Na Pueo October 2018

na pueo news

See images from MidPacific’s annual high school picnic.

editorial

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the diamond

Hear from Little League champion Chandler Murray

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features

AirPods are the newest tech trend on campus.

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back page

Would you Rather? Na Pueo plays a wholeschool game.

SURVEY SAYS: Should MidPacific have a homecoming court?

280 students responded to the Na Pueo Survey.

67%

Neutral

No

7%

Yes

By Kayla Marutani and Maia D’Amato Staff Writers Students eating lunch at the school cafeteria this school year might notice dishes such as garbanzo beans next to the usual burgers and fries.

Cafeteria managers implemented “Mindful Thursdays” this year at Scudder, but one student, Nathalie Tamman, has started a petition to advocate for even more healthy options at the cafeteria.

Tamman’s proposal aims to develop healthier diets for the student body and encourages students to consider their personal health, she said.

“Most people signed (the petition,) but some people didn’t because they don’t want healthier lunch options to be more expensive,” said Tamman.

School lunch prices have also increased this year. Plate lunch rose to $7, a 4 percent increase over last year’s price of $6.75.

Regular lunches rose to $5.75, up 11 percent from last year’s $5.25.

With the school lunch and plate prices already increasing, many students are unwilling to pay the price for healthier lunch options, said Tamman.

Junior Mia Lau said healthier foods are more expensive at the cafeteria than junk food.

“It makes you want to get the junk food more than you want to get the healthier food,” she said.

Infographic by Payton Antonio, staff writer

Students want Passamonte healthy options reflects on first weeks at Mid-Pacific

By Payton Antonio Staff Writer The beginning of the school year is often marked by what’s new: new friendships, new clothes, even new school supplies. This year, MidPacific started the year with new high school principal Paul Passamonte.

Passamonte entered Mid-Pacific with 15 years of administrative experience at schools abroad such as in the Philippines, Chile, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong.

Passamonte sat down with Na Pueo editor-inchief Payton Antonio to outline some of his plans for his first year at MidPacific.

What has it been like working with the Mid-Pacific staff & faculty?

It’s been only a couple months now, and so far it’s been great. Just getting to know everybody and understanding who they are as individuals and

See LUNCH page 2 The cafeteria is offering healthy options such as Tex-Mex pizza this year. Photos by staff photographers Kayla Marutani and Maia D’Amato.

See PASSAMONTE page 2

Scalpels and dissections: part of new anatomy course

By Payton Antonio Staff Writer

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Volume 51 Issue 4 May 2017

SCHOOL LUNCH:

Page 2

What’s more important: looks or personality?

Find out from our new advice columnist, Abigail Yagi.

STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR MID-PACIFIC OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 53 ISSUE 1

As the students tied their aprons and lifted the goggles to their eyes, they carefully walked to the table, grasping the tray holding a deceased pig. They grabbed their first instrument, the scalpel, and delicately cut along the skin, making sure to not cut through the organs. Once all the organs appeared, they then dove deeper into the structures and functions of each part.

Working with scalpels and dissecting animals is a major part of Mid-Pacific’s new Human Anatomy and Physiology elective at Mid-Pacific.

In this class, taught by Michael Valentine, students dissect animals in order to learn about the systems that make up their own body. They also gain life skills that they can take with them into college, Valentine said.

“Everyone thinks it’s Grey’s Anatomy and you grab a scalpel and the organs just pop open, but that’s not the case,” said Valentine.

The students had a difficult time during their first dissection because they assumed it would be easy, when it really takes patience and practice to perfect the skill, Valentine said.

Senior Shyla Sato, who takes human anatomy and physiology, said she became really interested in this topic when she took IB biology last year.

“I wanted to see if this elective would help me decide if I wanted to pursue this as a career,” said Sato.

For every system they learn, they get to dissect a different animal and area.

With these dissections, they’ll find Students in Human Anatomy and Physiology dissect animals in more and more unique things and how order to learn about their own biology. Photo by staff photographer an animal’s system actually looks the Payton Antonio same as a human. tive system,” said Warrington.

