Na Pueo: February 2021

na pueo news

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Find out how the Interact Club contributed to the community.

NEW NORMAL:

STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 55 ISSUE 1 NAPUEO.COM

Volume 51 Issue 4 May 2017

Students offer insight on the realities of COVID-19 at Mid-Pacific

By Chelsee Sawai Staff Writer

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editorial

Need relationship advice during a world pandemic? Learn how to date during COVID-19.

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the diamond

Students still practice even though ILH cancelled many sports.

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features

Students follow path guides, eat pre-packed school lunches and use the socially distanced “please sit here” sticker on a daily basis.

The Mid-Pacific community shared how they are coping in a COVID-19 school environment. Photo by staff photographers Chelsee Sawai (left) and Tyrael Goo (top right and bottom right).

Students turn to online shopping rather than in-person purchasing.

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back page

Do you check all the boxes on a COVID-19 checklist for your backpack? See how prepared you are.

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

Infographic by Dillon Balantac, Staff Writer

IGTV “Chat Sessions” series feature alumni

thought it would be cool if they incorporated former students and if the alumni could come back to A series of new videos on IGTV school, they could share their great are aiming to boost school pride experiences. among new Mid-Pacific gradu“It starts with really abstract ates. The videos, called “Chat ideas, with big goals of generatSessions,” feature alumni from ing more school pride, which is recent classes something that I explaining noticed is declinwhat they ing ever since love about the I have been to school.

Mid-Pac,” said The series Morimoto. posts weekly Mid-Pacific on the school’s Director of the Instagram Annual Fund and YouTube and 1996 alumni Mid-Pacific students watch IGTV series, Chat channel.

Holly Iwasaki 2019 alumni Sessions during school. 2020 alumni Kira first contacted Kira Morimo- Morimoto directed this series and interviews Morimoto about to, who hosts former students to talk about their favorite the series this school. Photo by staff photographer Kayla the videos, past summer. worked Iwasaki said Tom. together with the pride of the school to Mid-Pacific was create the series. the huge network of people who Morimoto said her behind-thesupport students, teachers and scenes team had a goal to engage alumni. and bring people closer to the “When you feel proud, you want school community. to come back, you give support.

“If the kids care about Mid-Pac, It’s that love you feel for your their parents will care about Midschool; it is the gratitude you feel Pac. By making kids care about for your teachers and what you Mid-Pac, we not only get school learn. It’s just an overall great pride, but also get resources feeling about your school that to support our programs,” said we hope all students feel as they Morimoto. become alumni,” said Iwasaki.

Morimoto, who now attends 2020 Mid-Pacific alumni SamanSyracuse University, said she See IGTV page 2

By Archer Liang Staff Writer

Barely 11 months ago, MidPacific first closed its campus due to a deadly pandemic, and now students are living with a “new normal” at school that includes face masks and shields.

The number of students returning to campus increased by 10 percent from November to January, according to data from the school administration.

In the spring semester, 610 students, or 78 percent, of the high school population are now attending classes in person on campus, while 177 students, or 22 percent, are still learning via a Zoom classroom. During the first semester, 541, or 68 percent, of students returned to class.

Restrictions on campus have become a part of students’ everyday routine at school, which cuts off interaction

See NEW NORMAL page 2

Mid-Pacific’s Interact Club creates read-aloud videos for children

By Kayla Tom Staff Writer Mid-Pacific’s Interact Club supported Hawaii literacy by making a set of read-aloud videos of classic children’s stories. Children can view the videos, which are posted on Instagram and will be posted on YouTube.

The Interact Club members volunteer to help and show appreciation for the community.

Students do different projects each month such as writing kapuna cards, the Salvation Army angel tree and food bank drives.

Students recorded themselves reading a children’s book and sent these videos to the Hawaii Literacy Foundation.

Parents and kids can listen to the prerecorded stories at any time.

“Reading and writing skills are so important to our keiki, especially in our low-income high needs communities. We are so grateful to have students from Mid-Pacific take the time to create these read-aloud videos for our youth. It is so exciting and heart-warming to see this

current generation taking action to help their community and the world,” said Giving & Program Operations Director at Hawaii Literacy Amy Truong.

Members from the Interact Club who participated in the service project said they enjoyed giving back to the community and making a difference for children who might listen to their videos.

“It was a good way to connect with people and do something nice for younger kids. It was a good experience that I’ve never done before and it was a good way to help make people smile during this time,” said junior Mackenzie Nitta.

Senior and Interact Club president Alyssa Chun said she enjoyed doing something she’d probably never do if it wasn’t for COVID-19.

“I’ve never read a book virtually on a video. I think it’s an interesting thing, and it’s kind of sad that it wasn’t in person and we didn’t get to see the little kids, but at least we know we’re making them happy in some way,” said Chun.

Nitta said that this project was

“I’ve realized that during this time, it’s important to help make people happy and stay positive, especially because of what’s happening now.”

Mackenzie Nitta, Grade 11

See INTERACT page 2

news

NEW NORMAL:

2 One of the positive aspects of this school year has been the optimism of students despite the changes being imposed into an environment that they once knew very well, said Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs Christel McGuigan.

“I am so proud of the students because they are a part of that process of maintaining the safety procedures but also part of the process of taking that leap of faith that we’re going to do this well and that it’s going to be okay,” said McGuigan.

Along the way, students have faced their own challenges that came along with attending school in a COVID-19 reality and have learned to overcome them.

In a virtual environment, communicating is a key aspect because of getting kicked out of classes many times before, said Nakahara-Akita.

“I’ve learned that communication is very important whether it be connecting with your teacher or the dean. When you communicate and help me know what’s going on, it helps them so that there’s not miscommunication, which has happened with other classes before,” he said.

High School Principal Dwayne Priester said his struggle has been coping alongside the

seniors and their losses of traditions from the pandemic.

