Na Pueo March 2021

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Spirit of Seniors Week ended with returnings, traditions, and memories. Find out more.

SOS NIGHT:

STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC MARCH 2021 VOLUME 55 ISSUE 2 NAPUEO.COM

Volume 51 Issue 4 May

Seniors celebrate with first on-campus event

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editorial

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the diamond

Athletes’ shoes show their passion for their games. See how much soul is in our shoes.

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features

By Erin Goya and Amanda Yip Staff Writers

Having problems managing time? Check out strategies to keep up with the clock.

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back page Page 8

Tap into the Student News Source app to stay up to date with the latest Na Pueo news

Mid-Pacific senior grades top 4.0 average

By Dillon Balantac Staff Writer

How much do the little things count in your life? Editor addresses the importance of making your bed.

How can you plan a perfect picnic? From the mat to music, the little details count.

2017

Above: Pupukahi dancers perform for the Aloha Program as seniors watch socially distanced on mats. Photo contributed

by Scot Allen, Associate Director of Communications.

Below: Seniors sit on stairs in front of Chew Tech Plaza with their senior sweatshirt watching the Aloha Progam. Spirit of Seniors night marked the first time many students came back to campus this year. Photo contributed by Mason Mosca.

As she stepped onto campus for the first time in a year, her nerves kicked in. She felt timid walking towards the Quad, a place that had been familiar to her since she started Mid-Pacific in 9th grade. But now, it felt strange to be back.

Senior Izabel Rosario has been attending school virtually since March, and the Spirit of Seniors (SOS) night on Feb. 19 marked the first time she came back.

“As I rolled into campus a lot of the memories about school came rushing in, and it was kind of sad,” said Rosario.

Mid-Pacific gave permission to allow virtual learners to attend this first on-campus event for seniors this school year. Of the 139 seniors who attended, 42 of them are virtual learners.

Even through the passing showers, the

See SOS NIGHT page 2

Across the country and the state, reports show that students are failing classes at an unprecedented rate during the global pandemic.

However, at Mid-Pacific, with a message of only focusing on the most essential content, GPA averages rose. During the first semester this school year, the average GPA of a Mid-Pacific senior passed the 4.0 mark, shifting from 3.521 to 4.003, according to data provided from the records office.

The juniors’ average GPA rose from 3.515 to 3.867, while sophomores rose from 3.221 to 3.618.

Freshman saw the lowest increase and lowest GPA overall, rising from 3.318 to 3.562.

Some students and teachers said they think the increase in GPA could be due to grade inflation. But are students just performing better?

“It’s not that students are doing better,” said Middle and High School Principal Dwayne Priester. “Teach-

See GRADES page 2

Mid-Pacific faculty and staff receive COVID vaccinations administered in Hawaii, which is 15.7 percent of the population with at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the DOH. Quite a few Mid-Pacific teachers have Both of the vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, planned for and received are the two-dose vaccines that the COVID-19 vaccine, are offered and approved by aiming for a greater sense of the Food and Drug Adminissecurity and safety during tration last year. this pandemic.

President Paul Turnbull said COVID-19 vaccinations he received his first dose of the were opened up to teachers vaccine at the Pier 2 Cruise and other front-line workers Terminal Hawaii Pacific on Jan. 5, which moved Health Vaccination Center. vaccine distribution into “From a leadership perspecphase 1b, along with adults tive, I’m a bigger believer in 75-years-old and older across going last so that all of my the state of Hawaii. employees and everyone on Phase 1b is the second Vaccinated teachers got a sticker to my team goes first and I take phase of Hawaii’s plan to celebrate. Mid-Pacific faculty said they care of them first, but in this distribute vaccines, which is feel safer after getting the shot. Photo by case, after many discussions, it estimated to be 20 percent Tyrael Goo, staff writer. became clear that the leaders of Hawaii’s population, acneeded to go first to show that cording to data from the Hawaii Department it wasn’t a scary thing,” said Turnbull. of Health (HDOH).

English Teacher, Kathy Wheeler, received More than 380,300 total vaccines have been her first dose of the vaccination on Feb. 3.

By Tyrael Goo Staff Writer

Infographic by Dillon Balantac, Staff Writer

Wheeler, however, said people may think they don’t have to worry about the pandemic since we now have the vaccine.

“I do think that people see the vaccine like a suit of armor, that as far as thinking, ‘I have the vaccine, I don’t have to worry.’ I don’t want this misunderstanding about what the vaccine does, and people to engage in more reckless behavior,” said Wheeler.

High School Social Studies Teacher, Noilani DeCosta, received her second dose of the vaccine on Feb. 1, through Castle Hospital in Kailua.

The most important thing, especially around the vaccine, is to be educated, said DeCosta.

“As an educator and myself, when I heard about the vaccine on the news/social media, I didn’t automatically say “Oh, I want to get it” whilst listening to what everyone was saying.

I really did my homework, by reading about it and making my own decision,” said DeCosta.

