Na Pueo May 2019

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STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC MAY 2019 VOLUME 53 ISSUE 4 NAPUEO.COM

Volume 51 Issue 4

HOMEWORK:

New printer constructs living cells

Does the school grading policy make it optional?

By Maia D’Amato Staff Writer

editorial

In a high school relationship and you want to know if it is worth it? Check out what advice columnist Abigail Yagi has to say.

Page 3

the diamond

New softball coaching staff? Better record? Find out more.

Page 6

features

Having some acne problems? Check out what alumni dermatologist has to say about it

Page 4

back page

Where does your tuition money go? Na Pueo analyzed the school’s tax records to find out.

SURVEY SAYS:

Should Mid-Pacific start using sustainable utensils?

The Na Pueo news team surveyed 387 students about whether the cafeteria should eliminate plastic utensils.

Kerrin Lee, grade 11, studies in the library after school. Photo by Kayla Marutani, staff photographer.

By Kayla Marutani Staff Writer Mid-Pacific’s grading policy means homework doesn’t count for a grade. But does that mean students shouldn’t do it?

Many students were in favor of this policy, but others said they would rather have a grade attached to their homework.

“I prefer that homework would be counted for every class because I think homework is a major factor towards success in the class,” said 11th grader Jihyoung Do. Students would be more motivated to do their homework if they got graded on it, said 12th grader Katherine Ganel.

“I think it would push people to do [homework], more, if it was graded or you got credit for it,” Ganel said.

School officials said homework isn’t an optional

“I think homework is a major factor towards success in the class.”

Jihyoung Do, grade 11

See HOMEWORK page 2

See BIOPRINT page 2

“Guppy Tank” competition nets $3K for Vacation in a Box entrepreneurs

82%

By Payton Antonio Staff Writer

14%

Neutral

No

3% Yes

aspect of school, even though in some classes, it’s not counted towards a student’s grade.

“I’ve heard from teachers that homework doesn’t give them enough information to make a grade.

Students tend to not do their homework, thinking it’s not necessary,” said 11th grade Dean Myron Seu. Although homework isn’t counted, it does help assist the teacher in knowing where a student stands and how they can help that student, said Seu. “If you just base your grade on the summative assessments or tests and quizzes, when you go in for office hours, the teacher has limited amount of data to know where you’re making your mistakes or how to help you,” said Seu. Homework isn’t counted in most classes, but some math classes do require students to complete their homework, before they are able to retake a quiz or test.

A new device that can print living tissue has arrived at the Hartley Complex.

The printer, called a biological 3D printer, will be available for student use starting as early as 2020, said Dr. Mindy McDermott, science department chair.

The donated printer arrived on campus in mid-December, and it is likely the only printer of its kind on Oahu, according to the science department.

A new committee will discuss the ethics behind using living cells and guide decision making, said High School Principal Paul Passamonte.

“We thought about setting up a bioethics committee to address some of the questions with regard to, are we using live cells or are we not using live cells,” said Passamonte.

At first, faculty will use non-living materials. The committee will talk about the options for classroom use and guide next steps, said Passamonte.

“If we are going to use live cells within this bio printer, what are the ethical conversations we need to have around it?” said Passamonte.

The printer allows the creation of biomedical parts using biomaterials and bio-ink. According to an article in National Geographic, bio printers must lay down a scaffold covered in the patient’s own skin and cartilage cells. Over a period of 6 months, the hydrogel on

Infographic by Abigail Yagi, staff writer

If you’re too busy to travel or wish to sample local items prior to your vacation, Mid-Pacific’s entrepreneur students can help. They just won a $3,000 grand prize for designing Vacation in a Box. The subscription based service will allow you to customize a box from the country of your choice. The winning students presented their business proposal at the school’s “Guppy Tank” competition on May 7. Similar to the television show “Shark Tank”, four student teams from Mid-Pacific’s Entrepreneurs Lab Program competed in front of investors for the chance to win money to expand their business.

“It was a lot of work to get the company together but it feels great to win,” said 11th grader Sage Driscoll, one of the four members of Vacation in a Box.

Each team pitched their ideas to a panel of judges at the competition led by teacher Peter Rowan, who is an executive director for the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Manoa Shidler College of Business.

“I really enjoy watching my students grow as entrepreneurs from when they first entered the class and knew nothing about how to run a business,” said Rowan.