“Knowing that this is their last year, a lot of things that are associated with senior year has been taken away from my seniors and that, to me, is hard. I want seniors to walk away with those experiences, and I feel like COVID-19 has stolen that,” said Priester.

Many seniors said they are disappointed with how the year has unfolded.

“It’s been a really sad year overall, which I know that’s not what our teachers and advisors want to hear, but it’s a million times the truth,” said Chun.

Nonetheless, Cortez said having the right mindset before school starts helps to cope with the circumstances that are with students.

“School is where I’m there to learn and that’s the space that I created for myself to make sure that I’m in a good head space for academics,” said Cortez.

Priester said he hopes the outcome of this school year will be for everyone at Mid-Pacfic to know that they’ve come a long way because of the conquering over this year’s challenges.

“I hope they can look back on these experiences and understand that no matter what, they

ate just laughs in the video,” said Morimoto.

Morimoto said in her sister’s tha Newman, who was one of grade, the class of 2021, a lot of the interviewees in the series, people know her and she knows said school pride involves cheerthem so it was fun and exciting for the team, wearing the ing for students when they saw people’s faces like her or other school logo and acting in ways alumni. that represent “When a young “It starts with really the school. alum comes back to “Other people abstract ideas, with big school, and I was recognize you are from Mid-Pacific goals of generating more in class, it is kind of fun seeing these just by what you school pride, which is people I used to do and how you something that I noticed look up to, just come act,” said Newback to school. They man. is declining ever since I had such a great Iwasaki said there,” have been to Mid-Pac.” experience when she was said Morimoto.

Kira Morimoto, 2019 Leion Van Osdol, a student at a 2020 alumni said Mid-Pacific, lots Alumni the Chat Sessions of activities kept are a tool for people the community to learn about the bonded together. school as a whole.

“Now with your generations, I “It is a helpful tool to learn how like to see how you, as students, things work in Mid-Pacific and it are leading that cause now too, represents Mid-Pac as a whole,” planning events and building said Van Osdol. school pride is more student When Morimoto first came to driven now,” she said.

Mid-Pacific in seventh grade, Morimoto said the series’ target there was a great vibe, and you audience consisted of everyone could tell that everybody from but especially Gen Z and young Mid-Pacific is proud to be there, alumni. she said.

“In TikTok, each video is 30 However, as Morimoto grew seconds then you swipe and that up and went to high school, she video is gone, so we try to keep said she noticed the Mid-Pacific younger people engaged,” said school pride was declining.

Morimoto.

“Maybe high school kids think Morimoto said they tried to they were too cool for school all balance serious responses with the time,” said Morimoto. “We little bursts of humor to keep were looking for ways to make viewers engaged. kids care about Mid-Pacific “We made it funny and not too again.” long so we can reach the younger Over the course of this past generation. We also don’t want summer, Morimoto came up to forget about our donors and with the ideas of how the school parents who might not apprecicould boost school pride. As a re-

sult, she gathered young alumni to talk about their perspective as former students and any advice they could give to current students and COVID-19 messages, especially for the graduating class of 2021.

“I just talked to them on camera about some basic questions and if they come up with topics, I would dive deeper into that,” said Morimoto.

Morimoto said she was amazed by how well put together the video was; the behind-the-screen team had made the video great.

With no experience at making projects like this, Morimoto said she would not be able to get the project this far without the filming and editing team from Studio Red Film, and a parent of Mid-Pacific alumni.

Iwasaki said she was thankful for viewers who were interested in the series and felt all the messages seemed truly genuine.

“Their messages were not staged and were from their heart and it was what they really felt about the school, at each other, what the school has done for them and the importance of keeping together with your classmates,” said Iwasaki.

Newman said current students should enjoy and get involved in what they want to be a part of, and work hard.

“I hope that the current students just don’t take for granted even just going to school. Try to enjoy, and to really get involved in the aspects they want to, and experience as much as they can throughout high school. And work hard, that will have a great pay off academically, and in friendships,” said Newman.

with one another.

“Overall, I’ve gotten used to it and it shows how much we value each other as peers, definitely something before that we took for granted, being able to just interact freely,” said freshman Jackson Ibarra.

However, senior Deborah Chun said because of these rules, she thought school would be a place with very limited freedom.

Chun is still learning from home.

“I didn’t think going back to school would’ve been fun because it sounded very strict with the restrictions with no freedom just like a prison,” said Chun.

Sophomore Kylie Cortez said when coming back to school, it took time to recognize students and faculty, especially with their masks.

“It’s kind of part of our identity now since we recognize people from the eyes up,” she said.

Students said they have found other ways to form connections with their classmates while keeping a safe distance from them.

“I feel like we learned to build socially-distanced connecting energies with different people.

That is how I’ve personally connected with other students since that physical touch is gone,” said Cortez.

IGTV:

Students study in the library with clear plexiglass at their tables that create individual work stations. Photo by staff photographer Tyrael Goo. survived and overcame and can walk away with that sense of ‘this is what life threw at me and I overcame this, so whatever’s next, I’m ready to take that on too’,” said Priester.

Looking into the future of next school year, there are a few predictions that are already in place and are a possible addition to school life at Mid-Pacific.

Students’ daily schedules could be minorly altered next year but with no big changes in mind, said McGuigan.

“We’re not looking to make major changes to the schedule because we don’t want to create

yet another thing that everyone has to learn, but there might be some tweaks here and there to the daily schedule,” she said.

Priester said he predicts that the coming year will bring similar conditions as this school year, including the hybrid option for students.

“My sense is that we’ll open the year, at least in the first semester, in a COVID-19 environment. I think we’ll have a hybrid environment, but it’ll be a little different than it is this year in terms of who’s allowed to be hybrid and some other tighter parameters,” said Priester.

