February 2017 | Volume 92, Issue V | Honolulu, Hawai‘i | A Voice for Students Since 1923
Attracting Diversity Through Campus Expansions By Sean Callahan ’18
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Kindergarten & First Grade
oday’s increasingly globalized world calls for innoKindergarten and vations that expand the focus of education to youth 1st grade Classroom development and international experience. ‘Iolani School Revival of Dorms has taken the first major step towards achieving that change with the release of its Strategic Master Plan for expanding and enhancing its campus. The new developments will give both the Upper School and the Lower D AT E S T R E E T School opportunities to significantly increase their capabilities. “‘Iolani’s Strategic Plan articulates a commitment to creating leading-edge facilities and programs that enable students to develop their unique talents and skills,” said Head of School Dr. Timothy Cottrell, “The Campus L Ā‘A U S T R E E T ( P R I VAT E R OA D) Master Plan is a further realization of this commitment.” The improvements signal a shift toward a more Head of School’s comprehensive and holistic approach to education at Residence Faculty Housing P–1 ‘Iolani School. A boarding program in the Upper School Faculty Housing and a new K-1 Community comprising of five buildings Security in the Lower School are among the upgrades coming to Castle ‘Iolani School. In the Upper School, ‘Iolani is reviving Building its boarding school tradition with the construction of an on-campusAdmission, residence that will be an option for local, Advancement, Convention Drive Security domestic, andBusiness international students. The building projOffice, Communications ect, which will begin in 2017, will house 112 students in LOW E R S C H O O L grades 9-12 and will be constructed where the head of Pedestrian Walkway Lower School school’s house is currently located. The residence proOffice gram will be open to students starting in the I–Wing 2018-2019 Building Lower School academic Nangaku year. While the boarding program may seem St. Main Office Library Kindergarten and Alban’s novel to many, ‘Iolani has a long legacy as a boarding Chapel 1st grade Courtyard school, from 1862 until 1959. In fact, Dr. Sun Yat-sen UP PER SCHOOL Ai Building was an ‘Iolani boarding school graduate in 1882, and is a testament to justLower how valuable this program can be. Autoline ‘Iolani is following in the footsteps of many prestiGym Gate PE Building gious U.S. universities, such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Duke, and the University of Pennsylvania, that have already created global studies programs to Basketball One Team Father Kenneth A. Bray Student Courts Fieldhouse promote the exchange of ideas and culture from around Upper Athletic Center Sullivan Center Dillingham Center Gym the world. Pool Entrance
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Hawai‘i’s Environment Threatened Under Trump K I N D E R G A R T ‘IOLANI E N SCHOOL & FInfirmary IRST GRADE
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fact that, on average, life expectancies are increasing.” However, Trump, with his lack of education in environmental research, pledges to slash funding for the Environmental Protection Agency, whose primary responsibility is to limit the nation’s carbon emissions. He also recently appointed Myron Ebell, a known climate change skeptic and former member of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to lead the EPA transition team. “It’s hard to say what the new administration will mean for Hawai‘i. Some think that four years is a short time and many of the measures in place cannot be removed that easily,” said Sustainability Specialist Dr. Debbie Millikan. “Unfortunately, the implications of not acting now to slow climate change will have a long-term impact on Hawaii as sea levels continue to rise, and the pH of the oceans decreases.” The chemistry and temperature of the ocean is important for the production of coral reefs. Ocean acidification, caused by an uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, dissolves the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral. As the essential habitat for countless fish and other sea creatures, a coral reef in poor health means a decline of the entire ecosystem. With Trump’s new environmental policy underway, Hawai‘i’s prized coral reefs are at a higher risk than ever before. Sea level rise is also an imposing issue for Hawai‘i’s coastal regions. According to a new analysis from real estate website Zillow, by 2100, some 37,000 Hawai’i homes could be underwater if global carbon emissions continue at their current rate. “The science behind climate change is just as clear as the science behind gravity,” said Millikan. Now a single question remains: can we refuse to believe in gravity the way Trump refuses believe in climate change? U