In the fall semester, Entrepreneurs Lab students generated their own ideas by researching background, producing customer surveys, and creating a business plan to support their ideas.

In the spring semester, the students made a final decision on which idea they felt would be most successful and teamed up with a mentor to help guide them in the right direction.

See GUPPY TANK page 2

11th graders Brianna Wong, Sophie Saiki, Sage Driscoll, and Milan Salle receive the $3,000 top prize for Vacation in a Box. Photo by Payton Antonio, staff photographer

news

2

Mid-Pacific introduces new classes

Infographic by Angelina Shaw, staff writer

GUPPY TANK:

BIOPRINT:

the scaffold disintegrates and the cells grow and fills into an ear-shaped form. The ear is made up of all human cells.

Bio 3D printers could cost as much as $20,000, although school officials said they did not know the exact cost of the one at Mid-Pacific.

The printer donation was arranged by MidPacific parent KunKun Duan.

Currently the printer is in the science preparation room in Hartley.

For high schools to have access to bio 3D printing

is rare, said Director of Education Technology Brian Grantham.

“There are colleges and universities that don’t have access to this type of technology,” said Grantham.

As recently as 2013, bio printers were still in the experimental stage.

But the technology has rapidly advanced, according to a recent article on CNN. Mid-Pacific will do testing using a variety of live materials. From working with plants and algae, to printing tissues and organs.

“We’re going to be using cells. You could be using skin cells, epithelial cells, really any sort of cell type,” said McDermott.

Teachers and technology staff are working on understanding the technology and getting the printer to work.

“The printer will be incorporated into existing science classes until a class can be proposed and created,” said Grantham.

A biotechniques elective course will work directly with the printer to help better prepare students for medical research and the course will be available in the fall of year 2021, said McDermott.

“Likely it would be an elective course like a semester long course to hopefully better prepare people for medical research or pre med to get a better handle on human biology,” said McDermott.

Students could connect with professionals through their use of the bio 3D printer.

“Another benefit for our students is to connect with university doctors/ professors or doctors and researchers in their respective field who can help guide our students in the use of biotechnology, 3D printer, cell creation and drug testing,”

said Grantham.

Incorporating this printer into Mid-Pacific’s education system will allow students to push further in their prospective field. “[The] ability to do the same kind of research, thinking and projects that is happening in the field currently, only allows our students to push the process further if they choose to go into any of the related fields,” said Grantham. “This is exciting and for our students to have access to this cutting edge technology and how it could … help save lives.”

“I am most proud of my students for interviewing more than 2,000 potential customers over this past year,” said Rowan.

Quickscan, an application that turns any refrigerator into a smart refrigerator claimed the second place prize of $1,000 to launch their idea. The refrigerator will allow users to track contents, expiration dates, nutritional information and recipe ideas.

“Standing up in front of professional and experienced entrepreneurs made it nerve racking, but it was an exciting competition to be a part of,” said 11th grader Trelani McGill, an Entrepreneurs Lab student.

The Charles B. Wang Foundation sponsored the competition.

“The experience of fostering teamwork and collaborating with my team was the best part,” said 12th grader Mana Kitamura, one of the four members of Quickscan.

Driscoll said in her presentation that her inspiration came from her grandfather, who recently stopped traveling to care for his wife. She said she wanted to find a way for him to still enjoy the feeling of traveling.

“I didn’t even know Sage thought of me, but it was really great to be a part of her team’s idea,” said Murray Bawden, Driscoll’s grandfather.

Driscoll and team members 11th grader Sophie Saiki, 11th grader Milan Salle and 11th grader Brianna Wong will be looking into furthering their Vacation in a Box idea in the next few classes.

“Entrepreneurs Lab is not another class. It is a way for students to work and experience working with the real world,” said Rowan.

HOMEWORK:

“Homework should be optional. However, our math classes are structured so that if we don’t do homework, we aren’t allowed to retake quizzes/tests,” said 11th grader Michael Tam. Math classes require students to complete their homework because students need extra practice, in order to reinforce the concepts they learned in class, said math teacher Roy Evans.

“When students do their homework, it gives me feedback on what they understand and what they don’t understand, in regard to the material we covered in the previous lesson,” said Evans.

