Na Pueo Issue 3: March 2020

na pueo news

Do you need testtaking tips? Hear what the National Merit Scholars have to say.

POP-UP ART:

STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC MARCH 2020 VOLUME 54 ISSUE 3 NAPUEO.COM

Volume 51 Issue 4

Students transform donated piano for lunchtime tunes

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Disconnect to reconnect? Editor in Chief Erin Goya discusses how technology takes away from our personal lives.

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the diamond Want to start weight lifting? Read the best tips on how to start lifting.

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features

Notice those mysterious owls on campus? Here’s what we know about them.

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back page

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SURVEY SAYS:

Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus?

56% 31% 13%

Student playing new piano outside the cafeteria. Photo by staff photographer by Kamm Kojima

By Wyatt Cullison Staff Writer Lively notes chimed across the courtyard outside Scudder dining hall, bringing a new atmosphere to the lunch period of Mid-Pacific students. The sound radiated from a mysterious new piano located next to the after school snack bar.

For the first few weeks of its presence, students crowded around the piano, and watched their friends play merry tunes and dem-

Scudder

Gym

Weinberg

onstrating their musical skill.

The piano installation was started by a group of students working in conjunction with parents, said visual arts teacher Jill Johnson. A parent donated the piano and several independent students designed the owl motif and painted the piano over a 14-day period.

“They want to create pop-up art around campus that is surprising and engaging,” said Johnson.

One of these students is Milia McCoy, a Junior art certificate

student. She, along with Emma Klassan-Lee, sophomore, and Josiah Williams, senior, were the architects behind Mid-Pacific’s most recent art installation.

“Emma was trying to do a school beautification project because MidPacific is an art school. But, no one really knows it’s an art school just by the way it looks. If you were a visitor you wouldn’t really know about the art program,” said McCoy.

See PIANO page 2

Imagine creating a prototype to solve some of the biggest issues in the world, like poverty.

Mid-Pacific’s new program, Entrepreneurial Studies in a Global Society, will combine a double block humanities course with entrepreneurial to prepare students for real world problems.

So, students who registered will have two periods of the humanities course plus one period of entrepreneurship. At least 20 students have registered for the course so far.

Entrepreneurial studies teacher, Peter Rowan, said he will focus his students on creating businesses that will have an impact on the world.

“The bigger the problem, the bigger the business opportunity,” said Rowan.

Rowan will teach the entrepreneur class, but teachers for the humanities class have not been determined.

10th grader Jordan Lampitelli has enrolled in the program. The idea of group work and communication interested Lampitelli, he said.

“Personally, I enjoy relating those specific topics, social studies, you’re learning about what happened in the past and it’s hard for me

See PILOT page 2

Students may not realize the importance of personal safety

By Erin Goya Staff Writer

Infographic by Steven Aspera Jr., staff writer

Entrepreneur program takes flight

By Maia D’Amato Staff Writer

editorial

How much do you pay for prom? From admission to accessories, prom is an expensive endeavor.

May 2017

Nine different crimes, 114 in total, all within a half-mile radius of the Mid-Pacific campus.

Theft, vandalism, fraud, DUI, assault, burglary and vehicle theft have all been reported near campus since the beginning of the school year, according to statistics available online from the Honolulu Police Department.

The biggest crime that happens near campus is theft of personal property. Nearly 40 instances of this were reported to HPD since the beginning of

the school year.

Many students on campus may not realize the importance of personal safety in the area surrounding campus.

“Don’t show off your stuff and be aware of where you take your cell phone out,” said Sergeant Brian Tokita from the Honolulu Police Department. He said it is important to know when to take your phone out because many phones are stolen right out of people’s hands.

Paul Laudermilk, Director of safety and security for Mid-Pacific, said “Students and faculty should always be cognizant of

See SAFETY page 2

Top Safety Tips: - Lock your car - Hide your valuables - Park in a populated area - Be aware

Infographic design by staff photographer Erin Goya. Source: Honolulu Police Department.

news

PSAT prep from the Merit Scholars

By Althea Lutz Staff Writer Although the PSAT is over, there are many more upcoming standardized tests to prepare for.

It can be difficult to balance the added responsibility of studying for an exam to already busy schedules. Luckily, you’re not alone. Na Pueo reached out to Kyler Saiki, a National Merit Semi-Finalist, Fiona Sievert, a Commended Student, and Derrick Kang, the Director of College Counseling about the best way to prepare for exams.

How do you prepare for standardized tests?

Fiona: I usually set up a practice plan. I schedule what I’m going to do every week and how often.

