVYL Z[Hă TLTbers,” Shizuru said.

Despite the amount of schools in North America dealing with extreme security threats increasing with every `LHY 4PK 7HJPÄJ»Z ZLJ\YP[` remains strong.

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

nervous, because it [was] my ÄYZ[ TLL[PUN HUK 0»T NVPUN [V 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.

“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 ILPUN [OL ZLJVUK WLYZVU [V ÄSS the position after Julian Ibarra graduated last year.

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

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

“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 KLÄUP[LS` THRLZ TL MLLS SPRL 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.

Art Canopy

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

By Emi Lew the 2021 school year to the stuStaff writer dents in IB Visual Arts, where tudents, parents and they began to brainstorm pofaculty gather together tential names and logos for the to acknowledge the artwork gallery. The following year’s of their peers, create meanclass was later tasked with ingful discussion, and most ÄUKPUN ^OH[ [OL` SPRLK MYVT importantly, enjoy themselves. the previous year and turning This is what the Canopy @ the gallery into a reality.

Hopwood Art Gallery strives “We stuck with the woodsy to be. theme because the [building’s] The Canopy @ Hopwood name is Hopwood and the was created by Jill Johnson, room is green,” Isgar said.

Head of the Arts DepartEach student was to create at ment, with the goal of making least one original logo design, a space where the entire even if they already liked some4PK 7HJPÄJ JVTT\UP[` JHU one else’s idea more. As most come together to support one created multiple designs, there another. were many options to choose “If [the gallery] can supfrom. port a creative scene that’s a When all individual designs SP[[SL KPăLYLU[ MYVT `V\Y HY[ were complete, the class was classes, that would be really able to see all of them and great. Considering that Midvote on which design they felt 7HJPÄJ PZ HU HY[ ZJOVVS [OL represented the gallery best. art scene isn’t as recognized “We were going for the owl, or developed as it could be [V YLWYLZLU[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ ;OL and supporting that would be wings lead up into the map of my goal,” student project lead the world, which represents Solana Isgar said. how art transcends location The idea of the gallery was and brings every culture ÄYZ[ PU[YVK\JLK H[ [OL Z[HY[ VM together.

See ART page 4

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features

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Taking a step back

doubles as a ART: Itcanopyan over-

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

Dance Concert. Junior Taiga Matsuoka described the experience as one that brought the 7˶W˶RHOP [LHT [VNL[OLY “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

Taking chances The dance concert also brought together other TLTILYZ VM [OL 4PK 7HJPÄJ 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

stagehand,” he said. “And it was a really cool experience to learn new things on what happens backstage, how impor[HU[ P[ PZ HUK Q\Z[ TPUVY Z[\ă like hyping the dancers up and OPNO Ä]PUN [OLT [LSSPUN [OLT 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, OL Z[PSS YLJLP]LK ÅV^LYZ MYVT friends.

“I was surprised that I got ÅV^LYZ HUK 0 ^HZ YLHSS` OHWW` [OH[ 0 NV[ ÅV^LYZ )\[ P[»Z JVVS

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.

there’s school events.”

The members of the group have always loved music. +V`HTH ZOHYLK ^OLU OL ÄYZ[ 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.

Having had music play such a key role in his life, it’s only UH[\YHS +V`HTH ^V\SK ÄUK 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.

chester said.

Where academic classes can IL JVUÄUPUN HY[ IYPUNZ >PUchester 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

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.”

By Charlize Gaudiello Staff writer s semester one begins to wrap up, the academic pressure rises as does the U\TILY VM ÄUHS WYVQLJ[Z 0U these times of stress, turning to mediums such as art, music or dance, can help students center [OLTZLS]LZ HUK ÄUK JHST PU H messy storm.

Students recently shared their experiences in non-academic ZL[[PUNZ HUK [OL M\SÄSSTLU[ they gained from it.

A

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-

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.

arching, 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 VU [OL ÄUHS YLZ\S[ 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.