INTERACT: something different and exciting and thinks what they’re doing with this club is good.

“I’ve realized that during this time, it’s important to help make Junior Ashley Okinaka reading “The Giving Tree.” people happy and stay The Interact Club created videos for kids to access on Hawaii Literacy’s Instagram. Video contributed by positive, especially because of what’s hap- Ashley Okinaka. pening now,” she said.

Students said their facouldn’t visually see the kids on vorite part was looking back on the other side of the camera. the children’s books and reflect“At first it was kind of awking on childhood memories. ward because you’re reading to “My favorite part was digging nobody and you’re just talking up all these children’s books into a camera, but after awhile again, the feeling from all those it gets more comfortable,” said memories you get from looking Hayashi. at all of the books,” said junior Club members said they were Lauren Hayashi. surprised to have experienced The books read were picked this uncertainty because by the club members that it’s something different and represented how they were creative that they wouldn’t have brought up as children. thought about doing on their “Our generation is different own. from theirs, so being able to “I never really gave thought share that was a good experithat if we’re not on the other ence,” said Chun. side of the video call, that we When reading virtually, some are still able to read to the kids. students said they had to get I never thought of pretending out of their comfort zone and that the kids are on the other become animated when talking side of the camera, that was and analyzing images. really a different experience,” “I had to put a lot of voice said Chun. and character into my reading Members from the club said to make it interesting for the the project served a purpose to young kids to listen to. I had give back to the community, to focus on being interesting which made them strive to do and making sure I speak clearly this and inspire younger kids. because I often talk quiet and “I was excited because when slur my words; making sure I was little, I liked when my that they can understand,” said mom read to me, so being junior Ashley Okinaka. able to read a story for another Some students said they kid was empowering,” said found virtual reading harder Hayashi. because they felt nervous and

editorial page

3

The ultimate guide to dating during a global pandemic

Many Mid-Pacific students have had their lives disrupted due to the pandemic, and dating life is no different. Several students say that it has been more difficult to maintain relationships. Some say they have found their bond with their significant other stronger than ever, while others say it has been a bumpy road. Maintaining a relationship during high Mehana school can be difficult.

Watanabe: Juggling school, sports, family, friends and a re- Opinion lationship can be a lot to handle. “Not everyone is ready to date in high school. So for kids who can and are ready to start dating, it’s a nice step towards learning how to trust somebody other than your family and have that social connection with other people,” said Jessie Mitchell, school counselor. It can be difficult to find time to see your significant other, especially if they don’t attend the same school. If that isn’t the case, couples still need to keep their masks on and stay six feet apart, which isn’t the most romantic.

“I feel like seeing each other in school is our prime time, but we can’t touch each other and barely spend time together and stay six feet apart,” said sophomore Vanessa Vincent, who has been in a relationship during the pandemic. Vincent’s boyfriend Alika Onaga also spoke on the topic. “The hardest thing is not being able to spend as much

time together,” said freshman so much. “Definitely be open to Onaga. After spending so much talking about how you’re feeling time apart, it can be easier to or whatnot, I know not everyone lose interest or feelings. Some is comfortable with that but even people can even say that at some though it sounds so cliche, compoint it was just like a long munication definitely helps a lot. distance relationship. “It’s You guys have to be honest with like if you wouldn’t be able each other and really make the efto see each other you’re fort to want to work things out,” literally just FaceTiming said Vincent. In any relationship and calling and texting all it can be easy to lose yourself or the time and I don’t think forget who you are, especially if it’s the best way to have a you’re putting so much effort and relationship,” said Vincent. time into your significant other.

Onaga said he wasn’t going Which is why it’s so important to to give up. “If something make sure that you’re confident happens we can take a in yourself before being in a breather and some time to relationship.“Trust yourself and think and come back to it always make sure to put yourself to talk it out,” first no matter “It’s like if you wouldn’t what. Make sure said Onaga. While some relationships you are serious be able to see each have struggled durabout this relaing this pandemic, other you’re literally just tionship and you others strengthened. want to be with FaceTiming and call“Learning how this specific perto have a healthy ing and texting all the son during this relationship with right now time and I don’t think it’s time somebody else is since we’re literreally hard, even as the best way to have a ally in a pandeman adult it’s really ic,” said Suan. hard. We learn how relationship,” After talking to to set boundaries Alika Onaga, Grade 9 many people, with other people so the biggest thing it is a really importhat seems to keep a relationship tant growth step. Some people healthy is communication and just think that dating is fun, but trust. “Everything is built off when we start dating we learn a of trust. Communication helps lot, we also learn how to respect build trust, loyalty helps build other people’s beliefs,” said Ms. trust, trusting that the person is Mitchell. Since the pandemic down for you and you only and has affected people’s relationthat put in any situation they will ships, they have learned some always pick you over anybody,” really valuable lessons from their said Akiona. experiences. Junior Maiah Suan said she learned not to worry

Editorial Cartoon by Melissa Spencer

Schools should focus on the happiness of students: psychology and the good life Hi everyone! Welcome to Laurie Santos, where students deprioritize their well-being and NaPueo, the student news focus on getting into prestigious source at Mid-Pacific. My name is Erin Goya and I am the editor- schools. Eventually, developing harmful habits that lead to burn in-chief this year. This year has out. In 2013, it was reported been a roller coaster ride full of that more than half of their unorthodox events. However, students sought mental health as we slowly return to care from the university, normal, NaPueo according to the Yale continues to serve the College Council. This community as being the sparked the creation of hub of student news and the class, “Psychology by providing timely and and the Good Life” in 2018, which teaches accurate information. students to lead a hapWhen COVID-19 hit pier, healthier life using Hawaii and we were put Erin Goya: lectures twice a week. in lockdown, a lot of us had nothing but time. In Letter from the Whether students need a relaxing class or a lesson the past, not all of us have about how to be happy, Editor-in-Chief had the opportunity to ask Psychology and the ourselves, “Am I happy?”