Although homework doesn’t count for a grade, turning it in on time helps a teacher with assessing students on their performance.

“I’m in favor of homework that is due and turned in on time, so that it helps assist a teacher in coming up with an assessment with what you do,” said Seu.

editorial page

3

Na Pueo editor says her final goodbye I assumed as seen on TV, I would experience the “Mean Girls” or the jocks, but I was wrong. I never experienced a hallway scene where a slushy was thrown to my face like from the show, Glee or had a whole hallway clear a pathway for a popular girl, like Sharpay Evans in High School Musical.

I remember graduating from 8th grade and thinking I made it to the top, but then my freshman year came around and I was quickly back to the babies of high school. I thought the upperclassmen would be the scariest people on campus, but they turned out being some of

the sweetest and most helpful people during my transition.

For those freshmen and sophomores experiencing the feeling that school is going by too slow, understand that you’ll never get back these years in high school. Juniors and seniors would be dying to be back in your position because right now, they feel it coming to an end way too quickly.

Go to school with an open mind. Be positive and do something amazing everyday. Take every opportunity that is given to you, and don’t whine about where you are. You’ll get to be a senior in just a few years, but en-

joy what is right in front of you.

When my junior year came along, I wanted everything to slow down.

So much was changing and it was happening all so fast. College meetings started and it finally seemed Payton Antonio: like my GPA Letter from the started to matter. One thing I Editor-in-Chief did love about my junior year was how I was now considered an “upperclassman.” This label

made me gain the same feeling I had when I was at the top in 8th grade. But I’ll never forget the transition from my junior to senior year.

There I was, just a month ago, sitting in the senior section of the gym at convocation and attempted to chant the 2019 senior cheer. It was as if just last week we were singing campfire songs at senior picnic. It feels like just yesterday, I was committing to a college. Everything in senior year comes quicker than expected, which is why I wish I knew sooner to enjoy the moments in front of me. Enjoy the transition from freshman to senior year be-

cause you’ll regret it if you don’t make it worth it.

As I write my last editorial for Na Pueo, I realize I’m not good at goodbyes. But I wish the upcoming journalism class the best.

I’ll always cherish the memory of being a part of an amazing staff and writing stories that interest my peers.

Freshmen and sophomores: join clubs, make many friends and experience a new sport because you want to remember your high school years with good memories to last a lifetime. High school is time stamped and will all be over in a blink, just like mine.

Working hard in school can give you more opportunities for the future

Are high school relationships worth it?

Everyone who has dated in high school has different experiences and opinions on dating.

No relationship is exactly the same, but with it being highschool, Abigail Yagi: they usually pan Student Survival out similarly in the end meanGuide ing, you break up. You’re probably asking this question because you’re considering starting a relationship with someone, but wondering if it comes with more bad than good. If so, I will inform you on the benefits and negatives of dating. Probably the biggest fear of getting into a relationship is that you break up.

This often leads to heartbreak

and drama that you might not think is worth it considering you already have schoolwork to worry about. Relationships are also time-consuming. If you already have a hard time balancing school, sports, and extracurriculars, it would be unfair to your partner if you can’t give him or her the quality time that comes with a relationship. You also should remember that we’re high schoolers and we’re all trying to figure out who we are and what we want to be so, it makes sense that relationships often don’t last because people change and grow into new hobbies and interests. Now, I know I just went through a lot of negatives, but now I will tell you the reason why you might want to give relationships a shot. Relationships are learning experiences to learn both about your partner and most importantly yourself.

Your first will most likely not be

your last and you should see that experience as an opportunity to make the next relationship better. You also learn ways you can improve yourself in general, but you have to choose to learn from it. Overall, I think you should reflect to see if you’re ready to get into a relationship and ready to commit time and effort to someone else who’s counting on you to do so. I wish you the best of luck.

Do your high school grades determine the rest of your life?

Being a senior who is attending college, I can say that yes, technically high school grades can determine your life journey.

Working hard in my academics from freshman year until now has given me more opportunities and options of where I want to take my next steps. My advice is that you should always try your best and hardest in school

because it will only benefit you in the long run. Now, obviously, school doesn’t define who you are, and you shouldn’t think that it does. Colleges look for wellrounded individuals who thrive in all aspects such as athletics, extracurriculars and service in your community. Colleges also reward hard-workers who strive for improvement each year. I think you should make the most of the opportunities you are given because they were presented to you for a reason. It might seem like a pain now to earn good grades, but I promise you, you will thank yourself later.