Senior Amy Warrington also in huThe topics covered in the class are chosen by man anatomy and physiology hopes that this students and focus on what is most important elective will help her decide whether she wants to them, Valentine said. The major topics that to go into pediatrics or child psychology. came up this semester pertained to cancer and “I’ve learned about the digestive tract and the the nervous system. different functions of the organs in the diges-

See ANATOMY page 2

news

ALL SCHOOL PICNIC: Students celebrate a new school year

High schoolers visited Kapiolani Park for the annual high school picnic on Sept.

21, where they took part in friendly competitions and class bonding activities.

Photos by student photographer Logan Tanaka and Freshman Class photographers

ANATOMY:

“I’ve been grooming it towards the students’ curiosities as well as the topic necessities,” said Valentine.

Senior Skylar Tanaka is currently learning about the endocrine system as her final semester project. She is learning about the hormones in the body and how everything works together to make the body function properly, Tanaka said.

“I took human anatomy and forensics because I wanted to learn about both sides and how they intertwine with one another,” Tanaka said.

This class is a challenge and it is not easy, said Valentine. It’s hard because it is taught at a college level. It gives students a head

PASSAMONTE: what they’re passionate about. I am making my way through meeting with every faculty member to get a sense of what it is that we do well here at Mid-Pacific and some things that we can improve on, but I’m also doing that with students. Once I meet with all the high school officers, we’ll be doing other activities to give students a voice. With regards with the faculty, we have a very talented group of people who bring expertise to their positions. Some of them are teachers, but many are coming from outside the teaching world and bringing their skills to Mid-Pacific.

How has working at Mid-Pacific been different or similar from your previous job experiences?

I’m coming from the international education world, and there are a lot of similarities.

They’re both educational institutions and we have the same goals, which is to look at how we can best prepare students for a future that is unknown.

Where the differences come in is that in an international school, you have different clientele and a lot of different perspectives.

Learning what it is to be in the United States, and how things are done here, is new to me. I see the laws and the various aspects of schooling in the United States as

start on what they need to do, which is to be self disciplined, said Valentine.

“I took this class because I wanted to challenge myself and I found that anatomy is simple to catch on to,” said senior Cameron Hersh, who is in human anatomy and physiology.

The students also have a coloring book as a resource to understand the basic structures and functions of the systems.

“The book is a very useful tool because you can understand the functions of the system before seeing the actual organ when dissecting,” said Claire Park, a senior in human anatomy and physiology.

One of the labs consisted of spitting into a tube and using crackers to mix in and watch as it breaks down starch into sugars.

“It was disgusting but interesting to see what can demonstrate what our body can do,” said Park.

The class will help students who want to major in pre-medicine or nursing, but it could help students who aim for other careers as well, said Valentine.

“Whichever major you choose, you know more about your body and you can take care of yourself moving forwards,” said Valentine.

Valentine is currently proposing the class to become a year-long course instead of a semester, he said.

“Students will leave my class and not remember the fine details, but there are moments they’ll always remember,” Valentine said. “Those are the moments that I believe this class gives more than anything else.”

the main difference.

Do you plan on making any changes with the school?

I am one to gather my data first before making any major changes. Other than that, every school has goals. One of the things we are working on this year is our assessment guidelines and how we can use best practice assess- High School Principal Paul Passamonte meets with high school students. Photo by staff photographer Payton Antonio. ment strategies.

We’re also looking A lot of observations. I’m also doing sevat how we unpack and actualize our learner eral walk throughs in the classroom. With profile that we’ve now had for two years. In this, you get a sense of what goes on in the many ways our teachers know what it is, but classrooms, what is being done and what do our students know? That’s the question people place importance in. If you walk that’s on our minds right now. We have through Weinberg or through your MPX a learner profile for our students, and we class, obviously there is a lot of emphasis on know what a graduate is to come away with problem based and hands on learning. Then at Mid-Pacific. We also want to take a look you walk outside and see students filming at it from a professional standpoint: what is and students dancing in the hallways. You it that we are? How do we identify ourselves saw people dropping egg parachutes off of as Mid-Pacific teachers and faculty? What Hartley, and you don’t necessarily see that are the expectations of us? that first week of school anywhere else. Just How are you finding out what’s important at this by the first week of school, it was evident school? what’s important to Mid-Pacific.