I practice for about half an hour a day, and then, for the PSAT and SAT, I try to complete a practice test every weekend for a couple of weeks beforehand so I can prepare myself.

Kyler: Properly preparing for standardized tests takes a lot of practice. I take around eight or nine practice tests beforehand, three of them being about two weeks before I take the standardized test.

What advice would you give

PIANO:

“We were trying to look for a small project that wouldn’t be permanent that we could use as a test,” said Klassen-Lee. These students said they wanted to change that, and they conspired to create a surprise piece of art the community could interact with.

“We had been looking at piano projects that other schools and other communities had been working on before and we wanted to do the owl because that’s our school mascot, and it’s something that you can visually associate with Mid-Pac,” McCoy said.

These students did not expect the large amount of use the piano saw in its first weeks, initially anticipating that there would be little to none.

“I thought it was going to go unnoticed for the most part, but then Mid-Pacific posted about it on Instagram and people were starting to actually play it,” said Klassan-Lee. “We were actually initially scared to put it by the cafeteria, because there’s a lot of people there. But, we didn’t really think that anyone would actually play it,” McCoy said. These students originally thought of putting it up at Kawaiahao, but decided against it since there was a lack of shelter.

“I was really shocked to see people playing it and actually enjoying it,” said McCoy.

Seniors Kyler Saiki and Fiona Sievert receive lei’s for being National Merit finalists. Photo by Scott Allen

students preparing for standardized tests?

Fiona: It’s important to create a plan. Make sure to sit down and prepare. If you get really stressed in these kinds of situations, go through a plan of all the things that could possibly go wrong and have a worst case scenario.

That way, you’ll be ready if anything goes wrong and be able to relax.

Kyler: In preparing for them, take a lot of practice tests. After

each one, write down what you got wrong and what topics you didn’t really know, then just study them before you take the next practice test, and keep going until you feel really comfortable.

Kang: For juniors and seniors, Khan Academy is a great program to use to prepare for the PSAT and the SAT. The PSAT will help students prepare for the National Merit program as well as the SAT.

What should students do the night before taking a standardized test?

Fiona: Sleep. That’s all.

Kyler: I would just get a really good night’s sleep. That’s all you have to do.

Kang: The night before an exam, students should get a good night’s sleep. Don’t go out and do anything too strenuous.

Just make sure to get a good night’s sleep, wake up early, have breakfast, and bring snacks to take to the exam because it’s long.

What mistakes have you made in the past when studying for standardized tests?

Fiona: Not studying is something that I’ve done, which is not a good idea. Also, many times I’d make the mistake of cramming all the material into my brain the night before. I’d look over everything and try to memorize as much as I can, but that never really helps so definitely don’t do that.

Kyler: Sophomore year, I didn’t even know what was going to be on the PSAT until the day before. I tried to study the night before, but I felt unprepared during the exam.

PILOT:

to focus on that because I want to learn what’s going on right now so covering that into an entrepreneurship class is really smart and I think I’ll learn a lot better through this program,” said Lampitelli.

Partnering with the global studies course will allow students to produce innovative solutions on a larger scale, Rowan said.

In entrepreneurial studies last year, students were coming up with solutions to small problems.

For example, the way an app works. But next year, students will solve bigger problems.

“Rather than just thinking about small opportunities to create some new gadget, we’re thinking about solving really big problems and that’s probably the best way to be an entrepreneur,” said Rowan.

The new course is set up to teach students skills they will need in the future, said Assistant Principal Christel McGuigan.

“There’s a global focus to the content and to the learning. How might students approach solving with an entrepreneurial mindset, solving big global problems,” said McGuigan.

Unlike the standard curriculum, students will connect what they learn in the three classes to the same project.

“The three bundles will be working together to build on the content and the skill sets and the projects from all those different perspectives,” said McGuigan.

Infographic by staff writer Maia D’Amato

Some of the courses will be team taught. This means there will be two teachers in the same classroom at the same time for the classes.

The course will also allow students to connect with the community through its collaborative projects.

“The program lends itself to the kind of teaching where students are in the driver’s seat, they’re working collaboratively in teams,”

said McGuigan.

The program has been in the making for 2 years. It’s currently a pilot, but administration plans to expand it into the 12th grade, according to High School Principal Paul Passamonte.

“I’m an entrepreneur, and I love helping other folks become entrepreneurs so this is kind of the beginning of that journey for a lot of these students,” said Rowan.

2

SAFETY:

Scan this QR code to see the HPD crime statistics their surroundings. If you see something, say something.”