Both vaccines are two-dose vaccines, separated by about a month of time between each dose. Pfizer’s two doses are separated by 21

See VACCINES page 2

news

2

GPA on the rise at Mid-Pacific

GPAs have risen at all grade levels since the first semester last school year. Infographic by Dillon Balantac, Staff Writer. Source: Mid-Pacific Records Office

GRADES:

lum and instruction coordinator precedented rise in F’s” in schools for the math department. across the country. In Maryland, If students didn’t have access to failure rates in Math and English notes, they would be more focused jumped sixfold, while some dison problems and move through tricts in Houston reported at least tests quicker, she said. half of their students are failing “The students that scored the one class, according to the article. highest said they didn’t even use In Hawaii, about 10 percent their notes,” said Flores. of public high school students Teachers are designing assessreceived failing marks in core ments knowing what’s available, academic classes, last grading said Flores. quarter, the Hawaii “Coming back in person State DepartThey’re testing skills that of Education brought up my grades ment students can’t (HIDEO) data because I could speak out dashboard indijust copy from their notes or the cates. and ask questions” internet.

The records office Although teachdoes not calculate Ema Yamashita, ers are adjusting the number of failsophomore the way they ing students, so it evaluate stuis unclear whether dents, for some, content coverage or not the school is experiencing remained unchanged. similar figures.

“The last quarter of last year, I The semester average differs still pushed my students hard,” from cumulative GPA. Semester said Flores. “I covered all of the average looks at all students durmaterial that I would normally ing one semester, while cumulacover.” tive GPA which tracks individual Mid-Pacific’s increase in average student performance across their student GPA may be in contrast high school career. with national and state trends, Only 14 percent of the current according to media reports. seniors have a cumulative GPA For example, The Washington of 4.0 or higher, according to the Post recently reported “an uncollege counseling office.

SOS NIGHT:

Awaya, an MPSA certificate student, usually performs many times throughout the school year in school musicals and outside events. But much of that was put on hold this year due to COVID-19.

“Performing for the first time in over a year was crazy and incredibly scary, but I’m so thankful for the opportunity and I’m glad I participated,” said Awaya.

Awaya said she missed the unity and the gratifying feeling about being in an environment where the energy is high and fresh, and how it felt great to bond with classmates once again.

Due to COVID-19, many of the traditional senior events such as winter ball and all school picnic have been cancelled. This event

ers are just becoming more precise in the way they assess.”

Because the administration’s revised grading policies have eliminated final exams, which were often worth 20 percent of the overall grade, teachers are now focusing on grading smaller pieces of data that reveal an individual’s acquired knowledge, said Priester. “[Now,] grades more accurately reflect a student’s learning...I don’t see it as grade inflation,” said Priester.

However, teachers may not be covering as much content as last year by focusing on only what is essential.

“We’re not covering as much, we’re just honing in on the most critical pieces of information to be covered,” said Priester.

As teachers rethink the way they assess and cover material with their students, some teachers have turned to open-book testing.

“It’s comforting for students to have access to their notes, but the truth is that it steals time because people are flipping through pages trying to verify something,” said Monica Flores, who is the curricu-

energy and positivity carried on the whole night. Each performance was followed by a standing ovation. Students sat socially distanced on blankets, enthralled by the performances of the Aloha program.

The Aloha program performance typically marks the beginning of the school year but was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Erisan Awaya, who also performed the song “Wondering” by Olivia Rodrigo, during the Aloha program, usually attends classes online but returned to campus for the SOS event.

“You cannot compare anything online to seeing people face to face. It was so interesting to see how some have changed over the course of the year, and have conversations with friends I haven’t seen since March,” she said.

“Performing for the first time in over a year was crazy and incredibly scary, but I’m so thankful for the opportunity and I’m glad I participated” Erisan Awaya, senior

gave students time to catch up and talk outside of school. However, many of the seniors seem to be beginning to get ready for the next chapter of their lives.

“I think many of us had finally come to terms with the fact that our senior year was not going to be the year we all imagined, and we all got used to the repetitive lull that became this school year,” said Awaya.

Awaya said she accepted what has happened and is starting to focus on her well-being and adapting to different environments as she begins her next chapter in the fall.

Even though the seniors are beginning to let go of what is left of their senior year, they were still thankful for the event. The class of 2021 is the first class whose year is completely influenced by a global pandemic.

“The event itself was great, but being able to just eat and sit with friends while talking about the story again was the best part,” said senior Noah Ogata.

As of right now, Senior Camp is planned for April where the seniors will be bussed to camp Erdman and back everyday. The class council is also working on a plan for graduation.

National data does show some increase in GPA. In 1990, the average GPA was only 2.68. Nineteen years later, the average GPA rose to 3.00, according to a 2009 study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is the most recent year available.

Many researchers interpret this rising data as grade inflation. Is this the case for Mid-Pacific?

“At first glance, I wouldn’t be able to answer that question,” said High School Assistant Principal for Academics Christel McGuigan. “What I do know is that teachers are being incredibly responsive to their students’ needs.”

This responsiveness is contributing to better and deeper learning, said McGuigan.

