Looking back Journalism staff seniors share their insights on their own freshman year experiences. Years after they first stepped onto campus, they have much to offer their underclassman friends.
It’s been three years already. Three years since I got lost walking between classes during orientation. Three years since I said farewell to the tile floors of the indoor hallways of the relatively new middle school. Three years since I started high school. I don’t have much to say about my freshman year. I spent it like many others avoiding upperclassmen, finding a place to hang out during lunch and searching for the fabled bathroom that still had soap and paper towels. Some of my ninth grade endeavors were successful, some not so much. I believe soap made its glorious comeback sometime
last year so at least that’s one thing off my list. Treasure your freshman year to a reasonable extent but don’t cling onto it. You may not find true love or party everyday with your friends, but you still have another three years to look forward to after this. Try to branch out as much as possible. Keep your old friends, make some new ones and remember to value the time you have before heading out into the world Even if this isn’t your favorite year, make it a good one anyway.
I went to Biloxi Junior High in Mississippi during my freshman year in high school. Well, it wasn’t quite high school yet. Back there, as a freshman, I wasn’t considered a high school student until tenth grade. There, Mythology was the class in freshmen year; everyone wanted to take it. Out of my seven-period day, it was the only class that I really looked forward to, other than Biology. The things that I loved the most were the field trips we took and one has remained in my mind forever. That was our trip to the corn maze in Biloxi, MS. The funniest part about the whole trip was when my two best friends and I got lost in the
maze. Being lost with friends is a fun experience but not in the fall months when it’s freezing cold outside. We sat in the field for an hour or so, throwing corn at one another and calling out for help. Finally, the search team that had been sent out found us, but they were lost too. They were a very effective search team indeed. In the end, we did find our way out of the field and decided between the three of us that we would never roam a corn maze again unless we had a guide or more time to wander.
High school is pretty much like any athletic team. The rookies (or freshmen, in this case) are always going to be picked on by the returnees (the upperclassmen). It’s like a given that the rookies have to suffer a little before they are accepted by the big kids. During my freshman year, I played soccer on the JV team. As one of the rookies I was subjected to do all the “dirty work,” like picking up the equipment or carrying it to and from the coach’s car. The sophomore returnees always got first priority for everything, like choosing what jerseys they wanted before the rest of us. Well, I stuck it out and I did everything I was told to do – whether it was to wash all the practice jerseys, sing the alma mater in front of the team or wear my uniform on campus. I suppose it wasn’t as bad as people may think. The following year, I played JV soccer again. This time I was one of the returnees and I got to choose which jersey I wanted first. I got to tell the rookies to clean up and carry the equipment. I had first priority for everything. Freshmen, if you get bossed around and/or picked on, don’t take it too hard. Just suck it up for a little while because in the following years, you’ll get to be the ones who boss the little rookies around.
Lauren Mottley Yearbook Editor in Chief
Kellie Kawamoto Sports Editor
Cyrus Takahashi Assistant Editor
Friday, July 31, 2009
Mililani High School
TROJAN
Freshman Issue
TIMES
2009 - 2010 School Year Calendar
Freshman Orientation Agenda Friday, July 31, 2009 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Pick up class schedules at Gym
12:42 - 12:52 p.m.
Period 2
8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Freshman Assembly in Gym
12:52 - 12:59 p.m.
Passing Time
9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Campus Tour
12:59 - 1:09 p.m.
Period 3
10:45 - 10:52 a.m.
Passing Time
1:09 - 1:16 p.m.
Passing Time
10:52 - 11:15 a.m.
Meet Advisory Teachers
1:16 - 1:26 p.m.
Period 4
11:15 - 12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:26 - 1:33 p.m.
Passing Time
12:15 - 12:25 p.m.
Passing Time
1:33 - 1:43 p.m.
Period 5
12:25 - 12:35 p.m.
Period 1
1:43 - 1:50 p.m.
Passing Time
12:35 - 12:42 p.m.
Passing Time
1:50 - 2:00 p.m.