This semester, security added cones at the front gate of the school due to new security changes.

“Between the hours of 8:15am and 1:45pm, vehicles and pedestrians entering campus will be closely monitored. This additional security procedure is part of a continuing effort to ensure the safety of our Mid-Pacific ‘Ohana,” according to an email sent to the school community.

“We make sure that people coming onto campus belong here,” said Loudermilk.

The change is part of an ongoing assessment of security, he said.

“Even if something is going well, it’s good to take an assessment of things because there is always room for improvement,” said Loudermilk.

Another area of concern is off-campus parking. Of the 114 crimes reported in the area, 13 were vehicle theft/break ins.

Many upperclassmen park in the streets surrounding campus, so students should always make sure they keep their cars safe, said Tokita.

“Keep your car safe by parking in well lit areas that are close to security cameras or getting a car alarm and try to park in highly populated areas,” said Tokita.

“Criminals in general are lazy, they will go for an easier target like an unlocked car,” said Loudermilk.

Samantha Makiya, a junior who drives to school and parks off campus said “I always lock my doors and try not to drive in sketchy places alone at night.”

Another leading cause of vehicle break-ins besides unlocked cars relates to expensive belongings left for criminals to see and target said Loudermilk.

“If criminals see a car that’s unlocked or if your car has visible items of value, such as an expensive bag or suitcase for example, this will increase the risk of your car getting broken into,” said Loudermilk.

Sophomore Kodey Shojinaga also parks off campus. “I try my best not to leave any valuables in my car,” said Shojinaga.

editorial page

If you’re in a relationship, Technology: communication, honesty are key disconnect to Q: As a senior who has never attended a friends, and you won’t have to school dance/prom, is attending prom in my worry about coordinating outfits, final year worth it? taking couple photos, or always A: I haven’t gone to prom, but feeling like you need to socialize I definitely think that attending with your date the entire night, prom at least once is totally worth said Yagi. Going or not going it. Since you’re a senior, it’ll probto prom is your decision, and ably become one of the last times the most important thing is that that you’ll be together with you’re happy with the the rest of your grade level. choice you made.

It can be a great time to talk to people you haven’t Q: How do I ask somebody really gotten the chance to to prom? know, and you can bond A: Hmm...that’s with your friends. And, a tough question. even if you dislike the Depending on the thought of going to a large Siena Usui: person, they might like and crowded event, who Student Survival something big and all knows? You might have out (think balloons Guide fun. and posters), while To fully answer this others would prefer question, I got my own advice something more down to earth from our former columnist, and small (think flowers and a Abigail Yagi. card). If you definitely know that “High school is what you make they will say yes, you could do of it, just like everything else in one of those public promposals. life,” she said. “Prom is just one And even if you’re unsure of their of the many things that can make answer, there’s no problem with high school unique and memorajust going for it. Asking someone ble. The “high school experience” to prom can be daunting and a is different for everyone and it little bit scary, but just remember doesn’t have to be a part of yours if that it’s okay to take a leap of faith you don’t want it to be,” said Yagi. sometimes. In the end, the way Also, it’s okay if you’re single you ask somebody to prom is your at prom. You don’t need a date choice, and do what’s comfortable to have a good time with your for you.

Q: How do you maintain a healthy relationship?

A: Keeping a healthy relationship can be difficult, but as long as you and the other person both put work into it, your relationship can flourish.

I talked to one of Mid-Pacific’s staff, Amber Alderson, a master’s level clinician under supervision, about this topic and what it takes to make a relationship work.

“Communication within any type of relationship is key.

You have to communicate your thoughts or insecurities, you should be able to talk to that person and they should be able to reciprocate that,” said Alderson.

Whether it’s a friendship or partner, different types of relationships need certain things.

“It’s important to be honest.

If you’re trying to set boundaries or if you’re trying to allow that person to understand you, at best it’s good to be honest and state expectations,” said Alderson.

Maintaining a healthy relationship can put your emotions to the test, so remember to give yourself some self love because you deserve it, and to take a break when you need it.

3

reconnect?