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LUNCH:

Prices have gone up due to minimum wage increase requiring staff to be paid more, said Regina Toguchi, a temporary interim general manager for the cafeteria. Moreover, a lot of production goes into making every meal, she said.

“Mindful Thursday” recipes include foods with no trans-fat, low sodium, low fat and fewer than 600 calories, said Toguchi.

In all cafeteria meals, Toguchi and her staff switched many pastas and breads to whole grains as well as using local products and leaner meats when possible, she said.

Toguchi said healthier snack bar items are for sale, such as whole grain rice krispie treats and whole grain pop tarts.

Pomegranate bars and veggie bean crackers have also made an appearance, said Toguchi.

Toguchi said the whole grain and healthier options are usually more expensive.

Toguchi said she sees a lot of opportunity in incorporating Mindful Thursdays into the lunch schedule because “there are a lot of students who want healthier options.”

Students said they support of the addition of healthier/vegetarian and vegan foods in the lunch menu.

“I can’t eat pork because of my religion, so vegetarian options would be a really good idea to incorporate into the lunches,” said sophomore Sabrine Smahi.

“There’s a lot of people who have dietary restrictions, so having more options for them, and people who are looking to eat healthier (would be a good idea,)” said Leau.

Many students said they support the addition of healthier/vegan options to the lunch menu. However, lunch money limitations raise issues for students who are on a budget.

“I have an $8 limit on my card, and I don’t bring cash, so usually I can’t get [the more expensive foods] because i have to get breakfast as well,” said Smahi.

Toguchi said lunch prices may be increasing, but she hopes “students [will] find that there’s value in what they’re getting.”

However, Toguchi said she is challenged with the idea that students might not know there are healthier food options being offered, or they think they’re not going to like it. She said she doesn’t know if it’s a marketing problem or if it’s a price issue, but by increasing communication between her and the students, she hopes this can help her incorporate foods the students would want to see.

“We need to understand better what students are interested in eating. Until now, I don’t know if there was that kind of communication for getting that kind of feedback,” said Toguchi.

editorial page

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Freedom of the press: an essential part of democracy Welcome to another year of Na Pueo and to the new students, welcome to our school newspaper. My name is Payton Antonio, and I will be the editor-in-chief of the paper this year.

Na Pueo is a place where students have a voice to tell the stories that not everyone can tell. As journalists, Payton Antonio: we imagine ourselves as the Letter from the storytellers, and Editor-in-Chief we believe in freedom of the press.

In August, The Boston Globe called for news organizations across the country to speak out for a free press. More than 300 news organizations answered the call by publishing their own editorial columns focused on a free press as an essential element of democracy. With this column, Na Pueo is binding together with those news organizations in support of freedom of the press.

The media has come under serious attack during the Trump administration. School media is also under attack at many schools around the nation.

Recently, four Vermont student journalists stood up to censorship in their school newspaper when they were told to take down a story they wrote about a

It’s okay to judge by looks first

Hello everyone, my name is Abigail Yagi and I will be the advice columnist this year. If you have any questions about school employee facing unprofes- relationships, school, or personal life, feel free to submit them and sional conduct charges. Once I’ll be happy they talked to legal experts, they to answer to were allowed to publish , accordthe best of my ing to a story published by the ability. Don’t Associated Press. worry, the “I learned to stand up for submissions are anonymyself, what I believe in and our mous, so ask rights as a student press,” said away! If I Abigail Yagi: one of the Vermont journalists, don’t feel confiHalle Newman, in the article.