If you have two really good friends who hate each other, how do you make it better without picking sides?

Hello friend! I can definitely relate to your situation and the feeling of not wanting to make the situation worse than it already is. It would be ideal if

Editorial Cartoon by Piankhi Robertson-Chambers

all the people in our lives got along, but sadly we don’t live in a perfect world. If you want to make the situation better, my advice is to approach it with love. Don’t think about how the situation getting solved will benefit you, but think about your friend’s interests and how it will make their life easier if they got along. You should also remember that no matter how hard you try, some people just cannot get along with each other, and that is totally fine! Don’t force them to be best friends, but at least let them know they should have a basic level of respect for each other. If one of your friends talks badly about your other friend, tell them right at that moment that it’s not okay. If those all fail, tell them how you feel about the situation and how it puts you in an awkward position. I truly hope things work out for you and your friends.

Na Pueo Staff Editor-in-Chief

Payton Antonio

Features/Sports Editors Abigail Yagi

Photo Editor

Siena Usui

Staff Writers

Kayla Marutani Maia D’Amato Angelina Shaw

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) 441.3713 email: newspaper@midpac. edu Please contact Na Pueo for advertising information and rates. All articles and photographs are copyright (c) MidPacific Institute.

features ACNE:

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Dermatologist speaks truth about breakouts

By Payton Antonio Staff Writer

Many students think their acne is caused by stress, but that is a myth, according to one Mid-Pacific alum.

“Unfortunately, acne is a combination of genetics and the increased oil production that goes along with the increased hormones that occur after puberty,” said Erin Fuller, a Mid-Pacific alumni and board certified dermatologist.

More than 85 percent of teenagers have this common skin problem caused when your pores get clogged with oils and dead skin, which leads to blackheads or whiteheads.

“I usually get my acne from sweating in sports or when I’m stressed out a lot,” said 11th grader Evan Kagimoto.

Kagimoto washes his face daily to prevent his acne, but Fuller said the myth of acne being caused by a dirty face or not scrubbing your skin enough is not true, and over-scrubbing can worsen the acne.

“I think the stress from school and my outside activities causes my acne,” said 11th grader Kylie Otsuka. “I also sometimes get acne before my monthly.”

Otsuka uses Neutrogena oil-free acne wash and cream cleanser to prevent and lessen her acne.

“Over the counter washes with salicylic acid such as Neutrogena oil free acne wash can be helpful for early comedonal

See ACNE page 5

Illustration by Hitomi Kidahashi

Helping the environment is easier than you think

By Siena Usui Staff Writer

Making a positive impact on the environment might seem out of reach for most teenagers, but there are many ways to help.

In one Mid-Pacific class, AP Environmental Science, understanding the environment is the forefront of what happens in class.

“The amount of trash that is accumulating is just insane because there’s the Pacific garbage patch and so many landfills that are overflowing with garbage,” said 12th grader Natalia Mondi, who’s a student in the class.

People are now seeing the environmental consequences of past actions that were done incorrectly, said environmental science teacher Dr. Mindy McDermott.

“We weren’t really planning effectively on

what would happen down the road,” said McDermott.

Being environmentally friendly can be a struggle when it comes to understanding what’s helpful and hurtful for the earth.

“People throw whatever in the recycling bin but that’s not necessarily good either. You have to really make sure that you check what you recycle and make sure that it is recyclable,” said 11th grader Kupai Marx.

Here are the top ways students can save the planet, according to McDermott and her students: Recycle: One of the easiest methods to help the environment; this is an alternative to dumping all of your waste into one trash can. Recycling can conserve natural resources and save energy.

When recycling plastic or other materials, make sure to check the symbols on the bottom of containers/bottles because it will determine if that object can be accepted by your local recycling program.

Compost: By using food scraps and yard waste, composting can reduce the amount of trash you send to landfills.

It consists of three key materials, browns (branches, dead leaves), greens (vegetable/fruit scraps, coffee grounds) and water.

Volunteer: Helping with beach cleanups or picking up trash are activities that can be enjoyable and you can do them with friends and family. Preventing potentially harmful rubbish from entering animal’s environments can save many of their lives.