endangered plant and animal species, such as its coral Structure n January 20 2017, Donald J. Trump became the Baseball Weinberg Building reefs and schools of nativeField fish, cannot. 45th President of the United States. Hawai‘i, a Under the Obama Administration, the state of predominantly blue state, experienced its share of Kozuki Stadium Hawai‘i often felt it could leave a portion of environmixed reactions. The distressed wore all black to work Soccer mental responsibility to the federal government. Until Field and vowed to march in protest, the content discreetly now, branches such as the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service celebrated, and the rest threw up their arms and and the Environmental Protection Agency assisted the exclaimed, “Well, what can you do but accept it?” state, providing grants for endangered species restoration, Whatever your opinion on our country’s newest chief tracking native animals under the Endangered Species Eddie Hamada executive, find gratitude in the fact that you can speak Act and fining the state and counties thousands of Track & Field and advocate for your own interests, because Hawai‘i’s dollars for illegal cesspools. On a global scale, the former president led the U.S. to join the Paris Climate accord, an agreement to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius. With Trump’s presidency, comes drastic changes in views on almost every issue—environmental policy being H I H I WA I S T R E E Tno exception. Trump is cited on several occasions, calling climate change “a hoax.” On January 14, during 2014’s particularly frigid winter, Trump tweeted, “Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!” But a simple Google search on this argument lends a wealth of articles from Business Insider to Scientific American that disprove his ignorant assumption, explaining that there is a difference between weather and climate. Weather is what we see day-to-day (i.e., a blizzard). It refers to changes in the atmosphere over short periods of time, while climate describes the behavior of the atmosphere over long periods of time. As Business Insider put it, “Using weather (i.e., a few very cold days) as evidence against global warming (i.e., a decade of hotter summers) is kind of like using one man’s early death to disprove the Cartoon by Kyra Tan ’19
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Artist renderings of the new campus changes, which will begin in 2017. Artist rendering courtesy of G70, formerly known as Group 70 International.
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Pak Builds Prosthetics for the Pawless
Club of the Month
By Amy Nakamura ’17
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mid college applications, final exams, and regular schoolwork, Jane Pak ’17 took on another challenge: making comfortable prosthetics for disabled dogs. Fellow classmate and ‘Iolani Animal Welfare Alliance President Nicholas Chang ’17 approached Pak with the project in the beginning of the year. Pak is a member of the Animal Welfare Alliance and a summer volunteer at the Humane Society. “I’ve always loved animals,” explained Pak, smiling. “At one point, my whole goal for going to a mainland college was to get a hedgehog because they’re legal there.” Pauley and Petey, mixed terriers, were born without front legs, and Pak was determined to make life easier for them. The canines have difficulty keeping themselves up on their hind legs and moving around with ease. A small group of other students, Kaitlyn Flores ’17, Breana Leong ’17, Leah Toma ’17, and Maya Ushijima ’17, and teachers came together and brainstormed ideas for the initial “wheelchair” type contraption. They devised a harness with a breastplate attached to wheels
Petey, the older male terrier, gets fitted for a plastic breastplate. Photo courtesy of Maya Ushijima ’17
By Cameron Maeda ’19
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Jane Pak ’17 perfects the plastic breastplate models for the legless terriers.
to support the dogs’ upper bodies. The trial-and-error process was tedious but this did not deter Pak from helping the doggy duo. After multiple meetings and working sessions, Pak began to take the lead. She took measurements of the dog and used moldable plastic to shape the breastplate to fit their bodies. Petey, the older male dog, posed a challenge for Pak as his short stubs of legs had never properly developed. His situation forced Pak to change her design of the breastplate, carving it into an “I” shape to avoid the appendage from rubbing against his legs. Over the course of a few months, Pak has been altering and amending her designs to improve the dogs’ mobility. Her most recent design includes the attachment of two large wheels and a fitted harness. As she prepares for life in college, she is not sure who would be willing to maintain or repair the “wheelchairs” if something goes wrong. “A problem I noticed with this project is that the [harness is tailored to the] shape of their bodies, so if there is a problem with it and I’m away at college, no one will be here to fix it,” said Pak. “So, hopefully, either they’ll try to contact me, or I can leave it to some other kid in the upcoming generation.”