Whether it’s the iPhone 11 or table and all of them have some the newest Macbook, we have sort of electronic device in their the power to connect ourselves hand? A father on a conference with the rest of the world at our call, while a mother checks e-mail, fingertips. However, does it and the children play games. really connect us or does it push When the food comes, they put us further and further away from down their devices and reluceach other? tantly begin a mundane conversaWherever you go, whatever tion only to return to their devices you do, us as teenagers and even once again. adults almost always However, we often forhave some form of get that when we connect technology with us. with the rest of the world, Thinking of our society we often disconnect with today, we automatithe most important things cally associate it with that aren’t on our screens. the advancements Overall, four in ten teens in technology and as feel anxious when they Erin Goya: time goes on, we will don’t have their phones begin to rely on it more Letter from the with them and 56% of teens and more. Don’t get the absence of Editor-in-Chief associate me wrong, technoltheir cell phone with loneliogy has revolutionized ness, being upset or feeling society and the world anxious. in so many positive ways and has Cutting out technology helped us be aware of the things altogether would be foolish, but happening around the world. limiting and converting half of However, according to the our screen time would help us Pew Research Center, 54% of reconnect. Take up a new hobby, teens and 36% of adults believe go for a run, or spend time with that they spend too much time on your family. We cannot get lost in their phone. the world around us and forget Have you ever been to a restau- the importance of the things that rant and seen a family sitting at a lay right in front of us.

Editorial Cartoon by Kimberly Oshiro

Na Pueo Staff Editor-in-Chief Erin Goya

Features Editor Siena Usui

Sports Editor

Kamm Kojima

Photo Editor

Chelsee Sawai

Social Media Editor Mia Nakagawa

Staff Writers

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

Advisor

Jessica Hanthorn

Information

Na Pueo is published by dedicated Mid-Pacific students.

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

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

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

features WHODUNNIT?

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Na Pueo staff attempt to solve the mystery of the campus owls

Don’t sweat your skincare problems: experts offer help

By Mia Nakagawa and Althea Lutz Staff Writers

Scattered across campus, there are owl statues constructed of plastic, a metal spring neck covered by an owl head with large eyes, and a body coated with dynamic colors. Placed above the heads of students, they stand over a small base filled with sand attached to its feet.

The artist behind the project has remained a mystery for two years, which is when they

Does desperately masking irritated skin, blackheads and bad breakouts with a full face of makeup sound familiar to you?

Skincare problems are typical in teenage years, but don’t sweat it -- you don’t want to clog your pores. Mid-Pacific’s skincare enthusiasts and makeup artists are here to help with useful tips and tricks.

Many students might turn to complex skincare regimes in an attempt to clear their skin, but without being properly informed, teens could end up with more problems than they started with.

The four major skin types consist of: normal skin, which is healthy and balanced; dry skin, which possesses low levels of elasticity; oily skin, which is prone to acne; and combination skin, which is characterized by different skin types from the T-zone to cheeks, according to WebMD. Na Pueo staff writers interviewed three on-campus experts and a certified dermatologist who graduated from Mid-Pacific to find out the best skin care routines and makeup tips for teens. Here’s what they had to say.

Mid-Pacific senior Chloe Solidum, YouTube creator and makeup expert: Solidum has been publishing videos to Youtube for about a year now. She started becoming passionate about makeup more than five years ago.

“Definitely get a good face wash that you can afford or something that is good for your skin type,” said Solidum.

Solidum has her own YouTube channel where she uploads makeup tutorials, and has become an expert on skincare and makeup, but she said she has been perfecting her art for much longer.

See OWLS page 5

See MAKEUP page 5

Top left photo by staff photographer Siena Usui. Bottom right photo by staff photographer Kenna Kaneshiro. Other photos collected from Mid-Pacific’s social media pages.

By Kenna Kaneshiro Staff Writer On a recent day in Weinberg, students pass through the glass doors as a lively painted pueo watches stealthily above from a trophy case. It perches amongst everyone with its silver rimmed eyes and colorful feathers.

New club teaches students “a lot more than words”

By Siena Usui Staff Writer In a blur of motion, with her fingers curling and hands gesturing in different directions, Jackie Nafarrete stands at the front of the classroom, speaking a language that most students may not know: American Sign Language.

The 10th grader, who has been learning the language for two years, just started a new club at Mid-Pacific.

“Sign language is a lot more than words.

It’s a whole different grammar pattern. If you don’t use your face or body language, then what you’re saying could be misinterpreted,” said Nafarrete.

Natsu Katayama and Kate Nakamura practicing sign language. Photo by staff photographer Siena Usui.

The newly made club has recently started meetings, and focuses on teaching students the basics of sign language.

There are hundreds of different ways to communicate with others. Some people might assume that there are only a few forms of sign language, but that is not the case.

According to Ethnologue: Languages of the World, there are about 144 sign languages.

“I’ve always had some sort of love for languages,” said Nafarrete.

Nafarrete started the club with 10th grader Shelby Honda, who is the Vice President.