Student Survival dent in my own In Florida of 2018, a student knowledge, Guide journalist wrote a column critiI will consult cizing the rap music industry for professionals because I want you the role models it creates. Her guys to conquer your problems! school principal banned her from I am looking forward to answerwriting any more articles for the ing all of your questions and I hope my advice is helpful. newspaper because of her racial If you have questions, feel free insensitivity, despite the fact that to email newspaper@midpac. she never mentioned race in her edu. column, according to Nieman Best of luck, Reports.

-Abby The Na Pueo journalists and I have a commitment to the How do you become more confident in public’s right to know the truth. yourself?

First of all, if you think you’re With our stories, we believe the only person who struggles we can make a difference. But with this, and it seems like students are not the only ones everyone around you exudes who are confronting this issue. the utmost confidence, you are The advisers who are dedicated wrong. Many teens and even to journalism find themselves adults struggle with self-confichallenged with the choice of dence. The bad news is that you protecting their students or can’t get confidence in yourself saving their job, according to overnight. The good news is that self-confidence is very achievNieman Reports. able and once achieved, you will Our job as journalists will become more successful, and forever be to tell the stories that more importantly, learn your not everyone can share. As a worth. Here are some tips to get nation filled with steadfast and your confidence journey started, strong-willed journalists, there according to the website Mind is nothing we want more than to Tools. First, STOP the negative have freedom of the press. talk. Negative talk can ruin your confidence, so try thinking

positively about yourself and in the hard circumstances. Another tip is to make small goals for yourself so that when you reach those goals, your confidence will start to build. Once you feel like you’ve got a lot of confidence points up your sleeve, then it’s time to stretch yourself and make your goals bigger and tougher to achieve. Sure there’s more room for failure, but there’s great room for reward. In the end, no matter what anyone says about you, both positive and negative things, you are ultimately the one to determine your confidence.

Is looking for physical attractiveness first shallow or normal?

It is completely normal. Being physically attracted to your boyfriend or girlfriend is essential in a relationship. When you meet someone for the first time, you automatically make judgements about their outside appearance.

If we’re going to get scientific here, our brains automatically determine if a person is a worthy ‘mate’. It sounds weird, but it’s our primitive nature. Now, I’m not saying that it’s healthy to scroll through your explore feed and see who catches your attention. If you’re determining your choices on dating someone purely based on looks, it could be dangerous. A girl or guy might be a 10 out of 10, but that might not correlate with what happens when they open their mouth. I suggest that you get to know the person better and if things go well, you’ll find them even more attractive then when you first met them. We’ve always been taught “It’s what’s on the inside that counts,” and that has truth to it, but everyone deserves someone who’s nice to look at too.

Editorial Cartoon by Piankhi Robertson-Chambers

Due to stress from school, a lot of students may be having a hard time. What can they do to relieve stress or process their emotions?

I definitely agree that school can be the source of incredible amounts of stress and triggers of different emotions. Whether it’s staying up all night to prepare for a presentation, not getting the test score you were hoping for, or the fear that you’ll never get into your dream college-- or all of them combined--these factors can make it harder for any student to keep their sanity.

School counselor Cathy Ching said that the most important part of dealing with stress is selfcare. Are you getting enough sleep? Eating properly? Do you exercise? All these basic tasks you don’t think affect your school life actually have a big impact on your performance in the classroom and well-being. Another way to relieve stress from school is by not making school your life! Finding a balance between school and doing things you enjoy is essential for keeping your sanity. Mrs. Ching shared her thoughts about Mid-Pacific students and their priorities.

“It’s actually a myth. You don’t need all of that (rigorous course load, joining clubs, sports, extracurriculars),” said Ching.

“Do your school work, do one or two activities, and find me-time.

Find that balance in life,”.

Maybe you have attempted to do these things before but you still find yourself stressed. The last thing you should do is give up or be discouraged. These tips are all good habits and it’s hard to break the bad ones you have.

Just keep trying!