Good Life has given Yale There has been so much external Students an opportunity to be pressure locally and nationhappy. At Mid-Pacific, students ally, that we won’t think about are given access to counselors something as simple as our personal happiness. What people and strong support systems such don’t realize is that success is deas chapel. Now more than ever, pendent on happiness and your we need to focus on the wellwell-being. A student will not being of students as they battle achieve their full potential if they through this mentally challengare unhappy because instead of ing time. Schools should offer focusing on what lies in front classes that reinforce the value of them, they are unconsciously of happiness, giving them the worrying about other things. opportunity to understand that As we prepare to head to colhappiness is just as important lege, we all need to focus on our mental health. The mental health as working hard. If you ever feel crisis begins in high school, acunhappy, take the time to take a cording to psychology professor break and breathe.

Na Pueo Staff

Siena Usui

Liam Higgins Tyrael Goo Josephine Brewer Taro Tsuji Kayla Tom

Sports Editor

Adviser

Kamm Kojima

Jessica Hanthorn

News Editor

Information

Editor-in-Chief Erin Goya

Features Editor

Chelsee Sawai

Social Media Editor Dillon Balantac

Editorial Editor

Willow Hutchison

Online Editors

Steven Aspera Amanda Yip

Backpage/Infographic Editor Tia Shimabukuro

Staff Writers

Charlize Gaudiello Wyatt Cullison Riko Santos Kenna Kaneshiro Kaitlin Yoshihara Mehana Watanabe Kaitlyn Oshiro Archer Liang 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 SHOPPING:

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Quarantine has students developing new shopping habits

By Jamie Hiremath Staff Writer Online shopping came to the rescue when malls shut down due to COVID-19, but it found its way to stay permanently in the shopping community.

Materialistic items made the closing of shops a devastating thing, some students said.

Senior Maya Willener, said Hawaii’s shut down was one of her worst moments because it meant being temporarily let go from her job at Ala Moana Shopping Center.

“It went from being super busy all the time to having no one, including me and my co-workers allowed to go into the stores for months,” said Willener, who works at Brandy Melville.

Junior Karlee Tanaka, an avid in-person shopper, said it was a change in routine for her considering she went to Ala Moana Shopping Center every two weeks at the least.

“The pandemic in general forced me to go shopping online or not at all, and although I can still shop, it is not so much just for fun and more to finish buying what I need as quickly as I can,” said Tanaka.

Although, most can agree that this sentence to stay inside has brought a lot of benefits to the shopping community.

Junior David Robinson said it’s a short process compared to having to go to the mall in-person.

“I didn’t shop too often before, and online I still don’t, but when I do, it is really easy to get done,” said Robinson.

Social Studies teacher Kaile Berlenbach said she

Illustration by Melissa Spencer

See SHOPPING page 5

Sweeping changes force adjustments in the MPSA dance program

By Dillon Balantac Staff Writer

With neon gridded floors, Zoom lag, and masked dancers, this year’s Mid-Pacific School of the Arts (MPSA) dance program will look like no other.

Yes, students are still dancing.

However, dancers opting for in-person learning must adhere to the same mask-wearing and physical distancing guidelines as all other Mid-Pacific students.

To create a safe distance between dancers, the MPSA contemporary and ballet classes use tape to divide their classrooms into nine by nine foot boxes, creating spaces that separate each student into their own section.

“It looks like laser tag,” said contemporary dance teacher Ka’ohi Yojo Daniels, who is teaching virtually this semester.

These boxes restrict group work and any exercises that require face to face contact. Teachers have choreographed ways to dance around this hurdle.

Due to these limitations, students miss collaborating with each other, said Daniels. As a

result, she recently experimented with a partner activity where dancers are able to face the same direction and mirror their partner’s movements. The only requirement, students must wear a face shield in addition to their masks.

“A majority of them enjoyed it, so I think that’s how we’re going to get around trying to keep collaboration in the studio, we just have to be shielded up,” said Daniels.

A survey taken by 35 dancers conducted by Na Pueo staffers on Instagram polls found that 74 percent of participants believe wearing a mask makes dancing more difficult.

In hula, dancers stand on a taped “X” instead of inside a box because ‘olapa (dancers) move as a group. With the synchronicity of hula, facing the same direction is not as big of an issue.

“They’re always going to be at the same distance...whether they leave that ‘X,’ they just come back to it again,” said hula kumu (teacher) Michael Lanakila Casupang.

Although the dancing aspect of

hula has not shifted as drastically as ballet or contemporary, an integral facet of hula has still been sacrificed.

“In order to get into class, everyone would gather in a big cluster and chant together to ask permission to come in, but we can’t do that anymore,” said Casupang.

This includes casual conversation between dancers, which can be difficult to subdue when classmates are so close with each other, said Casupang.

Despite the many challenges COVID-19 has created in the studio, the MPSA dance community is continuing its annual dance concerts.

Both the MPSA dance certificate and hula department will be hosting their dance concerts virtually this year.

“Something that came out of COVID-19, and not just at Mid-Pacific, but in the dance world in general, is a new way of choreographing and thinking,” said Daniels.

Because dancers have been filming so much, they have gained new skills in filming techniques and solo work, said sophomore

Hula students standing in ready position six feet apart from each other.

Mid-Pacific’s hula program is not deeply affected by social distancing guidelines.

Photo by staff photographer Kamm Kojima. contemporary IV dancer Cara Borden.“Another advantage of this is that people who live internationally or on different islands... can be a part of this production, where before they couldn’t,” said Casupang.

Although the virtual world holds many benefits, a serious

struggle that many teachers and students face is communication.

“The trickiest part is the whole Zoom lag time with the music,” said Daniels.