“I wanted to offer her guidance because I

See SIGN LANGUAGE page 5

features

5

Up and coming artists

Sophomore Karlee Tanaka practices her singing skills. Photo by staff photographer Kamm Kojima.

By Danika Kusumoto and Chelsee Sawai Staff Writers

Teenagers recently have been producing their own music and finding success, such as Billie Eilish at this year’s Grammy awards. Students at Mid-Pacific find inspiration in these self-made musicians, releasing their own music on mainstream music platforms. We interviewed a few ris- For a special online version of ing artists within our community to learn this story, scan the QR code to more about the triumphs and struggles of visit napueo.com going into music production.

SIGN LANGUAGE:

Infographic by staff writer Mia Nakagawa makeup not to overdo it, because “I started doing makeup when I was 11 [...] I just wanted to try it out,” she said.

In their teenage years, students often start using makeup, but it’s important to have clean skin before packing on the foundation, Solidum said.

“You don’t want to be putting makeup on over bad acne,” she said.

After gaining all of her experience, the main makeup tip Solidum offers to beginners is to gradually add steps to your makeup routine.

“Definitely start out light and work your way up as you learn more,” she said. One of the steps you can work up to is applying lashes.

Sarae Miguel, Mid-Pacific junior, makeup artist: Miguel frequently posts colorful makeup looks to her personal Instagram account to track her progress as a makeup artist.

She recommends students who are just starting with

thought what she was doing was really important. I also wanted to help her out and give her advice on how to run the club successfully,” said Honda.

Some of the club’s activities include finger spelling, creating their own name sign, and vocabulary games. Members are also considering doing fundraisers for the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind.

“If you learn sign language you realize that communication is much more than just talking,” said Nafarrete.

Elizabeth Blauwiekel is the teacher advisor of the Sign Lan-

guage club.

“I knew we didn’t have a club like this before, and learning sign language has been something that I’ve actually been really interested in for a few years,” said Blauwiekel.

Their service events will begin next year, but meetings for the club are on Mondays after school, in H234.

“We’re trying to break down barriers between those who can and cannot verbally speak because sign language isn’t just used for the deaf community, it’s used for non verbal people too,” said Nafarrete.

OWLS:

The owl statues move around campus every so often, changing their positions throughout the year. Currently, the only owl a Na Pueo reporter could find perches inside Weinberg Technology Plaza.

“It just suddenly appears. There are other people who are trying to figure out where it came from, but we have no idea,” Do you know who makes said Nishiguchi.

However, these the owls? Tell us by owls can be purchased scanning this code!

first appeared.

Mid-Pacific’s social media displays images of the owls appearing as early as October 2018, with an orange and black owl for Halloween.

Since then, more statues have appeared dressed in caps and leis for graduation, masks and green claws for Halloween, and a dark green body with tiny bells for Christmas.

Several faculty members stated they have never figured out the artist behind the project.

“It’s a big mystery. We’ve asked the people in advancement and special occasions,” said Yearbook and Tech Explorations teacher Lori Nishiguchi.

at Home Depot and are not handmade.

“It looks like they bought the same type that we bought, which comes from Home Depot,” said Engineering and Academic Technology teacher, Weyland Bailey.

Bailey created an owl statue of his own covered in green and displayed in Weinberg Technology Plaza. Its structure is similar to the original

it will make some features stand out too much.

“I wasn’t aware of how things would shape your face, and how to shape your face correctly or make things look subtle or purposely the way I wanted,” said Miguel.

It’s important to understand that you shouldn’t feel pressured to wear makeup every day if you don’t want to and vice versa. It is your own personal decision, she said.

“Sometimes I can leave the house without makeup,” said Miguel.

David Robinson, Mid-Pacific sophomore, skincare enthusiast: David Robinson takes care of his skin every day and changes his skincare products throughout the year as the seasons change.

“I definitely change my products as seasons change, especially in the winter time,” said Robinson. He recommends his peers stay hydrated, get lots of rest, and overall take great care of your body. statues.

“I think it’s pretty cool, since it promotes school spirit,” said 12th grade dean Myron Seu. Usually, the owls are by or in Weinberg Technology Plaza and positioned near the Bakken area.

“We’ve been asking around, and it appears the mystery owl artist would like to remain anonymous,” said Julie Yuen, Communications and Community Outreach Director.

Yuen said she does not personally know the artist, and the person who she spoke to does know the identity, but has been sworn to secrecy.

An anonymous interview was unable to be secured.

“They’re good, creative, and eye catching, and I assume they

“Get lots of rest; a good eye cream is very helpful with late night homework, especially when going to bed late,” said Robinson.