Campus Master Plan (continued) Ventures by these elite collegiate institutions and ‘Iolani share a common goal: to prepare students for a career in a globalized world. One central pillar of ‘Iolani’s new boarding program is to expose local ‘Iolani students to a diverse range of world views and ideas. In accordance with ‘Iolani’s Strategic Plan, the program will also “stimulate the exchange of ideas, foster a deeper cultural awareness, and build students’ desire to improve the world around them.” Dr. Cottrell believes that “an education that includes cross-cultural experiences for all ‘Iolani students will build truly meaningful and relevant competencies for their future careers.” The new skills acquired by ‘Iolani students via the boarding program will be in high demand once they enter the job market. According to Medium. com, the number of multinational corporations rose from 7,000 in the 1990s to 65,000 in 2013. Such a rapid expansion in international corporations creates a substantial need for young workers with the skills necessary to effectively contribute to an international marketplace. In the Lower School, ‘Iolani is developing a K-1 Community, comprised of five buildings, which will allow students to interact with the natural environment while learning. The modern design of the complex will incorporate nature both inside and outside the classroom. The buildings will surround a natural playground which can be used not only for recreation, but for classes as well. Inside the classrooms, fabricated treehouses will give students the opportunity to relax and read a book in a fun and comfortable environment. The blending of nature and modernity will strengthen educational opportunities for students by providing a space where creativity, imagination, and curiosity can thrive. “We are very excited that our new K-1 Community will enable approximately 30 percent more local students to enter ‘Iolani in kindergarten – the entry point of greatest demand – and experience the nuturing, small school atmosphere and intimate learning environment for which
dorms will house 112 students in grades 9-12
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Gay-Straight Alliance
available for use in the 2018-2019 academic school year 2018-2
ay. Many have thrown around the three-letter-word casually in their everyday language toward friends in a jokingly derogatory sense. However, we oftentimes may forget that this three-letter-word represents one of the biggest issues in the modern world. With Donald Trump in office, nationwide disputes over a variety of individuals’ rights have become more into focus. On June 26, 2015, the national government passed the law legalizing gay marriage. However, this does not necessarily mean the battle had been completely won. “There will always be conflict,” said Jeanette Charlotte Lum ’19, a GSA club member. “No matter what the issue—whether it be over gay rights or no—here will always be people who share different opinions on any given topic. There has never been a situation in the history of mankind where every individual on this planet has come to a common verdict. However, our primary goal in the Gay-Straight Alliance Club is to try to diminish the number of discriminators as much as possible.” The Gay-Straight Alliance dedicates itself towards increasing tolerance towards those with different sexualities and providing them with needed support. Last October, they made banners for, and marched in, the Pride Parade here on the island. “We’re pretty much a meeting-based club,” said Maria Stevenson ’19, a club member. “We talk about gay rights and how gay people are treated within the community. We also try to see how we can support them in any way possible.” Although some oppose the gay community due to their religion or other reasons, we must come to realize that homosexuals wouldn’t be putting up a fight as tough as this one if they didn’t truly believe in it. Even if people decide they don’t support homosexuality itself, they must learn to, at the very least, respect homosexuals. “The GSA club is a safe space for everyone,” Stevenson said. “Even if you’re not part of the LGBT community, it doesn’t matter. Everyone’s accepted.”
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the school is known,” said Jenai S. Wall, chair of ‘Iolani School’s Board of Governors. The design of the kindergarten buildings allows for two sections to work separately with a shared project area. Each of the two learning studios per building will house 24 students and two teachers. The new classrooms allow for an increase in learning area, from 45 square feet per student to 79 square feet per student.The project area will be able to accommodate a variety of activities, from arts to science and even gardening. The first grade buildings will reduce class sizes from 38 students with two teachers to just 16 students with one teacher. Like the grade K community, the first grade space will provide for a sizeable increase in learning area, in this case from 37 square feet per student to 85 square feet per student. The first grade classrooms emphasize collaboration, with the ability to merge the two separate classes via retractable walls. In addition, the shared treehouse reading space will encourage not only development of literacy, but cross-class interaction. In anticipation of the increase in grade level sizes due to the new developments, a set of Lower School labs and studios will be developed. The two additional buildings will have distinctive spaces for project-based learning, hands-on experiments, digital performance, and live production. The diverse range of possibilities will give the Lower School an exceptional environment that will inspire creativity, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary learning. With these world-class developments, ‘Iolani is exemplifying its dedication to offering its students a top-tier education. By adapting to a changing workforce and capitalizing on modern technology and research, ‘Iolani has designed a plan which ensures success for all of its students for years to come.