Use Metal Straws: These are portable and usually always come with a cleaning brush. Metal straws are reusable and an alternative to plastic straws, which are a one-time use object.

It may seem challenging to help the Earth, but taking one small step at a time can lead into a tremendous impact.

“I try to teach the students to really be thinking about what we’re doing today and how that’s going to affect us not only 25 years down the road, but 50 years,” said McDermott.

features THREE MID-PACIFIC THEATRE STUDENTS SIGN TO COLLEGES

Questions: 1. What is your dream role?

2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Christian Caro Theatre Fordham College at Lincoln Center 1. My dream role is Robert from the Sondheim Musical Company. The final number is absolutely perfection.

2. I see myself still trying to get better at my art. Of course, being on broadway within the next 10 years would be great, but if I can impact people with what I do and create on the stage, then I will be more than happy.

Nyah Juliano Drama NYU Tisch School of the Arts 1. Play a lead role in a feature film or on broadway or co-star alongside my idols at least.

2. Probably waitressing but hopefully being a working actor!

Mana Noda Drama School of Drama at The New School 1. I don’t really have a dream role but a role that can represent my ethnicity.

2. I can see myself inspiring people that even a shy Japanese girl can make it big and be expressive.

ACNE:

acne with blackheads and whiteheads,” said Fuller.

Fuller also recommends Differin which is a slightly lower strength of medication that many dermatologists prescribe.

If you’re getting multiple big, red pimples, then over the counter washes or spot treatments with benzoyl peroxide like Neutrogena and Oxy Brand can be useful.

“If you have deep cystic acne or scarring, then you should see a dermatologist right away so stronger medications can be prescribed to prevent worsening and permanent scarring,” said Fuller.

Multiple students use a medication called Accutane to get rid of their acne.

“Dermatologists can prescribe

Experts give advice on major high school decisions

By Maia D’Amato Staff Writer

tions, so everyone is very different,” said Kang.

Should we flip a coin?

Should we ask the magic 8 ball? What’s the best way to make a decision?

Na Pueo sought expert advice on how to make some of the biggest decisions high schoolers face.

Dating: Who to date?

High school is where some of students’ first dating experiences begin, and they are important ones.

“In high school you’re starting to get your first dating experiences and if you were to choose to date somebody, I think it’s really important to see how they match up with you,” said Doctoral Student of Clinical Psychologist, Pedro Benach.

Choose someone that will add to your life, said Benach.

“It’s important to date somebody that’s a good fit and somebody that’s going to be easy and will not cause any disruption,” said Benach.

You may meet your potential date through a class or through your friends, Benach said.

“Maybe they’re in a different grade, but you hear good things about them and you [two] get along,” said Benach.

Students may come into situations where they feel uncomfortable, but they ignore these signs.

Paying attention to what goes on inside of oneself and how you feel can help us make better

College: Where to apply?

Everyone is different, but students should look at schools that will best suit their needs. Students shouldn’t pick their schools based on what their friends are going or what their parents want, said Derrick Kang, director of College Counseling.

“It becomes all about [the students], not anyone else,” Kang said.

Doing research will help students figure out what is important to them and what experience they want in their school, Kang said.

When choosing a school, students are also faced with the question, ‘should I leave the island or stay on island?’

“Once again, it’s all about the student as an individual. Not everyone wants to go away. It could be they don’t want to go away, it could be finances, [or] it could also be due to family obliga-

stronger creams, antibiotic pills for females pills like birth control to help combat the hormones that are causing the acne, and a medication called Accutane or Isotretinoin,” said Fuller.

There are harmful treatments out there, but it depends on how your skin reacts to the medications.

“Do not pick at your acne because it doesn’t make it go away faster and it increases your risk of scarring,” said Fuller.

Once your acne develops, it is important to treat it early to prevent it from worsening and possibly scarring, said Fuller.

She recommends washing your face twice a day, morning and night, and after sweating, and

“The washes, creams and pills only work if you use them consistently,” said Fuller. “Any acne treatment takes a while before you start to see improvement.”

dating decisions in who we date and if we should date them, Benach said.

“I think the most important thing is just to take everything really slow. Don’t try to rush anything, just let life be,” said Benach.

an opportunity, such as a last minute event with friends, arises, students should still focus on their priority first.