Na Pueo Staff Editor-in-Chief

Payton Antonio

Features Editor Abigail Yagi

Photo Editor

Siena Usui

Staff Writers

Kayla Marutani Maia D’Amato Angelina Shaw

Advisor

Jessica Hanthorn

Information

Na Pueo is published by dedicated Mid-Pacific students. Personal opinions

expressed by students, faculty, and staff or outside guests do not necessarily reflect those of Mid-Pacific . We welcome contributions and feedback and will strive to maintain a high standard of professional journalism. Send letters, submissions, and suggestions to: Na Pueo c/o Mid-Pacific 2445 Kaala St. Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 441.3713 email: newspaper@midpac. edu All articles and photographs are copyright (c) Mid-Pacific Institute.

features HYPEBEAST:

MID-PACIFIC LIFE

Are students letting the labels they wear define who they are?

By Abigail Yagi Staff Writer A student stands up to put on his Gucci bag, walking out in his Yeezy Powerphases. To flex or not to flex, hypebeasts stand out by wearing what’s in.

The first definition that pops up on Urban Dictionary, defines a hypebeast as “A person who follows a trend to be cool or in style.” The more controversial definition defines a hypebeast as collectors of items “for the sole purpose of impressing others”. Sam Zuern said that he does not think hypebeasts know what they are wearing most of the time.

“People walk around wearing Off-White and the stripes on the sleeve, but do they know that the designer was an architect major and the stripes are paying homage to that?” said the senior.

One way people label others a hypebeast is by the brands they wear. Students who are seen wearing Bape shirts, pairing it with their Supreme backpacks and finishing off the fit with a pair of Gucci sneakers, could be looked at as a hypebeast. A self-proclaimed hypebeast Logan Tanaka shared his struggle of being a hypebeast.

“Everything gets to a point where it’s too expensive, so you have to pick and choose what you want.” said the senior wearing a Bape headband and collared shirt.

Hypebeast is rooted in streetwear culture and its origins date back to 2005. The word originates from HYPEBEAST, a popular online magazine that writes and post stories on the hypebeast lifestyle. The term became mainstream by rapper Trinidad James’ song “All Gold Everything”.

The term is now commonly used in society and

Illustration by Piankhi Robertson-Chambers

See HYPE page 5

The small piece of technology making a big statement on the Mid-Pacific campus

By Kayla Marutani Staff Writer

Minutes after school finishes, AirPods enter the ears of many of Mid-Pacific’s high school students.

From students wearing AirPods in class, to wearing them around campus, the increasing numbers of student airpod use is evident on the Mid-Pacific campus.

It was expected that AirPod shipments would approach 30 million units in 2018.

Apple can barely keep up with the increasing demand of this product, according to the website macrumors.com.

“I noticed that more and more people have

airpods [now],” said junior Gaia Hittle.

The national AirPod trend is also present on the Mid-Pacific campus: students are seen wearing them left and right. The amount of AirPod users is noticeably increasing on campus, said students.

“AirPods are definitely more practical than using earphones with wires,” said junior Annika Alcon.

The practicability of this small piece of technology is the reasoning behind the popularity of this Apple product, said students.

Freshman Dean Kelli Fitter said students should be respectful of the space they’re in when they consider whether to use AirPods.

“That’s important during chapel or during

a socratic seminar or students giving presentations. It’s really important to show respect to the speaker,” said Fitter.

Many students argue that AirPods don’t pose any more of a problem than normal earphones do.

Others, like Gracie, say that normal earphones, that require wires, are just as easy to hide as Airpods. Therefore, AirPods don’t affect the problem of students listening to music when they are not supposed to.

“I see girls with their hair down covering their Airods, but you can do that with your regular earphones, too,” said junior Esther Gracie.

Seita Katayama listening to music on AirPods. Photo by staff photographer Kayla Marutani.

features

SENIOR CAMP:

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Class of 2019 kicks off their school year by kicking back on the sand

Photos by staff photographer Abigail Yagi and student photographer Brandon Tanaka

Seniors visited Camp Erdman Aug. 29 to 31 to bond as a class. Activities seniors participated in included dodgeball, watching the sunset and skits.

Senior Camp Survey: 1. What was your favorite part of camp?