If you notice more serious skin issues, including dark spots or scarring, Robinson recommends you talk to a skincare professional rather than relying only on the internet.

“See a dermatologist; the internet is not always the best resource,” said Robinson.

Erin Fuller, dermatologist and MidPacific class of 2001 Alumna: Fuller is a board certified dermatologist and she shared her skincare knowledge with Na Pueo.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should start and end your day by washing your face with warm water and a mild face wash.

“Everyone should wash their face twice a day; just a really gentle cleanser is ideal,” said Fuller.

The most common skin issue in teenagers is acne, but it’s still difficult for teens to get the information they need.

“The most important thing is to seek help when the traditional over the counter treatments are not doing the trick,” said Fuller.

If you’re worried about your skin not responding to acne medications, Fuller said that there are lots of different medications that can work for you.

“There are a lot of prescription medications … that can really help to clear up your skin,” said Fuller.

It is also important to give your skin an adequate amount of time to respond to medications, whether it’s from the drugstore or a prescription from a dermatologist.

“Most treatments take about 6 weeks to take effect. Most times it gets worse before it gets better because a lot of blackheads and whiteheads are coming up to the surface to clear,” Fuller said. “So stick with it and keep going and be consistent.” were painted by students,” said the elementary school administrative assistant Diane Kamioka.

Many officials on campus say they don’t know the identity of the owl artist. School employees in Avancement, Art, and Damon Hall said they have no knowledge on the origin of the statues or where they came from.

The identity of the artist remains anonymous, but hopefully the creator of these owls will continue to make this piece of art admired by the Mid-Pacific crowd.

“It’s interesting. I wish it would be out more around campus, and I think it makes whatever season it is fun,” said Bailey.

the diamond PUMPING IRON

By Steven Aspera Jr. Staff Writer

You finally started working out to get that chiseled Greek God body you always wanted.

But you don’t really know what you’re doing and how to get started. Don’t fear because the experts at Mid-Pacific are here to give you some advice.

Mid-Pacific’s weight room is open every day after school and many students said they go there to work out.

“I weight lift because it makes my body feel good and I get stronger too,” Luciano Nascarella, a sophomore currently enrolled in Mid-Pacific’s strength training class said.

Students can go to the weight room after school to get expert advice from the staff or enroll in the Strength Training class for PE credit.

“Students can see Mr. Hunt or Mr. Goto and they’ll help you get started,” strength training and PE teacher Richard Haas said.

Haas gave some of his top tips to start weightlifting: the recommended age to start weightlifting is around the high school age. You can start earlier, but you will need more supervision, to make sure you don’t get hurt.

“I didn’t really want to start

weight lifting until I was a certain weight and height because I didn’t wanna get hurt and stunt my growth,” Nascarella said.

If you are around the middle school age, start with lighter weights but add more repetition. That way you build muscle endurance along with using the correct technique.

When you are older, above age 15, you can lift heavier weights without recklessly swinging the weights around because you know how to lift properly, Students, especially younger kids, need to be careful when weightlifting because they have what’s called growth plates.

In each bone there is a place where the bone grows and if that gets injured by lifting too heavy or from bad technique then you may not grow as well, Haas said.

Finally, you step foot in the weight room, the first thing you should do is a quick warm up. Stretch your arms, legs, and back that way your body is ready to work out. Now you are ready to start lifting weights.

When starting off, you should focus on the large/main muscle groups. Like the chest, arms, quads, hamstring, and abs.

By working on larger muscle

See WEIGHTS page 7

Mid-Pacific’s varsity girls soccer team kicked up to a third place in states, netted an ILH win, and scored a Division 2 championship this season.

The team finished their season with a record of 6-4.

“It all caught us off guard, and we didn’t think about it till that last game,” said head coach Austin Draper.

During his first year as head coach of the girls varsity team, Draper focused his efforts on the team itself.

“They play together and have each other’s back. Whatever they do, win or lose, they are together and have fun,” said Draper.

Senior soccer player Sophie Saiki said the coaches have taught the team to be more independent, allowing them to figure things out on their own.

“It feels good since we worked hard for

Year-round practice brings baseball strength

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer

Junior Rocket Uechi practices a bicep curl at the Mid-Pacific weight room.

Photo by staff photographer Erin Goya.

Soccer scores an ILH championship

By Danika Kusumoto Staff Writer

Teachers give top workout tips

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

it, and we achieved one of our goals for the season,” said Saiki.

Saiki will play college soccer next year at California Lutheran University, accomplishing one of her personal goals, she said.