“If you live your life basing your decisions on opportunities, you’ll be all over the place,” said Seu

Homework: Should I do homework over the weekend or go out?

Decisions such as ‘should I go out or should I do my homework over the weekend’ are based on where you are at in your high school experience, said 11th grade dean, Myron Seu. Priorities differ between high school years.

Peer pressure: How should I handle peer pressure?

As a high school student and an individual, how others think about you means a lot, said Pedro Benach “This is not just as a high school student, this goes on for your whole life. But I think it’s really just [to focus] on the qualities that make you you and that you’re valuable,” said Benach.

Benach offered advice on how to handle peer pressure: take yourself away from situation, and then reconsider your decisions.

If the decision you make is the same, then maybe it’s more aligned with who you are, but if you feel any conflict, then it’s probably better to not make a decision right away.

“You have to really pay attention to what’s going on inside of you, like what you’re feeling, what you’re thinking. Listen to those body senses be-

“Let’s say you’re a freshman or a sophomore, the last thing you’re going to think about is college, so you’re kind of living in the moment,” said Seu. Juniors and seniors have other focuses.

“It’s no longer living for the moment, but living for college,” said Seu. As you start becoming a junior or senior, what you do matters and you’re running out of time, Seu said.

“Base your decisions on your priorities, not opportunities,” said Seu. Priorities should be homework and school. If

applying a gentle cleanser like Dove, Cetaphil, or Cerave.

“The washes, creams and pills only work if you use them consistently,” said Fuller. “Any acne treatment takes a while before you start to see improvement.”

Fuller said most people give up too quickly and say a treatment is not working. If over the counter medications don’t work, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

“Stress makes everything worse, but it’s difficult to avoid, so just do your best to tackle life’s challenges including acne,” said Fuller.

Grade 12 student Zoe Chan noticed a pattern of receiving acne when she is stressed. She also uses Curology prescribed from her dermatologist.

“I know pimples are annoying, but I try not to pop them because I’d rather have a pimple for a week than an acne scar for years,” she said.

5

cause if you do that, you’ll make a more informed decision,” said Benach.

Movie selection: How to choose a movie?

Choosing a movie is about challenging yourself and to not always watch the easiest things.

“Push yourself outside of your comfort zone a little bit and watch something that you think might take a little more work to watch,” said Film Production and IB Film teacher Paul Faber.

Faber said to try to watch movies with high critical acclaim.

“Watch the film that you think has more redeeming, artistic, literary filmic value,” said Faber.

Faber also said to watch the films that are considered to be well made, well written and have good acting.

But don’t take movie choosing too seriously, he said. But generally, Faber would advise to watch the best quality movies.

“Try to watch movies that are considered great films and even though it might seem like it would be more boring, in the end it might be something that’s a lot more rewarding,” said Faber.

the diamond STRIKE-OUT!

By Abigail Yagi Staff Writer The new softball coaching staff helped the team to improve their winning record this season with their fresh and competitive approach, players said.

The team went through three different coaching staffs in the past three seasons. The 2017-2018 season ended with a 3-9 record. This season,

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

New softball coaches lead girls varsity team to a better season record

they are currently 10-7.

The coaches applying their knowledge of the game helped them individually, and as a whole said 12th grader Ka‘ale‘a Hanawahine.

“They obviously knew the record or what the reputation was, but they put all of that aside and just worked with us and got to know us as people and players,” said Hanawahine.

(Top left) Player Darian Kanno pitches a ball to the opponent team. (Top right) The girls varsity softball team ends the season with a 10-7 record after getting new coaches.

(Bottom right) 12th grader Lea Hanawahine pitches a throw to opponent team.

Photos by Kamm Kojima, student photographer.

The new softball staff includes varsity head coach Aiko Gojo, and varsity assistant coaches Skylar Tokumine and Kristel Chinen.

Gojo coached for Punahou, Roosevelt and a combined team of St. Francis, St. Andrew’s Priory, and Hawaii Baptist Academy.

Gojo said her coaching style is about discipline, funSee SOFTBALL page 7

Boys intermediate golf team secures their ILH title

Mid-Pac intermediate golfers won the ILH title this year. Photo courtesy Scott Wagner, athletic director. ous season.