Period 6 and Dismissal
Mililani High School Bell Schedule Mililani High School Daily Schedule 2009-2010 2009-2010 Monday
Tuesday
8:05
Wednesday
8:05
1
8:05
1
9:06
1
9:06 9:13
Friday
8:05
1
9:13
Thursday
8:05
2
8:59 9:06
9:06 9:13
9:06 9:13
advisory
2
9:35
2
3
School breaks
3
9:42 10:07 10:07
10:07
10:07
2
10:07 recess
10:07
recess 10:22
10:29
10:07
recess 10:22
10:29
10:31 10:31
Teacher workdays
10:07
Official school holidays
recess 10:22
10:29
10:22 10:29
recess
3
3
4
10:46
4
10:53 11:23 11:30
1st lunch
4
11:23 11:30
1st lunch
5
12:07 12:23
1:00
1:07
5
2:00
12:23 12:38
lunch Faculty/Staff Meetings
2:00
11:30
1st lunch
5
5
2nd lunch
12:07
Upcoming Events August 3
- First Day for all students - New Parents’ Orientation Night; 6 p.m. at the gym
August 7
- Welcome Assembly at the gym
August 12
- Open House
August 21
- Holiday – Admissions Day
12:23
1:00
1:08 1:07
6
11:23
12:07
12:38
1:07
6
5
5 1:00
1st lunch
11:42
12:07
2nd lunch
11:30
11:49
12:23
4
2nd lunch
11:23
4
5
2nd lunch
1:00
1:07
6
6 2:00
1st Lunch (Qtr 1 & 3) - Buildings L, N, O, P6-26, AG, Library 2nd Lunch (Qtr 1 & 3) - Buildings B, C, G, J, K, P1-5 & P27-29, Gym Note: When there is a "TAP" Wednesday schedule school gets out at 12:15 for lunch as there is no advisory. TAP Wednesdays are announced in advance, but average 2 per quarter around midterm and end of term. Per 1: 8:05-9:00 Per 2: 9:07-10:00 Per 4: 10:22-11:15 Per 5: 11:22-12:15 TAP: 12:52-1:25
2:00
Letter from the editor
Trojan Times The mission of the Trojan Times is to publicize events, share in the successes of students, promote the hard work of the faculty and capture the dedication of organizations. Editor in Chief Kelli-Anne Ho
Business Manager Lexi Kaneshiro
Assistant Editor Cyrus Takahashi
Adviser Mr. Christopher Sato
Copy Editor Noah Perales-Estoesta
Principal Dr. John Brummel
Sports Editor Kellie Kawamoto
Staff Lauren Mottley
The Trojan Times is a monthly publication of the Newswriting staff of Mililani High School 95-1200 Meheula Pkwy., Mililani, HI 96789
Dear freshmen, I remember being you. I remember the summer before my own freshman year and feeling so afraid, yet excited, not knowing how the next four years of my life would turn out. I tried to predict and plan out my high school career and what I imagined seemed reasonable: I would stay focused on school, join clubs and volunteer; I would stay close with my middle school best friends and stay close with my family. Well, there are some parts of your life that you will never be able to predict and some experiences that you had never imagined, will suddenly just happen. You will lose touch with some friends, but you will also meet and keep new ones.
Student organizations
At Mililani High School, we offer a variety of organizations to provide students with a place to pursue their interests and have a wide range of opportunities to volunteer with different services. HONORARY
SPECIAL INTEREST
National Honor Society (NHS)
Archery Club
Japanese NHS
Chess Club
Tri-M
Chip Chip Churrah (CCC!) Video game club
SERVICE
DECA
ASMHS (Student Government) Conflict Management Team Helping Out Youth (HO2Y)
Our
Interact Club (Rotary) Key Club (Kiwanis) Leo Club (Lions)
Book Club
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Fellowship Club Filipino Club Future Farmers of America (FFA) Club for Artists
Holo Holo
Fishing and diving club
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Lacrosse Club Math Club Mock Trial/ We the People Pacific Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) Polynesian Club Red Cross Club Rising Sun Anime SkillsUSA
Check out all of our organizations at the upcoming club fair. The date will be announced in a future morning bulletin in your first period class.