2. Would you want another senior camp at the end of the year?

Kaiko Torres De Sa

Kacie Williams

Melia Nishimura

Cameron Ching

1.The campfire because that’s when we got to know the true depth of everyone.

2. Yes, because everyone put their friend groups aside and saw each other as individuals.

1. The homeroom games. Because we (Mrs. King’s) are the best homeroom!

2. I think it would be awesome. It would be a different experience.

1.I really loved the campfire when we sang “Take Me Home Country Road” because that was when we bounded most and all participated together.

2. Yes that would be great.

1. I liked the campfire because it was fun to see everyone’s hidden talents and bond over the many dad jokes.

2. That’s a great idea.

Freshman students say high school presents challenges

By Siena Usui Staff Writer Freshman year: new classes, new lockers, new schedule, new friends. Many students at MidPacific said the transition to high school can be challenging.

An international student from Japan told some of her struggles while adjusting to Mid-Pacific.

“The hardest thing was making friends, especially with local students,” said Hanae Kanazawa, a ninth grade student.

To help ease the transition, the school plans events that are designed to help students make new friends.

“One of the things is the initial orientation day and all of the activities that are meant to build community. For example our freshman picnic, our all school picnic, class meetings, and homeroom activities,” said Kelli Fitter, 9th grade dean.

How well students perform academically in ninth grade can predict their future success, according to a 2017 study from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research.

Fitter wants students to know that the deans are there for them, and gave advice to the freshman students such as managing their time early on in the school year. She also mentioned getting out of your comfort zone is very important. Some of her examples were taking a new class or talking to someone you don’t know.

“What students tell me is that they have to be more organized,

they used to not put as much effort into homework and they need to do more in high school,” said Kelli Fitter.

Ethan Harrison talked about his experiences this year that could only be found in high school.

“I’ve had the chance to go to high school events like freshman picnic, all high school picnic, and I can now do a high school sport such as air riflery,” said Harrison.

A student athlete also said balancing sports and schoolwork can be difficult.

“It’s really tough being a cross country runner because you need to balance practice and homework,” said Parker Wagnild.

“The hardest thing was making friends, especially with local students.”

-Hanae Kanazawa

HYPE: the streetwear culture became more mainstream from celebrities joining the movement.

Celebrities like Kanye West are a big influence, and female celebrities as well such as Rihanna and Kylie Jenner.

A stereotype that comes with being labeled a hypebeast is the question of where the money to buy the hype items come from.

Students such as senior Ben Wong, tried a ‘dress for less’ option because it is hard to keep up with the newest trends on a student budget.

“Sometimes my friends and I go to Ross or Savers and have a competition for who can make the best fit,” said Wong.

The word hypebeast just like every other label, is up for interpretation. Even if not

admitted, friends and outside influences affect the decisions we make when it comes to what we choose to put on everyday.

Micah Suan said that his friends got him into it.

“I thought it would be cool if I could have another median that I could connect to my friends with,.” said Suan Though it might be hard to create a clear definition of a hypebeast, it is commonly known that fashion is a way for people to express their individuality. People buy and wear things that will make them feel confident. Zuern shared that people shouldn’t buy stuff for the sake of buying it.

“I think it’s even more enjoyable if you do it to mark a memory,” said Zuern.

the diamond WHAT LIES BENEATH

MID-PACIFIC SPORTS

Players say water polo is a different game beneath the surface

By Angelina Shaw Staff Writer Heavy breathing, trying to stay above the water while the other team is plunging players under the water with no time to catch a breath.

On the surface, water polo appears to be a friendly and fun game. But, players and coaches said what really happens underneath the surface is free for all, with kicking, scratching and punching allowed.

“If the ref can’t see it, anything goes,” said 12th grade water polo player Christopher Unruh.

The water polo audience only sees what happens above the water, with players passing the ball and scoring goals. But it takes a lot of strength and effort to make a simple move, said 12th grade water polo player Julian Kiyabu.

Under the water, players con-

See WATER POLO page 7

The boys water polo team during practice. Photo by staff photographer Abigail Yagi.