“We should be celebrating that given our circumstances,” said McGuigan.

Despite having to adapt new teaching and grading practices, some teachers have found ways to make grading fair and prevent grade inflation during a pandemic.

“There’s no way that we’ve been taking it easy on students. We are challenging you,” said Flores.

“If you have an A in my class, you deserve an A.”

VACCINES:

days, while Moderna’s two doses are separated by 28 days.

Alison Beste, photography teacher and junior class advisor, also received her first dose of the vaccine on Feb. 3.

“As one of the Junior class advisors, there’s a part of me that 100 percent wants to say yes, but I also think that we need to maintain safety. So again, I’m going to refer to experts and the folks in charge for this kind of thing because we really don’t want to become a site that is accidentally spreading COVID or inadvertently spreading COVID,” said Beste.

Christine Toguchi, high school math teacher, has opted not to get the vaccine since she said she is still breastfeeding.

We really don’t want to do

However, Flores said that an A during the pandemic differs from an A during a normal school year.

“The experience would’ve been different because we would’ve done different things. So, might your grade have been higher as a result? It might be, but it might not be because some kids did worse online,” said Flores.

Evidently, not every student has been thriving during the pandemic.

“My grades weren’t as high [online], but coming back inperson brought up my grades because I could speak out and ask questions,” said sophomore Ema Yamashita.

“Performance in virtual learning is different for every student,” said Director of College Counseling Derrick Kang. “Some students can better manage themselves online than others.”

Since the shutdown in March, attendance has been mostly consistent with post pandemic rates at Mid-Pacific, which was not the case at public schools, said Kang.

“Large numbers of public school students didn’t show up or couldn’t,” said Kang. “They didn’t have access to the internet, iPads or laptops.” “Private schools as a whole had more resources,” Kang said, and in turn, less failing marks.

There is such a deep divide between public schools and independent schools, said Kang, and the pandemic has caused learning gaps.

Fortunately for Mid-Pacific, a majority of students will be okay, said Priester.

“I believe the students are in good shape,” he said.

As for the grades, “I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a little bit of grade inflation because I do think these numbers are very high,” said Kang. this again next year, and hopefully, new research will come out about the vaccines, said Toguchi.

“I really hope that research comes out that it’s safe for children to get the vaccine... I love teaching but this is not the situation I signed up for,” she said.

Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine has been approved by the FDA for teenagers.

The vaccine is both a sign of hope for us in the pandemic, but also a cautionary tale, said Turnbull.

“It’s absolutely a sign of hope that we’re taking the next step to solving some of the underlying issues with the pandemic, but it’s also a cautionary tale that if people start getting lazy, and they start thinking, ‘Oh good, the vaccine is out there,’ rates are going to start going up,” he said.

“I really did my homework, by reading about it and making my own decision” Noi DeCosta, teacher

editorial page

Students should be allowed to listen to music without criticism

Picture this: You’re sitting do you no good. in your room after a long day Music also has numerous of tasks and you reach for the health benefits. According to a headphones spilling out of the study from Harvard in 2006, 60 backpack positioned by your adults with chronic pain found desk. To wind down after a long that music was able to reduce day, you listen to a playlist or pain, depression, and disability. artist that you love. Then, your And a 2009 meta-analysis found Mom or Dad walks in and starts that music-assisted relaxation demanding you begin homework can improve the quality of sleep and stop getting “distracted by in patients with sleep disorders. that phone”.

You weren’t expecting We have all been in that one right? I wasn’t this dreadful situation either. Cheerful, bright, one way or another. and happy music can Parents, or even adults make people of all ages in general, don’t seem feel amazing. It has even to understand the been said to lift the mood impact music may of people that struggle have on a teenager’s life. Willow Hutchison: with depressive illnesses.

Spotify, Apple Music, Editorial Editor Mental health is comPandora,YouTube music monplace nowadays, and maybe even SoundCloud all especially due to the limited bring joy into people’s lives and human interaction because of act as a way for people to cope. the pandemic. In simple terms, Many people don’t realize the the majority of the population endless benefits that come along feels more isolated than ever with listening to music, and before. By putting on a song that should hear the role this therareminds you of better times you peutic activity plays in one’s life. become immersed in the rhythm.

Senior Mason Mosca, a loyal Music triggers a part of the brain Apple Music listener, said that that evokes emotions, most of listening to music has helped the time being explicit memohim through certain situations in ries which are the conscious, his life. He likes to run and the intentional recollection of factual grueling challenges that come information, previous experialong with this sport is alleviated ences, and concepts. when he gets to play his favorite The different genres of music tunes. have different purposes. If you “It feels empty when I don’t are looking for educational have music on during my workmusic, then I have the perfect outs because the silence is too category for you: classical music. loud,” said Mosca.