What was once your favorite subject could very well become your worst nightmare. You’ll try things you never thought you would and you will wish you had tried something when you had the chance. In the next four years, your mind will constantly change, so often that you’ll find yourself contradicting any previous thoughts. You might strive to be an engineer someday, but then later decide to be become a nurse. You might be great at tennis, but lack the passion for it and find an interest in painting. Priorities that used to be important to you will be replaced by new goals and dreams. High school will change you, I can promise you that. With every person you meet,
every new place you go, your perspective will change, and at times, you won’t even notice. It is now the summer before my last and final year. My high school experience, so far, has been nothing like I had pictured it to be. After three years of experiencing some of the biggest surprises, I start my senior year with this simple piece of knowledge to give to you: most things will not happen the way you visualize it, and sometimes that’s for the better. Welcome to the start of your own high school experience. Sincerely, Kelli-Anne Ho Editor in Chief
Dress code and student obligation information Dress code The MHS Dress Code ensures that students are dressed properly for the school setting which will help them to become productive and responsible citizens. • Bandanas, do-rags and nylon stockings are not allowed as headwear • Headwear such as hats, caps, dome caps, scarves and visors are allowed but must be removed when indoors • Sunglasses are allowed, but cannot be worn indoors • Tops/shirts must at least meet the waistband of bottom attire when standing normally – no skin or undergarment may be shown • Tube tops, midriff tops and strapless tops are not allowed • Necklines for tops must not be lower than the “line” across the underarms • Backless clothing or clothing that requires a tie to stay on or closed is not allowed • Bottom attire shorter than the bottom of the fist when the student is standing normally with both arms extended across the sides of the garment is not allowed • Underwear may not be worn as an outer garment and may not be exposed when sitting or standing normally
• Footwear must be worn at all times; no bare feet • Fashion that includes words, logos or pictures containing alcohol, tobacco, drugs, profanity, gang identification, bigotry, violence or sexual connotations is not allowed • Clothing, jewelry or other accessories that may be used as a weapon including, but not limited to sharp points, studs, spikes, metal or sharp pointed fingernails, razors, knives, leashes, nooses or clubs are not allowed • Torn, ripped or frayed clothing is not allowed Student obligations Students are held accountable for all lost and damaged textbooks and library books, equipment, supplies and financial obligations. Restitution must be made by the last day of the school year in which the financial obligation was incurred. Students who fail to make restitution shall be prohibited from participating in student activities in accordance with section 8-57-4 of Chapter 57. Adapted from the MHS planner
Class of 2013 officers Kelly
Kuroda President
Why did you decide to join student council? I decided to join student council because I wanted to become involved. High school is intimidating but I wanted to come in with a bang and make our first year here at Mililani High awesome.
After putting in hard work to make something happen, and then seeing everyone’s reaction when it’s a success is very rewarding. What qualities make up a good student council? What a good council needs is teamwork and people that will work hard. We are going to be doing a lot together and need to be able to cooperate. Also, if even just one member is slacking then it will affect everyone.
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m really looking forward to homecoming! I used to watch the parade in elementary school and I loved it. I’m excited to actually be a part of planning it this year. If you could have one superpower what would it be? What do you like about being in If I had superpowers I would want student council? to be like Dash in “The Incredibles.” What I like about student council I think it would be super cool to run is planning things for the students. that fast, and even run on water!
Reyvan
McClellan Secretary Why did you decide to join student council? ... I wanted to try something new and I thought it would be an exciting and great way to help all my peers transition into our first year as high (school students). What skills do you possess that qualify you for this position? The skills that I possess are: I’m very open-minded and always ready to try new things, I am very responsible and can keep myself well-organized and focused and I am a very easy-going person. What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to making many new friends and just finally
Rachel
Brewer Vice President
What skills do you possess that qualify you for this position? I think my many years of student council qualify me for the position of freshman (vice president). I know how meetings run and the responsibilities of being in student council. What qualities make up a good student council? I think as long as the students in the council are upbeat, creative and cooperative, then the council should be a good one. What are you looking forward to this year? I’m actually looking forward to homecoming because I’m curious if it’ll be anything like home-
comings in movies and TV shows. They always seem overly glamorous and flashy so it’d be nice to see what homecoming’s really like. What do you like about being in student council? I like meeting new people through student council. Everyone is always so nice in student council so meeting new people is a breeze and you have a ton more friends in the end. If you could have one super power what would it be? ... It would be to read people’s minds because it would take a lot of work (to ask) people what kind of spirit days they want and activities too.
Megan
Phung Treasurer
getting to experience high school life. What do you like about being in student council? I like being in the student council because it makes me feel important and because it’s a great way to help out my fellow peers and school. If you could have one superpower what would it be? ... I would have the ability to breathe under water because that way I could be a lifeguard and whenever someone is drowning or if it’s really high tide I could just save everyone really easily. I know it’s a silly superpower but I think it’s an awesome one!
Why did you decide to join student council? ... I thought it’d be interesting to help get students into their school spirit and make a difference. What are your goals for this year? A few of my goals would be to make our first year as freshmen the best and most memorable. What skills do you possess that qualify you for this position? ... I love math and I’m good at it, as well as I work well with all kinds of people. What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to seeing all
my old friends in the upper grade levels, and I’m looking forward to seeing my friends from the other tracks come together. What do you like about being in student council? One thing that I enjoy about being in student council is that I know I’m helping out the school with the different activities to bring out school spirit by letting them hear my opinions about things. What qualities make up a good student council? I think that student council members should have good leadership skills, excellent communication skills, as well as caring about what people have to say.