Leath urges athletes to develop leadership skills

By Abigail Yagi Staff Writer Better people make better athletes, according to James Leath, a performance coach who teaches athletes of all calibers how to develop leadership and communicative qualities.

“I’m sharing things I learned in my 20’s and 30’s that I wish I learned in high school,” said Leath.

On Oct. 12, Leath spoke to about 100 Mid-Pacific student athletes and parents in two sessions, continuing with a session for coaches the following morning. He used his self-made “Do, Say, Be” formula to help athletes learn leadership and relationship skills.

Leath’s interactive activities such as rock, paper, scissors with a twist, kept the athletes cheer-

ing and roaring victory for their teammates. He also brought students on stage to act out skits, which filled the auditorium with laughter.

“I’ve never had a presenter with that topic and the energy.

Most presenters just talk and have a Powerpoint, but he had stories, examples, and skits with volunteers,” said freshman Nathan Loo, a student athlete who attended the speech.

Leath, the Founder of Unleash the Athlete and former Head of Leadership and Character Development at IMG Academy, had two ten dollar bills in his hands, waiting for students to take which he tied to his lesson on opportunity.

“Sometimes opportunities are right in front of you and it’s up to you to seize that moment,” said

See LEATH page 7

Little league champion returns to Mid-Pacific

By Maia D’Amato Staff Writer In a 3-0 shutout, the Honolulu Little League won the little league world series over South Korea on Aug. 26. One MidPacific seventh-grade student, Chandler Murray, played on the winning team and arrived home to a city that celebrated his success.

Na Pueo staff interviewed Murray recently about his victory and future plans.

How did you feel when you won?

I had a lot of excitement because it’s a once in a lifetime thing.

What was it like to enter the stadium and play knowing that the whole world was watching?

It’s nerve racking and even though you see people watching you, you just have to keep your

Mid-Pacific seventh-grader Chandler Murray played on the winning little league team. Photo by Mid-Pacific photographer Scot Allen. mind on the game and focus.

Just like our coach said, focus on someone else, don’t focus on the crowd and your parents. Just focus on the team.

What were your feelings while playing?

I didn’t feel that nervous as

soon as we got on the field because everybody else wasn’t nervous so it kind of calmed me down, and you wanted to go out there and do something for the team.

How did you prepare yourself for See LITTLE LEAGUE page 7

7

sports

Mid-Pacific welcomes eight new faculty members The Na Pueo staff interviewed the newest members of the Mid-Pacific staff by asking three questions: 1. Where did you teach at before coming to Mid-Pacific? 2. What is your favorite thing so far about Mid-Pacific? 3. If you could be an animal, what type of animal would it be?

Lisa Capaldo (Spanish) 1. Georgia State University.

2. How friendly and warm the students are.

3. A dolphin because they have strong family ties and they travel.

Pei-Ling (Bella) Congdon (English Learning Development) 1. Houston Baptist University.

WATER POLO:

stantly pull others under, which makes it even harder to score.

“You can’t hold them above the water, but anything below the water is free game,” said Unruh.

Water polo is a violent game and it is so much more if you see what happens under the surface Kiyabu said. Players come out of the pool with bloody scratches and bruises.

Water polo referees often check player’s fingernails before games to make sure they aren’t sharpened and lessen the scratches and bloody wounds.

Mid-Pacific girls water polo head coach Lisa Forbes said a game injury prevented her from playing in college.

2. The whole community is very supportive.

3. A dolphin because I love the ocean.

Alejandro Donis (MPSA) 1. Crossroads School and Brentwood School, California.

2. The art cottage and how it was remodeled, it’s a great space for students.

3. A lion fish because it’s really beautiful underwater and flows around. It has gorgeous fins.

“My opponent hit my elbow while I was shooting, and she popped my shoulder out,” said Forbes.

It is pretty typical for injuries to occur during games because most of the players bodies are unseen with splashing and white water so it is almost impossible to spot what is really going on, said intermediate girls coach Eric Polivka.