It can be defined as serious or Studies have shown that conventional music following listening to music while you run long-established principles can actually make you run faster rather than a folk, jazz, or popuduring a workout than if you lar tradition. streamed none at all. Listen“Classical music is underrated ing to the right kind of music in this generation, especially is important; if you were in the John Williams,” said Mosca. middle of a workout running If you’re unfamiliar with John up a never ending hill and a Williams, he created the imperial song that makes you want to fall march. I don’t need to go on and asleep comes on obviously it will on about his greatness when it

Editorial Cartoon by Archer Liang

comes to his work after sharing this simple fact. We know now classical music is no “force” to be reckoned with. See what I did there?

Studying with music can be beneficial, and it activates your right and left brain. The activation of both hemispheres will maximize learning and improve memory.

You would think adults would be more understanding when it comes to listening to music.

It’s the same thing as when they randomly pull up their “oldies” music and begin to blast unrecognizable songs. To them, it brings back memories of when they were a teenager. You may even hear them utter the “when I was your age” speech that we all are a little bit too familiar with.

Mosca feels that the reason why adults in general may be so against music has to do with the content as opposed to the actual activity.

“Some parents see certain types of music as inappropriate which is why they don’t want their kids to browse these platforms and stream songs promoting bad things,” said Mosca.

When you listen to music, enjoy it. If you feel like getting pumped up, pull up the playlist with songs that make you feel like you can do anything. If you want to study and get work done, classical is the way to go. Even if you want to reminisce, find oldies.

Just listen to your heart.

Music should be more normalized nowadays because of the benefits it has especially with mental health. Being a teenager as we know is not easy. We try our best to enjoy the little things, and one of those is maybe blasting “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott in our rooms after a long day. Is that so bad?

Making your bed can make you a happier person

3

How many people actually take can’t do the little things right, the time to make their bed in the you will never do the big things morning? Not me. I thought right,” said McRavens in his it was such a waste of my time. speech.

After getting up in the It also makes you feel morning, already in a happier! According rush to get to school, to the author of “The why do I need to make Happiness Project”, one my bed just to mess it of the things that leads up again? That is until I to a happier lifestyle is realized how much makmaking your bed. Even ing your bed changes the though it is small and Erin Goya: start of your day. insignificant, it is proven In 2014, Admiral completing a task Letter from the that William McRavens boosts confidence and spoke at the graduation Editor-in-Chief satisfaction. commencement at the I began making my bed University of Texas during the first lockdown at Austin. His speech because I had extra focused on changing the world time in the morning and I never in many different ways, howrealized how much changed my ever, his most impactful part of psychological state until I began his speech was when he talked on-campus learning. I remember about the importance of making coming home from practice at 11 his bed. p.m. totally exhausted from the “If you make your bed every day and my practice. That day, I morning you will have accomtook a hard test and had a slow plished the first task of the day. practice and I felt like I didn’t acIt will give you a small sense of complish anything. Then I saw pride and it will encourage you my neatly folded, organized and to do another task and another creased sheets. I almost cried and another. By the end of the because even though I was exday, that one task completed hausted, at least I did one thing will have turned into many tasks right that day. I made my bed. completed. Making your bed If you want to change the world will also reinforce the fact that and be happy, make your bed. little things in life matter. If you

Na Pueo Staff

Willow Hutchison

Kenna Kaneshiro Archer Liang Katelyn Oshiro Riko Santos Kayla Tom Taro Tsuji Mehana Watanabe Kaitlin Yoshihara

News Editor

Adviser

Chelsee Sawai

Jessica Hanthorn

Sports Editor

Information

Editor-in-Chief Erin Goya

Features Editor Siena Usui

Editorial Editor

Kamm Kojima

Photo Editor

Chelsee Sawai

Social Media Editor Dillon Balantac

Online Editors

Steven Aspera Amanda Yip

Backpage Editor

Tia Shimabukuro

Staff Writers

Wyatt Cullison Josephine Brewer Charlize Gaudiello Tyrael Goo Liam Higgins Jamie Hiremath

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

OUT OF TIME:

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Students should strategize and prioritize to manage their time

By Kenna Kaneshiro Staff Writer From deadlines to classes, and appointments to practices, everyone juggles their own priorities day to day, however it takes strategy to win in our own race against time.

Due to the pandemic, the schedule of many students have changed, and their balance in time management may have been disrupted.

“At the end of the class I usually go over everything, kind of summarize the class and I’ll take notes on that,” said Sophomore Kylie Cortez.

According to the Corporate Finance Institute, there are seven major factors to efficiently manage your time.

These factors include, setting a time limit, setting goals wisely, prioritizing correctly, taking breaks, organizing yourself, identifying nonessential activities and planning ahead.

By following these tips, it could reduce anxiety and unlock an open mind to be flexible with priorities, and having more time to spend on your own life such as self care and quality time with family and friends.

“If you don’t stay organized, then you won’t be able to plan things, and things are going to slip through the cracks,” said NHS Advisor and Activity Coordinator Bill Wheeler.

Wheeler says it is important for students to create their own system of staying organized with their priorities whether it’s making lists or organizing everything virtually.

Poor time management could lead to possible spikes in anxiety due to loss of control over your own life, slow workflow, wasted time, and poor quality of work.