Zoom lag can distort, delay, and muffle sounds, which can make following along to music a

See DANCE page 5

features

5

Freshmen experience a year like no other as they begin high school

By Siena Usui Staff Writer

This year, freshmen have to face one of the most unique circumstances in their lifetime, all the while adjusting as they transition into high school.

Students said they were able to eventually adapt to the new rules and regulations after returning to in-person learning. With face shields, arrow led pathways, and social distancing in place, there is a stark contrast to what campus looks like compared to the 2019 school year.

Freshmen shared their perspectives of how their high school experience has been so far.

“Expectations wise, it wasn’t too bad. I considered it [high school] to be really hard since everyone knows in high school it’s the definitive factor on if you’re going to get into a college,” said freshman Jake Hamadon.

Freshman Alana Haydu said she expected the workload and difficulty of high school. Yet arriving on the first day of school at home on a laptop/iPad was a first for many students.

“I guess what kind of threw me off was starting the year off virtually,” said Haydu.

The beginning of the 2020 school year started online for Mid-Pacific’s entire high school on Aug. 17.

“It was different because we were online so I had to put in

more effort and ask more questions,” said freshman Jordan Amano-Mitsui.

On-campus learning later launched on Nov. 9 with freshmen arriving for orientation, and the rest of the high school having a staggered return throughout the rest of the week. All students were back on campus by Nov. 13.

There are some difficulties freshmen deal with as they continue to adjust to in-person classes.

“I’m so used to just going one way to class, but now you have to reroute and think about social distancing and what’s the safest way to get from one place to another without colliding,” said Haydu.

Getting closer to other students is another challenge with social distancing and masks. 53.1 percent of teenagers say COVID-19 has impacted their social life and that they have grown apart from some friends, according to a survey conducted by DKC Analytics.

“The kids that were not at Mid-Pacific last year have been very isolated and they haven’t had an opportunity to make friends as quickly as they would have during a non COVID-19 year,” said Hawaii Center for Children and Families counselor Jessie Mitchell.

Nevertheless, students are still trying their best to make connections with one another and reaching out to other classmates.

“I really enjoy meeting the new kids, and meeting new teachers is always fun. And if you have a

Aside from how simple it is to click a few buttons and have your items delivered right to your was never a fan of crowds to door, there are negative sides to begin with, and therefore she online shopping. has always been a fan of online Trying on clothes is something shopping. you can achieve only “As far as clothes and while physically shopeveryday items, it’s just ping, but online shopping “As far as clothes way more convenient and everyday doesn’t provide you with to shop online, and that opportunity. Tanaka items, it’s just way said she thinks not being return policies are good,” said Berlenmore convenient allowed to try on clothes bach. to shop online, has ruined the experience Because of how conand return policies for her as a whole. venient it is to shop are good, ” - Kaile “The variety of options online, some have is the same if not more, found it almost too Berlenbach but everytime I order easy to be manipulated something, it’s at the risk into spending money. that it won’t fit me or Now more than ever, some look the same as it did online, students say online shopping has and that is just one of the reasons become an addiction that doesn’t why I miss being able to go inhave to stop even when the person,” said Tanaka. pandemic settles down.

Dubrawski said she views the Junior Emi Dubrawski process as extra, and feels the vouched for herself, when she shipping process is a burden for said online shopping has become both the price and amount of a big part of her life since going time it takes to deliver. out became complicated.

“Even when something is on “Being completely honest, I do sale, you have to take in to achave an addiction to online shop- count how much the shipping is, ping and I don’t think it is going and depending on how much it to stop, but only grow as the is, it can be enough for me to say holidays approach. Online, it’s no,” she said. impossible to not find the things Freshman Haya Stein said that that you want, so I can go a little the environmental impact online overboard,” said Dubrawski.

SHOPPING:

teacher that you like, you can always go to them for answers or talk with them for a few minutes,” said Hamadon.

Several programs that freshmen are involved in have been adapting and changing because of COVID-19. One such program is MPX, which is focused more on project based learning.

“MPX is supposed to be a more hands on thing, so a lot of things that happened last year aren’t going this year,” said Amano-Mitsui.

One of their projects originally had plans to have students looking Students study and chat with one another in Freshman English Humanities. Incoming through microscopes. But, freshmen faced new challenges as they began the school year. Photo by staff photographer they were unable to do so Charlize Gaudiello. because they can’t have based on their own experiences much pressure. Go to teachers their eyes touch a shared surface, to eighth graders about how to for help, that’s a big thing that I said Amano-Mitsui. prepare for their transition to struggled with. They want you Hamadon participates in cross high school. to succeed, so ask your teachers country and shared his experi“I noticed that when I started for help when you need it,” said ence while practicing during taking classes more seriously—I Hamadon.

COVID-19. got better grades, I understood High school can and will be “We’re being monitored and the topics, and I had more room difficult and overwhelming at making sure that we stay socially for questions,” said Amanotimes, but there will always be distanced while we’re running,” Mitsui. help available to you if you are said Hamadon.

Amano-Mitsui also said that struggling.

Some advice that Mitchell offers even though it’s fun to hang “We’re learning how to be probto the new freshmen is to talk to out with friends and go on your lem solvers, we keep running into a trusted adult if they need help. phone in the back of the classnew situations that we’ve never She said that they can reach out room, school is considerably had to deal with before. Nobody to a favorite teacher, their dean, important. in the history of Mid-Pacific has or their parents.

“Make sure you actually try. ever faced before, and we’re figurLending a helping hand, It makes sense why there’s so ing it out,” said Mitchell. freshmen students gave advice shopping has, is it’s most negative quality.

“We do shop online a lot, and something I want to do is be more conscientious of our impact on the environment,” said Stein.

With Christmas approaching, some might have to look past the flaws of online shopping being that it is the safer option.