“If you are a casual observer

you probably have no idea what’s going on, because of all the

whistles going off and so many

kick outs,” he said. There are so many things happening during

a water polo game because it is

very quick and different whistle

calls happen often. And the audi-

Erin Regua (10th Grade Dean) 1. Kamehameha Schools.

2. The people.

3. An otter.

School.

Stephanie Render (Social Studies) 1. Holy Family Catholic Academy, Noble High School, and Ridgetop Middle

3. A dolphin.

Yoshiko Tokuda (Japanese) 1. St. Francis School.

2. The students.

3. A rabbit.

Rachael Sterrett (Math) 1. Mercer Island School High, Washington.

2. The students.

Charles Wade (Science) 1. Iroquois High School, Kentucky.

2. The students.

3. A penguin.

ence’s eyes usually direct toward the ball and the person scoring.

But some fights and violent

actions happen all over the pool and where people aren’t watching, said Polivka.

“Underneath the water where

it’s harder for referees, it’s a lot

more violent, a lot more grabbing, and kicking,” said Kiyabu.

But if you are a good enough player you don’t have to be as aggressive because you can score and assist your team without having to harm the opponent, said Forbes. Being an aggressive player helps you to have a lead in the game but if you are strong and smart enough you don’t need to.

“If you get into position, then

LEATH:

Leath.

Two students ran up to the stage, snatching the money away. One student was hesitant to keep the money, but Leath insisted him on keeping it because he took advantage of the opportunity in front of him.

Leath also helps professional gamers. The Director of Performance for compLexity, an esports organization owned by the Dallas Cowboys, Leath has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Fresno State and a Master’s degree in Performance Psychology from National University.

He said he wanted his advice about respecting the process and being intentional when interacting with people to be the main takeaways for students.

“Leadership is not something you are born with,” Leath said “Leadership is something you become.”

2. The students.

3. A bird because I’d be able to go to different places easily.

Boys practice water polo at the pool. Photo by staff photographer Abigail Yagi. you won’t have to do those super aggressive moves, but sometimes you will need a bit of an advantage,” said Forbes.

Water polo is a dangerous and

LITTLE LEAGUE: the game?

We just waited in the barracks and then talked to each other, getting ready for the game, listening to music, and that helped us release the nervous energy and get ready for the game.

happy we won.

What are your future plans playing the sport?

“We realized over time that it’s kind of a whole Hawaii thing - that everybody’s happy we won.

- Chandler Murray

Did you expect there would be so much attention coming back after the game?

James Leath helps athletes reach their potential. He visited MidPacific on Oct. 12. Photo by staff photographer Abigail Yagi.

brutal sport because no matter what the refs can see above the water, war is happening underneath and under the water refs can’t protect you.

No not really, I thought it was just going to be family accomplishment, but we realized over time that it’s kind of a whole Hawaii thing - that everybody’s

Hopefully that I can get into intermediate ball in high school and maybe college, but not too sure about those. I might want to pursue a different dream.

How has the game changed you?

It’s taught me life lessons like always trust some people, but also don’t trust them because maybe they couldn’t be good friends and they won’t help you in hard times.

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Na Pueo decided to play an all-school game of Would You Rather. 280 students responded to the survey.

69% live without AC 66% never use social and heating 31% live without the internet

66% have a very muscular lower body and a normal upper body

34%

have a muscular upper body but a very skinny lower body

90% miss prom 10% miss graduation

83% poor with lots of friends

17% rich with no friends

media apps again

34%

never watch another movie or TV show again

62% dance everywhere you went

38% always sing instead of speaking

66% give up playing games for a year

34% give up watching TV/movies

for a year

57% overly large feet 43% overly large hands

60% be popular among your schoolmates

40% be popular among your teachers

70% never be able to eat cold food

30% never be able to eat warm food

65% have songs that you

have no control over play 24 hours a day for a year

35%

have a song of your choice play repeatedly 24 hours a day for a year

51% say everything you are thinking

49% lose your ability to speak