The following could also hurt your own reputation in job resumes, or other applications

See TIME page 5

Illustration by Melissa Spencer

Students find a deeper meaning within themselves

By Jamie Hiremath Staff Writer

Some Mid-Pacific students have found spirituality in the form of yoga.

Photo from Unsplash.com

With eyes closed, hands rested and chakras aligned, teens from all over the world found peace in a pandemic.

Last spring, COVID-19 forced people to improvise with what they had, which for some, meant using their head and heart.

Whether they started on Tiktok or visited a crystal shop close to home, spirituality manifested its way into many’s lives.

Junior Isabella Muzzi was able to discover what spirituality meant to her while stuck in quarantine leading up to now.

“I realized I am more than just another person on this earth, and that my experience is only temporary, so I changed the way I approached

every day,” said Muzzi.

Sophomore Maddie Ibarra, found spirituality in the form of yoga, which she uses as a tool to further explore the mental aspect of her health.

“The thing I like about it is that the instructors not only want you to be healthy physically but mentally by using and appreciating your muscles,” said Ibarra.

To this day, the pandemic is making it a challenge to get the things we want, but manifesting them is another story.

Muzzi said she was shocked to see spirituality was trending on her social media during the early stages of the pandemic, but glad to see peers interested in crystals and things alike.

“There are many ways I manifest the things I want and it all starts

with setting an intention. From there I can decide what tools will help me and if what I want is what I need,” said Muzzi.

An acupuncturist and herbalist located on the North Shore of Oahu, Ila Jhaveri, said she works with those in need of healing and some who seek to manifest a better future.

Jhaveri approaches the process using visualization, affirmations and meditation while remaining cautious not to get wrapped up in the material aspect of life.

“The manifesting part is a perk but it can be a distraction because all of this on the material plane has nothing to do with what is really going on. Everything is connected even though it appears all very dif-

See PEACE page 5

features

5

Making music again: band students return to play

By Josephine Brewer Staff Writer

Mid-Pacific band students are playing their instruments for the first time this school year after COVID-19 restrictions prevented instruments indoors. New rules allow students to play outside while wearing special masks. Photos by Archer Liang, staff photographer.

TIME: for organizations that could lead to major benefits in your life.

“Sometimes we get our priorities messed up, and we think like playing around and games are more important, so that’s when school time management becomes harder,” said Cortez.

Cortez says on weekends she creates time stamps in her schedule, such as when she wants certain assignments to be done, and organizes these timestamps around when she wants to sleep and eat.

“Now, we can get super distracted because we are at home, so we can just binge watch Netflix all day or stuff food in our faces and we totally forget about school,” said Sophomore Liana Ono. According to an article by Square, many successful people such as Oprah Winfrey or Apple CEO Tim Cook, will take full advantage of their day whether with exercise in the morning or waking up earlier.

“You pay the price and learn that it doesn’t work, and come up with a better plan next time,” said Wheeler.

PEACE: ferent and connecting with that force will allow everything in our lives to flow,” said Jhaveri.

Spirituality comes in all forms, personal to the one using it.

With respect to its founders, it dates back to ancient religions and communities, most still standing today.

Hinduism and Buddhism, originating from India, created many spiritual practices including Indigenous people and people from a variety of faiths.

Just how spirituality is interpreted differently around the world, students of all backgrounds have found a meaning personal to them.

Junior Parker Wagnild thinks of running like meditating in the sense that it is a time for him to reflect and detach himself from what is unnecessary.

“I’ve learned to practice things that strengthen my spirituality and for me that is running, which I’ve noticed helps me by keep-

ing me way less stressed,” said Wagnild.

Jhaveri says there is no timeline or way to go about spirituality.

“There are so many ways to work on yourself on a spiritual level and what’s right for one person might not be right for someone else,” said Jhaveri.

She emphasises that taking the good out of any sitution and trusting the process is important for one to grow and more important than one might think.

“Life is like being in school, some people are on an accelerated path where things make sense right away and some learn slower but the opportunities come later with an answer just as clear,” said Jhaveri.

Ibarra agrees that the important thing is to appreciate yourself and take time to grow.

“During quarantine you need to

“There are so many ways to work on yourself on a spiritual level and what’s right for one person might not be right for someone else.”

Ila Jhaveri, herbalist

After tuning their instruments, Mid-Pacific students warm up for some time before playing their music, with the occasional gust of wind blowing their music sheet away. And when it rains too much, they go back inside.

Flying music sheets, wind and rain are becoming a new normal band students and their teacher have to deal with as the school is allowing outdoor band practice for the first time this year.

Recently band students started playing their instruments together and in person again. Other performing arts classes are also moving outside as restrictions start to ease.

“It definitely feels different being outside and the environment is different. But the actual being able to play is still just as fun,” said freshman Jackson Ibarra.

Due to COVID-19, band now has several precautions that need to be taken so that students are able to play as a group. They now play six feet apart from each other, aligned in rows near the softball field.

Students are also wearing special masks with magnets and a slit in the middle for while they’re playing and have bell covers for their instruments.

Before their restrictions were

lifted there were several things band students were able to do safely in the classroom.