(M[LY ÄUHSPaPUN [OL IHZL 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 Z\JJLZZ PU ÄUKPUN HS\TUP HUK 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.

“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

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 [OYLL [V Ä]L KH`Z PU IL[^LLU 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.

“I would encourage everyVUL L]LU PM `V\ VUS` OH]L Ä]L minutes, 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)

THE PUEO THOUGHTS

When does freedom of speech becomes a toy?

The creative harms: Juul and Weed

W

ant to

attend prom, winter ball, or any other schoolwide Steven Aspera activity?

Staff Writer 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

Editorial Cartoon by Emi Lew

Registration nears: do teachers matter?

As course selections roll around each year, a common consideration when choosing Carly Kaneshiro classes is the Staff Writer type of teacher conducting the class. Some students prefer taking a class taught by veteran teachers.

Although, many other students HYL JYVZZPUN [OLPY ÄUNLYZ 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

See Old page 6

circumstance 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 [OL PUJPKLU[ PZ H ZPUNSL VăLUKLY 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, ^PSS YLJLP]L H MHY KPăLYLU[ consequence than a repeated VăLUKLY “It is common that many Z[\KLU[Z [OH[ [Y` [V Ä[ PU VY [V 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

See VAPING page 6

T

OL KLÄnition of indoctrination is the process of teaching a person or group to acKatie Troske cept a set of Staff Writer 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 at[LTW[PUN [V PUÅ\LUJL Z[\KLU[Z and 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 [V PUÅ\LUJL [OLPY Z[\KLU[Z 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

Drawing of two people discussing politics with differing symbols around their heads.

Illustration by Katie Troske. 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 IYV\NO[ \W PU ]LY` KPăLYLU[ WSHJLZ HUK ]LY` KPăLYLU[ cultures,” history teacher Lou Majchrzack said.

Some topics require the discussion of politics, but there PZ H ÄUL SPUL IL[^LLU ZOHYPUN 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. >P[O L]LY`VUL»Z KPăLYPUN KLÄUP[PVUZ VM ¸[VV MHY ¹ JLY[HPU [VWPJZ ^PSS JH\ZL JVUÅPJ[ HUK 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,

See POLITICS page 6

editorial

6

of teaching OLD:way where they know

active in class, visually and LĄJPLU[ \ZL VM [PTL ¹ MYLZOTHU interactively,” Mell said. and sophomore math teacher what works and what does “Younger teachers are still Carolyn Roscoe said. not due to their experience,” [Y`PUN [V ÄN\YL V\[ OV^ [OL` Many agree that it’s important Nakatani said. like to teach a which leaders that we keep hiring new This experience allows them [V JSHZZLZ ILPUN KPăLYLU[ L]LY` teachers and have them around to steadily run their classes. day or week while they’re school.

“Having veteran school experimenting. It’s good you’re “In order for the newer teachers usually makes the not stuck in a boring routine” generations to grow, there classes move more smoothly, Siple said. needs to be new ideas. Younger since they developed structure In spite of this, there are minds help grow the world,” and expectations over the students that enjoy structure in Chang said the classroom, as “It’s a fresh pair of eyes, which it helps them to is nice to have. There is also learn the material insight from younger teachers better. who are new and have more “Being in a leniency with their teaching” veteran school Mell said. style of class With this in mind, we should where it is very continue to grow as students fast paced and you under the guidance of a veteran have to keep up teacher. with the teacher “Veteran school teachers to understand, know what works to help you helped my brain towards success,” Nakatani process what I said. needed to learn All in all, both styles of Students learning in Integrated Math 5 with Carolyn Roseasier,” Long said. teaching are a matter of DPF XIP IBT UBVHIU BU .JE 1BDJàD GPS ZFBST 1IPUP CZ “The veteran personal preference, as the Carly Kaneshiro. school teaching balance and shared knowledge years,” Visi said. methods are a more “I feel like they know how standard way of teaching to teach students better though- it allows for because when you gain a lot of the teacher to tailor the experience over the years you lessons to you, to locate learn what works and what and improve on your does not work for students,” weaknesses,” Nakatani sophomore Cody Long said. said.