Willener said she looks forward to the holidays turned virtual, and feels safe knowing online shopping is a main option for buying gifts.

“Christmas shopping should be easy because I’ve just been ordering stuff online and I feel like going to the mall is kind of stressful because there have been so many people and lines recently,” said Willener.

Berlenbach said she decided to take a different approach to Christmas, feeling she’s done enough online shopping and that her and her husband have been more than fortunate during these tough times.

“We’ve made a collective decision this year, to not focus on gifts for each other and for other people, and instead we are donating money to causes that are close to home for us,” Berlenbach said.

DANCE: struggle for dancers.

When in-person, some notice that dancing flows much smoother than online.

“We need each other when we dance, as far as the energy and the timing... as soon as they started dancing together here, their timing was on, they started to connect,” said Casupang.

Now that dancers can opt for in-person learning, the dress code has been relaxed in contemporary and ballet classes.

Dancers are no longer required to wear a leotard and tights, instead, they can now wear leggings and a t-shirt.

“They don’t have access to the dressing rooms anymore...we’re not sure if that’s safe for the students to have that much airflow around them,” said Daniels.

The dress code has changed so that dancers have an easier time changing their clothes, said Daniels.

“I structured my class a little different, so that the students can go and change more towards the middle of class,” said Daniels.

In both hula and dance certificate classes, teachers take great consideration in ventilation.

“I’ve got all the windows, all the doors open just for ventilation, where before we would have it closed and have the air on,” said Casupang.

These classroom changes can make dancing uncomfortable.

“The students are so hot because there’s no AC, but again, all of these decisions were made with safety in mind,” said Daniels.

Changes like these exemplify the innovation and resilience the MPSA dance community has made in the face of COVID-19.

“We just have to find the positive in everything that we do...

We’ve been getting lemons all 2020, what are we going to do with it?” said Casupang.

“We need each other when we dance, as far as the energy and the timing...as as they started dancing together here, their timing was on, they started to connect,” - Michael Lanakila Casupang

the diamond SEASON CANCELLED:

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer On a normal year, elementary school students sit watching senior games, gleefully cheering “Go Owls, Go! ” Mid-Pacific fans watch on, ready to see seniors play their last high school competition. However, this pivotal high school moment disappeared this year for many ILH winter sports.

On Dec. 28, the Mid-Pacific athletic department announced that the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) has cancelled games for: basketball, bowling, wrestling and paddling for the upcoming season one (Jan.- March).

Paddling and bowling have also not held any practices, as these sports are off campus.

With no practices, players said they are able to focus on other aspects of life.

“I have a lot more time to do my homework; I noticed that I’ve been staying on top of things and I don’t put it off after practice or I’ll do it the morning of because I’m too tired after practice,” said Jill Morimoto, senior paddler.

Bethan Nakano, junior paddler, said she was going to have to quit her job at MJ Cafe when paddling was in season.

“Now I can still focus on my job and on school,” said Nakano.

Players said they were optimistic about having a season when they had to decide to attend in person or virtual school.

“I went back to school partly for the reason, if we did have a season, so I would be able to go to practices,” said Nakano.

Other players said they felt disappointed when they heard games won’t be played. Jordan Lee, senior basketball player, said this year could be his and other players last time playing organized basketball.

“A lot of us who are seniors this year, we didn’t have the chance to play as much last year due to rotation and the way minutes played out so a lot of us were wanting to compete,” said Lee. Knowing the importance of athletes staying active and in preation for the future, athletic department leaders see the importance of being one of roughly half of the ILH schools to continue practices.

“If you don’t do anything for a whole year your skills will diminish, so we need to keep pushing those skills and making them a better player,” said Athletic Director Scott Wagner.

Hoping to improve skills, players continue to practice.

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

Athletes return to practice even though ILH ends games

“I’m still working out and trying to get better so I can play at the next level,” said Madisyn Sagawa, senior basketball player.

Seniors like Sagawa said they are also lending a hand to the younger students.

“We can help the younger kids and the younger underclassmen, develop and help them ease their transition into the next level,” said Lee. One the other hand, some athletes don’t want to practice if there’s no game.

“Some players only want to play games and I understand that but it’s great that these girls have the dedication to keep coming out,” said Kaiser.

Showing up for practice is junior basketball player, Kyle Zeng, who said he puts in the hard work but said it is hard to practice without a game.

“Knowing that there are no games that I really have to prepare for, you lose some kind of motivation to practice harder,” said Zeng.

As for the seniors, a way to honor them is wanted.

“I hope they [have something] like a shoutout or something…. even if it’s just a small slideshow,” said Nakano.

Girls soccer team is also in the process of proposing an idea for the seniors, said Kaiser.

“We are actually trying to put on a proposal right now, to

Top: Senior Madisyn Sagawa attends pracitices despite games being cancelled for basketball. Bottom left: Senior Jordan Lee sweats as he works out in the weight room.

Bottom right: Junior Varsity soccer girls pracitice drills in prepartion for when season begins. Photos by Staff Photographer Kamm Kojima

See CANCELLED page 7

Athletes react to in-person training

By Kenna Kaneshiro Staff Writer On a recent afternoon, tennis coaches hid their face behind a face mask and watched their athletes dash across the court, swinging their rackets and hitting the ball.

Currently, Mid-Pacific students in semester one sports are experiencing their first inperson practices of the school year amongst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The athletic department has always tried to determine how we can bring back practice and sports back safely, as long as we could do that with all the rules,” said Air Riflery Coach Jon Narimatsu.

The sports that have returned to physical practices include: tennis, air riflery, cross country, swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball and water polo.

“Weʻre willing to put in the extra time and planning and make

sure it keeps the students safe,” said Narimatsu.

Multiple teams have been split into cohorts to stagger practice schedules and enhance social distancing throughout the practices.