“They were learning a lot of arranging and composition especially on their iPads,” said Jeremy Lawi, band teacher.

They also did percussion practice by drumming on chairs.

It wasn’t all bad during the stay at home orders, Lawi said.

“It forced us to explore other aspects of music that we never really explored before,” said Lawi.

While they were at home during virtual learning they were able to play their instruments, but Lawi described it as kind of a lonely experience.

Although it can be difficult to stay positive, they have found a way to see past the negatives.

“There’s a silver lining to what we had to go through. Our focus really just shifted,” said Lawi.

Junior Alex Goodrowe said it was thanks to the band teacher shifting the curriculum that they were able to learn something new and different, like music theory and writing their own music.

Band students are glad to be back playing together and feeling like a community again.

“It’s kind of like a signifier, a sign that we’re slowly returning back to normal or to what the old normal was,” said Goodrowe.

A spread of crystals and tarot cards are used for partaking in spirituality. Photo by Jamie Hiremath, staff photographer. take time for yourself and I think a lot of people forget that,” said Ibarra.

Jhaveri finds this spark in teens exciting, and believes these practices can be a real strength through the challenges life throws at them.

“When we talk about spiritual-

ity I’m not talking about only meditation but connecting with your higher self, and this can turn into a solid foundation to rely on in the future,” said Jhaveri.

the diamond “I don’t have to worry about if the shoe is going to fit me, if it’s going to fall off or if it’s very heavy beause you want to have fast feet on the court.”

- Kylie Canubida, junior tennis player

“They were the shoes that I wore when I first played varsity and going to states for the first time.”

- Amara Ueligitone, junior basketball player

soul of my

SOLE

“I don sonal ’t really hav conne e ction w that much o i n t e - Quin w ones e h them bec f a pervery f n Gilm a use I ew an, so phom years.” get o runne re cross co r untry

Athletes explain their personal connection to their sport shoe.

I’m grateful for even being able to own soccer cleats, whereas other people around the world don’t have the same opportunities and resources.”

- Ethan Chang, sophomore socer and basketball player

“I’m swim very p with ming, assiona a t me thro nd my e about fi u n gh t - Kn he s bee t swim ut Rob imes,” tough n est mer inson , sop hom ore “Wearing flat shoes helped me in Varsity.”

- Shayna Nakamura, junior air rifery shooter

Photos and reporting by Kamm Kojima and Taro Tsuji, Staff Writers

Seniors scrimmage instead of playing ILH games this season

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer

Each kick and bounce was heard as coaches yell, and fans were obsolete this year. Instead of family and friends wearing senior shirts, half-time entertainment and rhythms of “let’s go owls,” there was one Facebook Live and a drive-thru.

On Thursday, Feb. 27 and Friday, Feb. 28, Mid-Pacific’s athletic departments hosted a boys’ and girls basketball and soccer nonofficial game.

However, athletes didn’t think they would have a game this season, as ILH canceled games for: wrestling, paddling, basketball and soccer.

“I didn’t expect there to be a proper game, but I did think there was going to be something for the seniors,” said Mikayla Oshiro, freshmen soccer player.

Soccer played a coed scrimmage,

See SENIOR NIGHT page 7

Senior Dharma Dees and sophomore Ethan Chang compete in the co-ed soccer game. Photo by Kamm Kojima, staff photographer.

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

Mid-Pacific water polo player represents Hawaii

By Taro Tsuji Staff Writer Many students have noticed the absence of the towering sophomore Kamana’o [Kama] Morton.

Morton is currently in New Zealand training to further improve his skills in the sport of water polo with stronger competition.

Morton, has been one out of a few selected for: Olympic Development teams, national level camps and more. Morton was one of only 40 selected to go to the National Team Selection Camp (NTSC) in 2019.

Morton at the start of the second semester decided to leave MidPacific until at least next school year, to focus on water polo.

He also was invited to play in the Junior Olympics representing Hawai’i and attended a training camp in the Colorado Springs Olympic training center.

“At these camps, I learned so much about water polo from being coached by world-class water polo players and coaches. It really grew my knowledge of the sport which made my gameplay

See WATER POLO page 7

ILH will turn on the scoreboard for half of the league’s sports

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer

The scoreboard has not turned on until the last quarter of the school year, but now ILH will permit half of the league’s sports to compete.

On Dec. 28 ILH announced that: tennis, swimming, air riflery and cross country could have an official game as of Jan. 4.

“I didn’t really think meets were going to happen because normally it’s 15 schools competing, and we’re fairly close,” said Paige Ho, senior cross country runner.

Mid-Pacific’s first game during a pandemic was a junior varsity tennis match on Jan. 26.

“I definitely felt less prepared because they cut out all of our practices. So, there was a little bit of extra nerve,” said Althea Lutz, junior tennis player.

Along with practices shortened for some athletes, the setup for games has changed, as schools maintain social distance and try not to come in contact with each other. In boys’ air riflery, each

school stays on its own side of the building.

“One half is the Mid-Pac shooters and the other half is the other team,” said Nathan Loo, junior air rifery shooter.