The ‘Iolani GSA members’ painted banner for the October 2016 Pride Parade. Photo courtesy of Maya Oda ’19
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FEATURES3
Math Teacher Uncovers the Ocean Floor Abroad
By Liam Monahan ’20
watch. Finally, when the day was done, everyone would he field of oceanography has just retire back to their cabins. Life on the ship was pretty been opened to new major discovcramped, as Kline compared it to staying in a confined eries with the Falkor research vessel’s space with thirty of your classmates for three weeks. recent landing on the docks of Honolulu, Now, back on campus after her long journey, Kline bringing with it our very own Ms. Jena is excited to share her experience, continue connecting Kline. A math teacher by profession but classrooms to Falkor and its research, and find ways to an oceanographer at heart, Kline is pasincorporate science and technology into her math classsionate for all things natural. Whether room. Her time aboard Falkor was, in her eyes, a great it be studying the big blue or running experience since she was able to not only pursue her love across mountain trails, you can always of the ocean, but also to share it with others. She encourfind her in the great outdoors. So, just ages students interested in a career in oceanography to what did this outdoor entusiast do over seek out student-at-sea opportunities, since nothing can the past month? She sailed across the beat hands-on field work with some of the best scientists Pacific with 30 other people for almost in the world. For her it was “an eye opening experience three weeks on a mission to discover the just to be there, [to] meet the crew, and get a sense of the depths of the unknown! But that begs technology.” the question: Why? Looking back at her life before Inside the Falkor teaching, we learned that Kline earned The Falkor is a vessel commissioned to advance a masters in oceanography from the oceanographic research, discovery, and knowledge, and University of Hawai‘i. She did not catalyze sharing of information about the oceans. This solely pursue this field though, as she is 272-foot long, 43-foot wide metallic masterpiece has now a full-time teacher. However, after Ms. Kline poses for a blog photo aboard the Falkor Research Vessel. underwater multi-beam sonar and two large antenna that hearing from a friend about an opportunity to get back Photo courtesy of the Shmidt Ocean Intitute. enables its crew to conduct cutting edge research while on research vessel for the first time since grad school, for those who don’t quite have their “sea legs.” “The first connecting with classrooms and labs all across the world. she jumped on it. She was so committed, in fact, that she day when we left Guam, the sea was pretty rough. We Currently in its fifth year of operation, Falkor serves at took a semester-long hiatus in the hope that she would be ended up going south for a while to avoid the trade winds a gathering place for scientists, engineers, teachers, and selected to join one of the research expeditions. Evenand the choppy conditions that would’ve affected the even artists from all over the world to explore the untually, she received a call to join the crew on the Falkor boat, but people were still having a rough time with the known and to share new discoveries with the world. before the start of our fall semester, which ran from waves,” recalled Kline. “I’d say about half of the people December 29 through January 16. on board were really sea sick the first two days, and when Kline had the honor of joining this prestigious crew on you’re sea sick... So the first couple the small island of Guam, where the voyage started. The days everyone just disappeared into mission of this particular journey was to map sections their cabin.” It wasn’t until the voyage of the ocean floor between Guam and Hawai‘i, focusing headed north toward Johnston Atoll on an area in the Pacific Remote Islands Marine Nationthat the crew would truly get into the al Monument near Johnston Atoll. This had been done before with satellites, but as Kline explains, “The satellite swing of things. After a somewhat rough start, Kline imagery uses the gravitational pull of the Earth to get a and crew would begin a normal really rough idea of what the ocean floor looks like. It’s schedule of life aboard the Falkor. The kind of like picturing if you throw a sheet over a chair, day would start off with a breakfast you can kind of see what the chair looks like; but, take from 7:00 through 8:00 AM. After the sheet away, and you can tell more about the details that, people could venture off to blog and the textures, and get a detailed look at the chair.” online, talk to classrooms, or stand To journey across the seas and discover the unknown watch. Lunch, dinner, and a midnight sounds adventurous and exhilarating to most, but life meal allowed crew to pop in and get aboard the ship does take some getting used to, especially The Falkor sets off on one of its many discovery missions to further map the ocean floor. something to eat when they were not on Photo courtesy of the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
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Embracing Life’s Obstacles with Mr. Richard Blanco By Eve Huddleston ’19
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reoccupied with life’s daily hurdles, we often are unaware of how the little challenges accumulate into experiences that shape our future selves. The dreaded math quiz, the unresolved argument, the crush you can hardly look in the eye, seem insurmountable. However, with each of these challenges, we learn something new about ourselves and the world around us. As a first generation immigrant to America and ‘Iolani’s 2017 Keables Chair, Mr. Richard Blanco understands and celebrates these elements of life through his writings and poetry. “Made in Cuba, assembled in Spain, imported to the United States” is how Mr. Blanco describes himself and underscores his search for ‘home,’ which is a theme for many of his poems. Growing up with a tight community of family members, all Cuban exiles, Blanco began as a youth to create his own identity that was “different” from the society around him. Though he has always had a passion for writing, he was encouraged by his parents to follow a path into engineering, which they believed would offer a more stable career. After working as a civil engineer in Miami with a degree from Florida International University, Blanco’s passion for poetry beckoned him to return to Florida International University to earn a Master of Fine Arts under his mentor Campbell McGrath. As engineer by day and poet by night, Blanco’s poetry career sky rocketed as he published many books, each receiving numerous awards. After writing his first book, “City of a Hundred Fires” in 1998, Blanco accepted a job at Central Connecticut State University as a professor of writing.