By Siena Usui “When we won I was very Staff Writer happy and proud of my team making it through the season The Intermediate Boys and being able to come out Golf Team made history win- on top,” said 7th grader Jackning the ILH Championship son Ibarra. after experiencing a victoriThis is Mid-Pacific’s first

time ever winning the ILH Championship in the Intermediate Boys Golf.

In the last game of the season, the boys were tied with `Iolani with a total of 41 points. They eventually went on to defeat Iolani in the 2nd hole of sudden death, which is five extra holes used as a tiebreaker.

“It was surprising because our opponents were really good, and they had won the previous time so we were really thrilled,” said 7th grader Dylan Hey. Winning did not come easy as the team faced a few obstacles on the green.

“Most of the team was not used to playing at Bayview Golf Course and Hawaii Kai Par 3 Golf Course, where the intermediate tournaments were held,” said Coach Todd

Kobatake.

By practicing at those courses more frequently during the season, the players were able to overcome the challenge of playing in a different environment.

The team consisted of two 8th graders, Mackenzie Lovett, Ryan Fisher, and five 7th graders, Jackson Ibarra, Reyn Aoki, Dylan Hey, Ehukai Sugai, and Reyn Yokoi.

“I had some ups and downs in terms of how well I did and I think that’s what motivated me to keep on going was to do it for my team,”

said Ibarra.

The group’s teamwork and dedication to one another proved unbreakable as the rest of the team stayed for hours to watch Ibarra and Hey participate in the sudden death round, said Kobatake.

Playing golf is known as an individual sport, yet the boys relied on each other as they competed.

“Having friends on the team, going to practices, and hanging out (made the season enjoyable),” said Hey.

“It was surprising because our opponents were really good, and they had won the previous time.”

Dylan Hey, Grade 7

7

sports

NINE MID-PACIFIC ATHLETES SIGN TO COLLEGES

Questions: 1. What made you decide to choose your college?

2. What made you decide to continue playing your sport in college?

3. How will you balance college life with sports?

4. What are your hopes in the future when continuing your sport?

5. How have you prepared with school and sports to be able to commit to the college you did?

Hugh Donlon Track and Field Wilamette University

1. My uncle went there and my cousins go there, so I knew the college pretty well. I got to visit it and they seemed good academically and athletically and I like the team.

2. I wanted to see what the next level was like.

3. It’s definitely going to be busy.

4. I’m undecided what I want to do in the future.

5. I try and finish my school work first, so I can go out.

Avery Von Herrmann Baseball St. Olaf College

1. I did a showcase and visited for baseball, I went to the mainland. I started talking to the coach and found out that it is a really nice school. They also have the majors that I want.

2. I just always wanted to play in college since I was little and I also think that playing sports in college helps you get instant friends.

3. Picking the right class schedule and managing time between doing your homework and going to practice.

4. I will hopefully take it to the next level but I don’t really know yet.

5. Mid Pac’s baseball is pretty strong so it really does prepare you for anything. It also teaches you life lessons.

Ka`ehukaiiha`amaina`e Keala Volleyball Eastern Washington University

1. It was a full ride and the team was Division 1, and it is also close to home.

SOFTBALL:

damentals and respect.

“I want to teach the right way to play the game,” said Gojo. “I want players to make decisions, not just telling them what to do all the time.”

Junior Samantha Newman played softball for Mid-Pacific the last three seasons. She said there wasn’t any struggle transitioning to a new coach-

2. I really enjoy volleyball and it is my passion.

3. We shall see but time management skills is going to be mandatory and it is very effective.

4. I have thoughts about playing pro in Europe because I know it’s possible for D1 athletes.

But if I am over it by my senior year, then probably not.

5. Working hard in school because I was making sure I had good grades so I could have more broad options for schools.

Also going to practice all the time and training.

Brilie Kovaloff Basketball Pacific University Oregon

1. I honestly chose Pacific University because it felt right. Just being on campus and meeting the basketball coach, it felt like I was going there already.

2. Playing basketball is a good release from anything else that may be going on in the real world. Basketball is my life, and I don’t know what I would do without it.

3. I know I am a student before being an athlete. I need to get help when I need it and make sure to not fall behind.

4. I’m so grateful to continue to play basketball at a division III level. After college, I am hoping to still be able to play in women leagues and other types of leagues.

5. I have continued to push myself on and off the court. I knew I wanted to continue playing basketball in college so I kept my mind to it. I was also trying to

ing staff.