“It is a little more difficult to get certain tasks done, sometimes I feel both school and sports runs a little slower than it used to just because you have to clean more equipment and put stuff away,” said senior Air Riflery Athlete Brandon Lum.

The Air Riflery team is split into three cohorts, all of the boys are in one cohort, returning girls in another, and new shooters in the last said, Lum. Many safety protocols have been added to all sports, which include: sanitizing your hands before entering the facility, social distancing, sanitizing equipment and wearing a face mask at all times.

Pueo Parliament is a waiting place for athletes, to monitor their social distancing in their time after school and before their practice begins.

All athletes must attend the parliament if their sport doesn’t start 15 minutes after school because athletes are not allowed to leave campus and come back for practice.

“I feel like instead of Pueo Parliament we should be allowed to go home because there’s people on campus and a less chance of

See TRAINING page 7

College recruiting shifts to virtual platform

for 14 days.

Division II and III athletes, like Fujii, are allowed to meet with Some student athletes may recruiters. However, hopeful not play a single game this year Division I athletes are suspended due to COVID-19. from in person However, senior recruiting until Jan. athletes are continu1, according to the ing to show their NCAA rules. skills to coaches and Along with Divirecruiters. sion I in-person “It’s something that recruiting, showI’ve wanted to do for cases and games a very long time,” said also have been Kolby Fujii, a senior cancelled. who hopes to play “It has to be baseball at the virtual at this ABOVE: Scan QR Code for Dhrarma Dees’ collegiate level. point, pretty Highlight Video To better his much a lot of chances, Fujii said the recruiting he traveled to the mainland to camps, showcases, clinics -- those visit colleges. are all cancelled,” said Scott “I got to talk to some coaches Wagner, Mid-Pacific athletic and I also got to visit some director. schools so I think it’s still worth Coaches recognize the lack of it,” said Fujii. in-person recruiting, said James Fujii said that upon his return Miller, Seattle University directo the island he followed state See RECRUITING page 7 guidelines and self-quarantined

By Kamm Kojima Staff Writer

Sports

Six Mid-Pacific athletes signed to play at the collegiate level

By Liam Higgins and Josephine Brewer Staff Writers

Questions: Why did you choose this university?

How will you balance college life with school and sports?

Do you have advice for any other athletes?

How long have you been playing this sport?

Was signing a more difficult decision with the pandemic?

Erin Goya- Volleyball at Seattle University, Seattle, Washington 1) I picked this college because not only did I want to play competitive athletics, I wanted to be able to use my major and go forward with it.

2) I’m definitely going to designate one day on the weekends and all the time after class to make sure that I can get all of my work done and all of my labs done. And try to plan my schedule around practices.

3) If you have offers, pick a place that you see yourself. And you have to know that if you go up there and you tear something or you break something and it’s career ending, you have to know that you’re going to be okay with where you are. So pick the school that you want because it’s the school that you want not because it’s where you want to play.

4) 11 going on 12 years. And I started volleyball because my older cousin, Katie, played and I just liked it. I just started when I was really young, super bad.

After that being really bad until like high school. I just loved the sport and I thought that it was

CANCELLED have some sort of recognition ceremony for these girls,” said Kaiser.

If anything Kaiser hopes to see the seniors at the next alumni game.

“We would love for them to come back for alumni games in the future and hopefully we can kind of acknowledge them a little more then,” said Kaiser.

The athletic department does hope to coordinate something to honor them.

“We’re doing our very best to still try and create as much of the traditions as we can, more information will be coming back soon,” said Wagner.

Whatever the circumstance, athletes and coaches are persevering during this time and looking at the brighter side to life.

“One of the best things we see is players who come out and every time they get a touch on the ball they’re getting better,” said Kaiser.

such a great game and thought it taught me so much outside of just volleyball.

5) It was definitely different and I think it was hard for the athletes because we usually get together every year at the Elk’s club and we sign together and commemorate this moment.

Mackenzee Higuchi- Baseball at Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii 1) I chose HPU because the program is very driven and development oriented which is something I believe in. I’m also very used to playing in Hawaii so I won’t have to adapt to the environment and I can make a difference right away.

2) It’s going to be a challenge at first, especially getting used to a different schedule and team. However, once I’ve gone through it a couple of times, I think I’ll be able to manage a good balance between college life, sports, and school.

3) My advice to other athletes is always give 100 percent effort on and off the field. I’ve had my slip ups in school and on the field when I was slacking or not giving my best effort. But, once I regrouped and reflected on my situation, I was able to rebound and come back better than ever.

4) I’ve been playing for nearly 10 years. I started playing when I was 8 years old. I was always an active kid so when some of my friends in elementary school were talking about baseball, I think I just decided that I wanted to play too.

5) I believe the decision to sign was made a little easier due to the pandemic. The coaches at Hawaii Pacific University have

seen me grow as a player since my freshman year on the varsity team and it seems like I’d be a really good fit on the team. It also made sense because this way I’d be able to stay close to my family as we are going through this pandemic.

Lee Matsuzaki- Baseball at Howard College, Big Spring, Texas 1) I decided to choose this college because I thought I had a good repertoire with the coach.

I really enjoyed talking with him and he said a lot of good things about the program that caught my attention.

There is something really special over there.

2) I’m going to have to get my studies done as soon as I can, not procrastinate and keep a good work ethic on the field.

3) Just enjoy playing while you can. I know this year in terms of COVID-19 it’s rough being an athlete but you’ve got to find a way to stay motivated and remind yourself why you play the sport.

4) 4 years old.

5) I really wanted to play D1 baseball, but because of the pandemic this year it made it a little bit rougher so gotta take a different course. Signing was not an easy thing but not a hard thing.

Alyssa Muraoka- Volleyball at University of Portland 1)There are so many Hawaii people there already and I just love the feel, it made me feel at home. And also the money that I would get athletically is a big plus for me as well.