“I’ve played soccer my whole life. I just love the sport, and I love all of the tactics behind it,” said Saiki.

Sophomore player Kate Nakamura said the team had a lot of chemistry and were extremely excited about winning.

“It’s like everything you’ve worked for has a meaning,” said Nakamura.

Nakamura said this year’s head coach focused more on complimenting the players and making sure they enjoyed what they were doing.

“To see them reach their goal of being the ILH D2 champions, I think that’s just the most rewarding part,” said Draper.

Staff Writer Chelsee Sawai contributed to this report.

Championship and state games have ended, bringing winter sports to a finish. Now, spring sports are up and running. But Mid-Pacific’s baseball program has been in season all year round.

Consider baseball’s history: one major league player and former players now working as coaches. Teachers who learned from him. Earning at least one ILH championship in all levels. Last year, they finished 9-9 and came in fifth place.

The statistics are a result of hours of practicing.

“In order for us to compete in the ILH, we have to be physically fit, conditioned to play in the ILH,” said head coach Dunn Muramaru.

A majority of the players work out year round while some participate in multiple sports. Kennedy Hara said four hours of his day is spent training without the team during the off season.

An estimated 90 baseball players, from both middle and high school, will try out for the team. Only 22 athletes made the team, reported Scott Wagner.

“It’s a team, not the 25, 24, 23 players. It’s 24 guys that make the best team,” said Muramuru.

See BASEBALL page 7

Girls basketball nets second place in states

By Chelsee Sawai Staff Writer The girls basketball team added two more championships to Mid-Pacific’s trophy case this season, winning the Division 2 ILH and the state runner-up.

The team finished the ILH season with an undefeated record of 9-0 compared to last year’s season record of 1-10.

Junior guard Madisyn Sagawa was one of the highest scoring players of the championship game scoring 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, according to Scoring Live.

“The team is extremely resilient because no matter what happened, we had a positive outlook on things and we would always have each other’s back,” said Sagawa.

Sagawa said she liked how the ILH season brought her teammates together to work hard and create special bonds between one another.

Just like Madisyn, sophomore center

Amara Ueligitone admired the constant support from her team that made them play in unison.

“We play with a lot of heart and energy,” said Ueligitone.

Ueligitone said basketball is a sport that teaches you how to work for your goals and successes and support one another.

“We always play for each other, helping the team over all.” said Ueligitone.

Reid Sagawa, head coach, said no matter if they won or lost, he and the other coaches were always here for the players.

“If they can see if you work hard in life sometimes, things will pay off,” said Reid Sagawa.

Staff Writer Danika Kusumoto contributed to this report.

SENIOR NIGHT

M Club cheers on the athletics program

7

M Club members support the team during a basketball game. Photo by staff photographer Kamm Kojima.

By Tia Shimabukuro

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer Traditionally, every sports season features a night dedicated to the seniors . Each sport has continued the same tradition, adding their special touch, to make the night special.

After warm-ups, before the

WEIGHTS:

groups, that allows you to target multiple muscles and you can see your development faster.

According to Haas, good exercises that target large muscle groups are: the benchpress, squats, pull ups or lat pulls and deadlifts.

When lifting a dumbbell or a bar make sure your back is flat and you lift from your legs. That way you don’t injure your back when lifting. The lower back is the most common place to get injured when weightlifting.

When you lift weights, your

BASEBALL:

Selecting their team, coaches observe the dedication, techniques, and effects the players have on the team said Craig Hayashi, coach for 20 years plus and former player.

“Now they can focus on something else, sometimes it might be a blessing in disguise,” said Muramaru, when asked about cuts.

Dunn said the Mid Pacific team is young this year as 11 graduated last year.

“A lot of the other teams have returning players,” said Murumaru.

Seven players graduated from Punahou, while 11 Mid Pacific

Staff Writer As it gets closer to game time, Zannah Suehiro, top left, runs to her family at Senior night. Senior cheerthe M club members get ready to leaders, top right, hyping the crowd. Senior Adonis Espania, bottom left, rally up the crowd and the scorehonoring his father, Val Espania. Photo by staff photographer Kamm board counts down, 3, 2, 1…

Kojima M club president Missy Lange game began, athletes opened the niors ended the night with a win. stands up, stomps her feet, night by greeting their parents Seniors enjoyed the moments shouts and cheers as the homewith leis of aloha. with their fellow players. Savorcoming game begins. Lange is Parents, family, friends, teachers ing the moment, while remempart of a group and students cheered with rapbering the dedication they had ture. Pumping up the spectators, for the sport, as they eye their of Mid-Pacific even more, cheerleaders chanted next chapter. supporters who and jumped, motivating the “The results ended with hugs, come together at team, as the game was played. smiles, and tears of joy,” said Kerevery game: the Win or lose, either way the serin Lee, senior cheerleader.