The newer modern method These veteran teachers of teaching younger teachers are able to uphold a more use which includes things such structured class which a lot as technology and videos over of students enjoy. a textbook is favored by many, “I tend, in math class, Students learning the functions of a Laser as it keeps the class more fresh to do more lecture[s] Printer from Meeka Fontaine in Digital Media. and engaging. and [a] teacher centered 5IJT JT 'POUBJOF T àSTU ZFBS BU .JE 1BDJàD “Younger teachers are more approach, as it’s a more Photo by Carly Kaneshiro.

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 ÄUKPUN H IHSHUJL IL[^LLU VSK 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.

V APING: predetermined amount of

POLITICS: itnotis

those around them and remain YLZWLJ[M\S VM KPăLYPUN VWPUPVUZ while still forming their own.

0[ PZ KPĄJ\S[ [V HKHW[ [V H constantly changing and evolving world, but the discussion of politics in school could be [OL ÄYZ[ Z[LW [V^HYKZ H YLZPSPLU[ and educated society.

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

“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.

An apology

5H 7\LV :[Hă ^V\SK SPRL 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?

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS?

Kara Hisatake, English Teacher

Sarah Vascincellos, Science Teacher

Camille Lesnick, English Teacher

J-E McEnerney, Math Teacher

Shaun Kamakea-Yuong, Hawaiian Teacher

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

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.

A: What? Santa doesn’t exist!?!

A: Anytime I see a chocolate ZV\āL 0 ^PSS LH[ P[

A: In the New Year I resolve to get out more and enjoy the ILH\[` VM 6ǛHO\

Doodles by Helena Winchester, Maya Copeland and Archer Liang.

-Na Pueo StaffEditor-in-Chief

Editorial Editor

Charlize Gaudiello

Mehana Watanabe

Managing Editor

Social Media Editor

Josephine Brewer

News Editor

Taylor Kim

Online Editor

Steven Aspera

Tyrael Goo

Features Editor

Backpage Editor

Sports Editor

Illustration Head

Katie Troske Kayla Tom

Riko Santos Archer Liang

Staff Writers

Johnathan Aspera Ryan Choi Ellie Fink Alexander Haugaard Hailey Jerves Carly Kaneshiro Ava Kaneshiro Emi Lew Charley Paulino

Adviser

Roland Nipps

Contacts:

Information

Na Pueo is published by dedicatLK 4PK 7HJPÄJ Z[\KLU[Z 7LYZVUHS opinions expressed by students, MHJ\S[` HUK Z[Hă VY V\[ZPKL N\LZ[Z KV UV[ ULJLZZHYPS` YLÅLJ[ [OVZL VM 4PK 7HJPÄJ >L ^LSJVTL JVUtributions and feedback and will strive to maintain a high standard of professional journalism. Send letters, submissions and suggestions to:

Na Pueo J V 4PK 7HJPÄJ 2445 Kaala St. Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 973-5000 newspaper@midpac.edu Please contact Na Pueo for advertising information and rates. All articles and photographs are copyright (c) Mid7HJPÄJ 0UZ[P[\[L

The diamond

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

The 2022 bowling team made it to the states

By Kayla Tom Staff Writer

M

PK 7HJPÄJ»Z 03/ =HYZP[` )V^SPUN ;LHT of 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 4PK 7HJPÄJ»Z IV`Z [LHT HSZV X\HSPÄLK MVY :[H[LZ /L KPKU»[ 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 WSH`LYZ ^OV ^LYL ÄYZ[ `LHYZ ¹ Osaki said.