However, girls’ air riflery and cross country do not see their opponent(s). The girls air rifery teams shoot at their own campus instead of gathering or zooming their opponent. Cross Country meets run the same path as their competitor from other schools, running before or after MidPacific.

“We don’t ever see the [other] team,” said Mia Ho, sophomore, first-year air riflery shooter.

Like practices, only coaches and your school cohorts are competing. Athletes will complete their event and leave immediately after.

“It’s the same as practice; basically, it’s just now we’re shooting for records,” said Mia Ho. As for not seeing their opponents, athletes do miss see-

See GAMES page 7

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Sports

SENIOR NIGHT:

and basketball played an intersquad scrimmage.

“Having that game and actually competing against each other, 100 percent, that was super good for them,” said Apollo Espania, junior basketball player.

Athletes who were online or didn’t show up for practices couldn’t play in the game but could watch in person.

“I was super excited because I didn’t think I would be able to go to the game. I thought I would just spectate it online,” said Sarae Miguel senior basketball player, who stopped practicing in thoughts of not having a game.

When the game started, players said they were nervous, as this was their first and only game of the season.

“During the game, a lot of our nerves were out because we haven’t played a game since states. But, it was probably one of the best experiences of the year so far,” said Lauren Hayashi, junior basketball player.

Oshiro said she was a little scared to play her first game with varsity players.

“It was a little intimidating because they’re all so much older and taller than me, and I’m really small,” said Oshiro.

Fans were also not there to

GAMES:

Sophomore swimmer, Knut Robinson prepares for his 200 Free at the dual meet against Punahou. Photo by staff photographer Taro Tsuji

ing other teams. Ho also said it’s more difficult to compete without your competitors’ insight.

“It’s definitely harder to do well because you’re competing against your own team, rather than having the other team there to push you to run faster,” said Ho. For others, the competitive atmosphere has not changed.

Instead, it provides athletes a different perspective.

“The atmosphere is definitely the same competitiveness...but something that is different is, you feel like you’re comparing yourself to the other athletes,” said Elise Folan, junior swim-

cheer and encourage athletes.

“We had to draw on each other’s energy, and it really tested us as players, on if we had it in us to keep going,” said Hayashi.

Hayashi also said it was weird not having her parents at her game.

“It felt really weird not having my parents there. My parents have never really missed a game, and I’m so used to them being on the sideline yelling their side comments,” said Hayashi.

Others were not bothered without having an audience.

“It actually felt pretty normal because when you play the game of basketball, the only time you get the crowd involved is if you get the crowd involved,” said Ezra Michel, senior basketball player.

As they played their game, fans cheered them on with a safe distance through Facebook Live on the athletic department’s page.

“The seniors last year that graduated, I know some of them tuned in to watch us, and the family and friends of the seniors got to watch. Even though they weren’t there, they still got to watch them play their last game,” said Espania.

Hayashi said she too liked the idea of a live stream.

“It’s a really good idea to live stream these games and live

stream athletic events, kind of like how other schools have been doing it,” said Hayashi.

However, because athletes were playing a contact sport, players couldn’t come to school until three days after the game, including the weekend.

“I only really had two classes because I had a free period and P.E., and I didn’t have to log in for those,” said Oshiro.

For others, going back made them appreciate in-person learning.

“Having to go online for that one day, you realize how much you are missing out, and you just feel like you are just so disconnected from your school,” said Hayashi.

Along with the game was a little recognition ceremony also streamed, where athletes received gifts and a message from the underclassmen.

“Once your teammates give their speeches, their compliments, their farewells, that’s like the most depth that you put on the team and each individual person,” said Michel.

Hayashi said it was similar to what would have happened if not for covid.

“I actually had phoned my parents that it looked like an actual graduation by the amount of support people showed for the seniors,” said Hayashi.

mer.

Swimming will complete this year with multiple dual races.

Similar to Folan, Ho also sees a new perspective.

“You are just focusing on improving yourself rather than having to worry about everything else,” said Ho. Athletes said they are focusing on themself since family and friends aren’t allowed to cheer you on and watch your games.

“There really isn’t the aspect of cheering or having people there to support you, which definitely can affect people’s game,” said Lutz.

Athletes only watch their teammates, if their sport is visiting another campus. Girls’ air riflery is the only sport that can’t stay to cheer on their teammates as they remain on campus.

“We always shoot at Mid-Pac, and Punahou always shoots at Punahou,” said Mia Ho. Boys air riflery, swimming and cross country travel to different schools for games only.

“When we go on the buses, everybody sits on every other row, so there’s just extra-large space between us,” said Lutz.

When traveling, off-campus athletes have to wait until the game is completely finished before being picked up at MidPacific.

“We have to take a bus, and we all have to go back to Mid Pac to get picked up because parents aren’t allowed or guardians aren’t allowed on the other person’s campus,” said Folan.

Limiting crowds, game results aren’t posted on a bulletin board but are released on a website or an email.