2) I know it will be tough, definitely when I get there but I feel like that I just have to make sure I stay on top of my schoolwork

and not get too caught up in athletics and I have to spend my time efficiently.

3) There’s never any dream too big and there’s always a way to reach your goal. It’s going to be hard work but you just have to put in the effort and you’ll get there.

4) I’ve been playing for about 8 years.

And I started because my sister was playing and I just had practices, me and some other young ones, we were always playing so we just ended up loving the game.

5) It was just more intimate, just you and your family so I guess it wasn’t just, you didn’t get to sign with all the people you usually would or have all your friends there as you usually would but in a way it was just a lot of people put together things that made it really special and even better than it could have been.

Alyssa Nakagawa- Softball at University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 1) I chose the University of Hawaii [UH] because it was my dream school since I was six. I always wanted to go to UH so I could stay home and play in front of my friends and family.

Especially my dad and grandpa who’ve played a huge role in my career and life. It was a no brainer.

2) Having to deal with time management and especially in high school with the workload we have and the studying we have to do. I’ve kinda grown up having to deal with time management and especially in high school with the workload we have and the studying we have to

TRAINING

said.

Athletes in sports where masks cannot be worn at all times, such as swimming and water polo, are directed to wear a face mask anytime they are out of the water and be socially distant while in the pool.

Coaches have been focusing more on important key factors throughout practices making the most of their limitations.

“We’ve been a little bit more pinpointed exactly on key points with the sport and technique for the kids to focus on because we have very little time to improve and so we are trying to be more efficient with our practices,” said Alcon.

Semester one sports will proceed until the end of the first semester and resume after winter break.

“Don’t be discouraged even if it is not the same just because we’re still gaining experience and learning how to do things, ” said Lum.

RECRUITING

contact, so I think if they were to rethink some things it would be better,” said sophomore swimmer Kaitlyn Yoshimoto.

With protocols athletes and coaches do enjoy in person training.

“In some ways, I like [swimming in person now] more because I like my cohort and I feel comfortable around them,” she said.

“My experience has been exciting because we ended our season in the middle of March and I literally haven’t seen the kids since then,” said tennis coach Chanon Alcon.

“We are very limited on what we can do now that we are back, but I do enjoy it more also because I feel like when you’re away from something for so long you kind of see how much the kids miss playing their sport but also being with one another,” he

tor of undergraduate admissions.

“Remember the process isn’t normally run; it would’ve depended on the showcases,” said Miller.

Next College Student Athlete, an athletic recruiting network, reported that between MarchJuly 2019 and March-July 2020 there has been a 20 percent increase of coaches logging into view athletes’ profiles.

Mid-Pacific athletes said they are using digital tools such as a player profile to show themselves to recruiters.

“A quick summary of what you want to achieve,” said Dharma Dees, a senior who hopes to play soccer in college.

Dees said she communicates with coaches through multiple channels. “[I] started hopping on our computers, writing emails, taking game footage and just

7

do. I think it has prepared me for college, to handle that workload,” said Nakagawa.

3) I would just say to keep working hard. It’s definitely a roller coaster but keep reaching out to coaches and don’t give up on your dreams.

4) So I’ve been playing since I was four or five. It’s basically been my whole life. I didn’t start getting serious about softball till I was 10 or 11.

5) It was definitely a challenge because I had to reach out to the coaches and they had to talk to me through zoom calls. I couldn’t go on campus due to the closures and was different than I was expecting.

Jake Sequin- Golf at University of Hawaii I wanted to stay close to home [because of COVID-19]. And they offered the best scholarship.

The university helps us with that. But, I think that my time in high school, like at MidPacific, doing it all these years is definitely going to help. I’m kind of used to it.

Just be careful.

I’ve been playing golf for 11 years now. And I just picked it up with my grandfather because he plays a lot.

It was a lot different than I expected it. I’ve always seen the people going to the elks club or the outrigger to sign. And this year I just did it at home on my iPad.

sending it to the coaches,” said Dees.

Fujii said he uploads his baseball videos for coaches.

“These coaches know you don’t have an opportunity to go to showcases and they want to connect with student athletes, they want to connect with people who have potential,” said Miller.

Finding potential, senior baseball player Mackenzee Higuchi said he was able to receive a scholarship during Covid-19.

“They [Hawaii Pacific University, HPU] gave me an offer at the beginning of August and I verbally committed mid August,” said Higuchi.

Games may not be playing.

But, recruiters are still watching.

“Keep working. Eventually, someone will notice your hard work and how much you put into what you do,” said Higuchi.

“My bag is now heavier because I have to carry my computer so I am able to join my Zoom call in class and work on my iPad.” - Reese McDonald, sophomore

“I carry two face masks because they help keep me at a lower risk for COVID-19. I also use hand sanitizer and wipes because I want to keep others safe too.” - Skye Choi, freshman

COVID-19 tool kit Wash your cloth mask daily.

A mask is not a substitute for social distancing.

The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible.

Stay six feet apart, especially when indoors.

If you have to continually adjust your mask, it doesn’t fit properly, and you might need to find a different mask type or brand.

Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

“I used to be able to bring home lunch or I’d buy school lunch.

However, now, you have to order ahead of time and I can’t just go down and buy a meal.” Michael Casupang, hula teacher

78% 10% 189,466 50% 25% MidPacific students back on campus

Public school students back on campus

Vaccines administered in Hawaii as of Feb. 5 Infographic by Tia Shimabukuro, Staff Writer

Hawaii Residents residents undecided likely to on take a whether to COVID take a vaccine vaccine

Sources: CDC, Hawaii Department of Health, Civil Beat. Additional reporting by Riko Santos, Staff Writer. Illustruation by contributing artist Rell Uehara.