There are 90 boys and 90 girls who can qualify for states; 27 boys and 27 girls in the ILH HYL X\HSPÄLK MVY Z[H[LZ" HUK boys and 48 girls in the OIA HYL X\HSPÄLK MVY Z[H[LZ Senior Daynna Mekaru and Junior Caitlyn Chang were [OL [^V NPYSZ ^OV X\HSPÄLK MVY 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 espite a lack of participation in this year’s season, 4PK 7HJPÄJ =HYZP[` .PYSZ 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 [V IL KPĄJ\S[ [V NV HZ MHY HZ they’d like. She has high hopes for their team and is looking forward to what they can ac-

D

though, I felt a little pressured but I tried to have fun; Being at states was already an accomplishment,” said Chang. *OHUN [OL 4PK 7HJPÄJ»Z 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 ^HZ ^OLU 0 ÄUHSS` IYVRL º» Mekaru said.

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

Senior Kyler Osaki aims for a strike.

JPÄJ MVY `LHYZ HUK ^LU[ [V states every year for either the teams or singles placement for as long as he has been coachPUN H[ 4PK 7HJPÄJ ¸0 ^HZ OHWWPS` ZH[PZÄLK [V have four participants this year, competing in the singles event, despite our inexperienced )V`»Z HUK .PYS»Z [LHTZ IV[O with only two returnees. I would also like to congratulate [OPZ `LHY»Z =HYZP[` )V`»Z [LHT MVY W\[[PUN \W H ]HSPHU[ ÄNO[ this season, despite our very inexperienced team,” Yuuki said.

Yuuki explains how he is proud of his returning

IV^SLYZ HUK [OL LăVY[ [OL` 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.

'SPN MFGU UP SJHIU $PBDI &SJD :VVLJ 3BJEFO /BLBHBXB %BZOOB .FLBSV "TTJTUBOU $PBDI 4DPUU *CBSSB ,ZMFS 0TBLJ BOE $BJUMZO $IBOH QPTF BU TUBUFT

complish.

“It could be lack of interest multiple players to choose from However, after talking to a VY WVZZPIS` [OL LăLJ[Z VM ^OLU or back-ups limits the amount handful of the players and the things shut down because of wiggle room the team has. coach on the team, it seems to VM *6=0+ :WVY[Z H[ HUK If a girl were to get injured or be a popular topic that is being outside of schools shut down sick during the season, it leaves discussed. the team with During less options for [Y`V\[Z P[ KLÄplayers. nitely was a “This year I worry of mine, hope that I don’t seeing how get injured since small our team last year, my had become knee got injured after all the and I wasn’t seniors had able to play. left. But I have Another one of JVUÄKLUJL PU our teammates, our team now Kayla Tom, and I know tore her ACL if we work during a game together and and was out for .JE 1BDJàD HJSMT CBTLFUCBMM UFBN TNJMFT GPS UFBN QIPUP 1IPUP CZ $PBDI keep practicing, the season, so Julianne Nomura. we’ll be on the it troubles me right track,” senior Dorthea for well over a year because of that something like that could Yoakum said. *6=0+ HUK ZV [OLYL ^HZ UV happen again and not knowing Last year’s team only had where that leaves our team,” outlet for learning, playing, or ten players which left them in even working on skills training. Bellevou said. a predicament that this year’s So, the interest might just not If an unfortunate event octeam is facing now. After the be there since they couldn’t curred and there were to be class of 2022 graduated it left play,” Julianne Nomura, girl’s an injury, it’d be an unsettling the team with only four girls, future for the girls. However, basketball coach said. leaving them desperate for new This year’s team consists of Coach Juju is keeping the girl’s players. nine players now. Not having energy high and ready for this

season.

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

0 HT JVUÄKLU[ ^L OH]L H 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. ;OL` HYL JVUÄKLU[ PU [OLPY season and all the possibilities to come as time goes on.

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

Holidays Around the 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 “Me and my friends go out “I eat KFC every year “For our family's tradition Christmas traditions I do.” to eat, watch movies and with my family or friends is making small Christmas said Ryuku Hashimoto. exchange gifts,” said Quon Christmas dinner.” tree and we decorate it,” ingyi (Jenny) Wu. said Mei Yazawa. said Harang Kim.