“Everything worked out really well. The coaches pushed us to be better and that made the team stronger,” said Newman.

Hanawahine said she did not know what to expect for her last upcoming season.

“I was a little scared to have someone come in not knowing what their coaching style is or anything about them at all,” said Hanawahine. “But

keep my grades up throughout my high school years, and I am really trying to end the year on a positive note. I know I have work to do, but I believe I can do it.

Michael Petrides Swimming Unversity of California Berkeley

1. I visited a couple times and the feel of the campus, the coaching staff, the other students there, I just really felt like it was a good fit.

2. I really like swimming and I have been swimming competitively since I was about 11 or 12.

3. Freshman year they have a mandatory requirement for a certain amount of hours in the study hall.

4. I want to take swimming as far as I can and whether that is the NCAA Championships, the Olympics, or normal meets throughout the year but I want to make sure when I’m done with swimming I did everything that I could.

5. It was big for me to set aside time for only swimming, I would completely isolate myself from all social media, friends, and TV.

Emma Porter Volleyball Wilamette University

1. I like the area of the school which is Salem, Oregon. I also wanted to stay on the west coast, so I wouldn’t be too far from home.

2. I played volleyball for 10 years and didn’t want to finish playing after high school. I’ve always wanted to play at the next level.

3. I met with my team when I recently visited and I noticed that they help each other with

the transitions are always easy because you have the same teammates.”

Newman said that it did benefit the team to experience something new since they had a rough last couple of seasons.

“In practice, they pushed us a lot more and they made us think about the work

school work and hangout with each other outside of the gym.

My team will be apart of my college life.

4. I hope to win a volleyball championship.

5. A lot of hard work for my academics and athletics has helped me get to this point. Had to make many sacrifices, but it was worth it.

Kylie Rdechor Rowing San Diego State University

1. The team and the coaches as well as the location, California is really nice and close to home.

2. Sports have always been a part of my life since I was a little kid and I want to continue that in college.

3. It would take a lot of sacrifice which I am used to with high school sports and academics.

4. I plan on rowing for all four years of college but no plans for after college.

5. It took a lot of motivation and sacrifice and putting my head down and doing the work, and I knew that if I did the work it would pay off and it has.

Shyla Sato Volleyball Wilamette University

1. I knew I wanted to continue my career playing volleyball while also attending a school where I can focus on achieving a good education.

2. Since I was young I would dream about playing volleyball in college. It was easy for me to decide to continue playing because of how I discovered my love for the sport at an early age.

3. Since 7th grade I had to learn

“In practice, they pushed us a lot more.”

Samantha Newman, Grade 11

we were putting in and how it would affect the outcome.” said Newman.

Gojo said the girls work well with each other, work hard and are coachable.

“They could improve on little things like execution, making plays and pitching

how to balance academics, volleyball, cheerleading, track, and hula, so I was used to having a busy schedule. I realized that I have to be organized with my class schedule, practices, and games.

4. In the future I hope to continue playing volleyball or even help teach others how to play volleyball. I owe a lot of appreciation to my coaches for inspiring me and for helping me to discover my love for the game.

5. I prepared by achieving good grades all throughout high school and by being a coachable and respectful athlete. I have learned to always study hard and prioritize school before athletics so that I could receive academic scholarships to help me pay for college.

Amy Warrington Track and Field University of Hawaii

1. I’ve always had my eye on UH since I was younger as a possible college but once I went to watch their practice and meet some of the girls I knew that was where I wanted to be.

2. I started to develop a lot faster than I thought I would as a sprinter and I started to love the feeling of the adrenaline rush during meets.

3. My schedule in college will hopefully be going around my track schedule but it will be something that I have to experience before knowing.

4. I just want to see how much more I can develop and be able to reach my fullest potential during my college years.

5. I’ve been making sure to use my free time wisely and plan ahead to finish my school work.

For track I started training earlier this year and I’ve been pushing past my limits and practicing at my best as much as possible.

strikes,” said Gojo.

Hanawahine said that she loves the new coaching staff and their supportiveness.

“Although they haven’t been coaching in the community recently, they all have coaching experience and they all played collegiate ball so they know how it is,” said Hanawahine. “They’re super competitive which we needed.”

Illustration by Abigail Yagi