“I definitely think a regular match is more fun. Especially after you shoot, you get to talk about how you did,” said Loo. Another change is all athletes except swimmers must wear a face mask and/or shield at all times. Air riflery also has protective eyewear.

“My glasses get so foggy all the time because of the mask, I think,” said Mia Ho. Ho said it is harder to run with a mask on.

“The biggest change is having to run with a mask on, it’s definitely harder to breathe with a mask, and so it’s just harder to run as fast,” said Ho. Swimmers can not wear face masks or shields when they’re in the water.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking, especially before a race. Your mask is off, so ‘I’m like oh my god’ so I just cover my mouth a little bit,” said Folan.

However, as for next year, if we were to compete in the same conditions, some athletes will return.

“I’ll definitely be ok with kind of doing this again if that’s what is required,” said Lutz.

Seniors who are competing will play their last game.

“I’ve always dreamed about racing in the final races of the season,” said Ho.

Top left: Seniors: Giovanni Rufino, Dharma Dees and Zoe Oshiro said “1,2,3 Owls” for the last time. Top right: Juniors, Mackenzie Nitta and Ashley Okinaka said their speeches as it was streamed on Facebook. Bottom left: Mother of freshman, Mikayla Oshiro and aunty to senior Zoe Oshiro adorns Zoe Oshiro with a haku lei.

Photos by staff photographer Kamm Kojima However, Michel said it was different than a normal senior night.

“We would give air high fives, air hugs, but it was a little weird not to hug your family members, friends,” said Michel.

Despite the changes, some

WATER POLO:

athletes were able to end their high school sport career.

“Once the clock hits zero, zero, you know it’s the last time. It really hits you deep, you get to reflect on everything that happened in the season,” said Michel.

you can’t teach, his skill and what he’s able to do in the pool opens improve exponentially in that up stuff for other kids. There’s time,” said Morton. a lot of things you can’t teach In just a few months Morton has to a player that he can just pick seen how different New Zealand up on and do it naturally,” said is compared to his previous Yoshiwara. training in Hawaii.

Water polo is a sport requiring “The biggest difference from the whole team to play as one. training in New Zealand com“Kama brings the team together pared to Hawaii is the facilities. and he always has a plan whether At New Zealand I train at the it’s driving into a set or creating national aquatic center and havnew opportunities in a set,” said ing access to two 50 meter pools junior Aiden Morris. is huge for my development as Junior Kahikina Kukea-Shultz a Waterpolo player,” said Morton. first hand saw how Morton Before the sixth grade Morton trained in and out of the had never played water pool. polo but at Mid-Pacific “Kama is a big dude, he he discovered the sport. has super long arms and is “I only started playing a natural on the ball. Kama water polo in the sumis always putting 110% mer of 2016 with Mideffort into everything. His Pacific right before I work effort is impressive in started sixth grade. and out of the pool,” said Mid-Pacific really grew Kamana’o Morton Kukea-Shultz. me as a water polo Praise from teammates player early on. I learned all the and coaches can only do so much basics about the sport from the to motivate a player, Morton coaches there,” said Morton. breaks down what is pushing At Mid-Pacific, Morton had a him to keep going. role in the 2019-2020 water polo “My ultimate goal for water polo season as a freshman. is to be able to look back and Kaz Yoshiwara, water polo and know I put as much effort as I swimming coach said he is a could. I don’t want to look back believer that the sky’s the limit and feel like I cut myself short of for where Mortan wants to go something I could’ve achieved if with the sport.

I put more effort in earlier on,” “He could even potentially put said Morton. himself into a position to play Morton added, “I hope to have on a national-level team,” said graduated from playing water Yoshiwara. polo at a Division I college and Yoshiwara said Morton brings possibly eventually play profesnatural skills to his team. sionally in Europe.”

“He has the physical capabilities

YOUR GUIDE TO A FUN AND SAFE PICNIC According to the CDC, people are encouraged to use parks, trails and open spaces while maintaining a 6 feet distance with people you don’t live with. Avoid large crowds, visit parks close to home, wear a mask and be sure to clean your hands often to stay safe.

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For a classy touch: sparkling apple cider and wine glasses

“Diamond Head Lookout, Tantalus, Wiliwilinui Ridge.”

- Kyson Kai, junior

“An aesthetic location and the time of day, sunrise or sunset” - Charis Kai, freshman

Be st s

po ts &

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To keep safe: hand sanitizer, masks, wipes

Infographic designed and reported by Tia Shimabukuro, Staff Writer

“Location, privacy, shade, and most importantly - the view!”

- Kalena O’Connell, sophomore

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For a photoworthy picnic: desserts such as cakes, pies, and mochi

For fun: speaker to play music

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Charcuterie board: fruits, nuts, cheeses, meats, crackers, etc.

“View of the ocean, surrounded by nature with exposure to cool breezes, and somewhere you won’t get robbed.”

- Kyson Kai, junior

“Cockroach Cove, China Walls, Diamond Head Lookout!”

- Kalena O’Connell, sophomore “Portlock beach, Diamond Head.”

- Charis Kai, freshman