M Club.

The M in M muscle tears, that is why it hurts enough between each set. Acclub, stands for cording to bodybuilding.com the “Mid-Pacific”. when your body repairs the tiny recommended rest time is 60 to tears and adds more muscle to The purpose of 90 seconds. the damaged area. That is how M club is to help “Some of my injuries that I got you get bigger muscles and grow Mid-Pacific inwas from not lifting enough, stronger. crease spirit and cause I didn’t get other parts of According to Bodybuilding. competitiveness my body strong, when I broke com, a common mistake many and to finanpeople make when starting my ankle I ended up tearing my cially support weight lifting is moving through ACL because the rest of my the repetition too quickly. When body wasn’t ready to play again,” the sports teams, said athletic lifting slowly, you add more Mackenzie Nitta, a sophomore director Scott Wagner. muscle tension to your workout. on the girls varsity soccer team “The biggest benefit is knowing By doing this, you are always said. “I weight lift because it that you are helping to make a working the muscle even when makes my body feel good and I difference, to make our athletic resting.’ get stronger too,” said Luciano program stronger,” said Wagner.

Another common mistake Nascarella, a sophomore.

M club is made up of people people make is not resting long who support Mid-Pacific athletplayers graduated last year. the test of time and is still ics, said Lange.

Losing but gaining players, respected and sought after till “What made me want to join M Mid Pacific baseball coaches this day,” said Brandon Kameko, club was it provided an opportuhelping them play in the ILH employee of Hawaii Baseball nity for our family to financially league. In which, Dunn notes Association. support the athletic program that other schools have the best Despite the competitiveness, here at Mid-Pacific,” said Lange. of the best and recruit. the baseball team is ready as the Lange spends her time cheer“My main goal is to have the season begins. ing on the sidelines and is always students work on their approach.

“We have a good, like, mixture there at Mid-Pacific sports Make sure they’re in the right of team members from sophogames supporting the players all mind set,” said Hayashi. more to senior class, and I think “We will give them keys and we have all the components this the way. just use our experience and try year to do really well,” said ChrisAnyone can join the M club to input that to the kids. The topher Wong, junior baseball alumni, parents, grandparents, quicker they adapt to those situplayer. staff and faculty, etc. ations; sometimes it takes a year, “I try to emphasize to my pitchHer favorite thing about being sometimes a week. It depends,” ers just take one step at a time. in M club is just being able said Dunn.

Try and focus on doing the job, if to support the athletics, said The one constant will be the we win that’s great, try and build Lange. coaches and the working ethic. on that, if we lose sometimes “His coaching style has stood that’s good too,” said Hayashi.

“It’s given us an opportunity to not only watch the program, but to watch the kids in the program and have really good friendships with family and faculty,” said Lange.

There is a $50 yearly or $500 lifetime M club membership that comes with a free hat, stickers, polo, or bag.

M club funds go to a variety of places, said Wagner.

“The money they have goes towards making the elementary events strong and successful, some senior aloha games, they help out with homecoming, and they are generally there to support,” said Wagner.

It’s a great organization that gives players something to play for, said senior boys varsity basketball player, Kamana Lapina.

“When I see an M club member supporting us it feels like we’re representing more than just our team,” said Lapina.

She is very grateful that people want to support athletes and growing students, according to sophomore Varsity girls basketball player, Amara Ueligitone.

“M club is a great group of people who come together to support the athletics here at mid pacific and foster the growth of student athletes,” said Ueligitone.

The M club cheers to let the team know that they are there supporting them no matter what the score.

“It’s a team effort, we just wanna help out, we just want to support, we just want the program to grow,” said Lange.

“It’s a great organization that gives players something to play for,” Kamana Lapina, varsity basketball player

The price of

PROM: Hair

$53 Makeup

$55

Ticket

$200

How much cash will you drop on April 25th? The total cost of hair, outfits, and flowers could break the bank. To find out how much money the big night will cost, Na Pueo surveyed 274 students and gathered averages from the data, which are shown below.

Boutonnière

$33

Tux

$178

Corsage

$24

Manicure

$38

Dress

$190

Boys’ Shoes

$67

Girls’ Shoes

$67

Illustration by Rell Uehara Infographic design by Althea Lutz Source: Na Pueo student survey