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Fascinated with the idea of “belonging,” Blanco travtive,” says Blanco. Since the address, Blanco has traveled eled around the world, which inspired his second book, the country speaking to groups and writing poetry that “Directions to The Beach.” After teaching at Georgetown has won numerous awards. and American University in Washington, DC, Blanco “I’ve traveled around a lot and lived in a couple of places continued his engineer career in Miami and then moved so it always fascinates me to look at other people and see to Bethel, Maine to complete his third collection of what makes home for them, and what that means.” Be it poems: “Looking for the Gulf Motel.” That same year, your family home or an apartment in New York, home Blanco was chosen by President Obama to speak at his is wherever you feel most comfortable. “I think home is second inauguration. Reading his original poem, “One like asking what love means; there is really no final answer Today,” Blanco was the first Latino, immigrant, and and it kinda surprises you where you feel at home and openly gay person to read at an inaugural address. “I where you don’t.” think something really amazing about the inaugural address is that you feel you are a part of something larger and it’s not about you, it’s not about the president, it’s not about Beyoncé. That moment was really for everyone else. I still thought of being an American was some kid on the TV in some other neighborhood with some other history and that moment sort of acknowledged that I do have a place Richard Blanco speaks at the annual Keables Chair Community Night. in the American narra-
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EDITORIALS4
The Electoral College’s Failure and Donald Trump’s Ineptitude By Jake Steiner ’18
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n November 8, 2016, Hillary Clinton won the election by, at the most recent count, almost three million votes. However, Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States because he won the Electoral College. The Electoral College is a system put in place by the Founding Fathers who did not trust the everyday American to directly elect their leaders. This system of electors as middlemen was intended, according to Alexander Hamilton in Federalist #68, to safeguard the nation against candidates who are grossly unqualified or have proven themselves to be unfit to lead this nation. The most recent presidential election has proven that the Electoral College has completely failed in this regard. Mr. Trump, who lost the election by three million votes and yet is now the president, has proven himself on numerous occasions unfit to govern the United States of America. He has been denounced by every end of the political spectrum-- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents-for his words and deeds. Nearly all congressional Democrats have in some way condemned Mr. Trump, but two stand out in particular. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), who is largely considered to be a frontrunner for a 2020 presidential bid, declared that Trump is a “loud, nasty, thin-skinned fraud, who has never risked anything for anyone and who serves no one but himself” (11 June 2016). Former Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has used the Senate floor as a mouthpiece for a number of attacks on Mr. Trump, calling him bigoted, racist, and a “sexual predator” (11 November 2016). From the GOP, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) described him as a “race-baiting, xenophobic bigot. He doesn’t represent my party,” (8 December 2015) and is “so unfit to be commander-in-chief” (17 August 2015).
Cartoon by Kylie Murayama ’17
In addition, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who is the poster child of the far-right “tea party” movement, describes Mr. Trump as a “pathological liar” who is “utterly amoral” (3 May 2016). Evan McMullin, who is a conservative independent, ran against Mr. Trump, an action which in itself indicates the strong opposition to Mr. Trump’s candidacy and nomination, and is compounded by the fact that Mr. McMullin won 21% of the vote in Utah, a consistently Republican state.
Mr. Trump has also publicly admitted to acts which are morally and ethically dubious, one of which is a felony. He created a fraudulent for-profit university, Trump University. The “university” did not offer college credit, nor degrees and was not an accredited college, although it was marketed as such. Subsequently, Trump University (which in 2010 was renamed “Trump Entrepreneur
Initiative, LLC”) was the subject of a number of legal actions. A letter written in March 2010 from the New York Deputy Commission on Higher Education asserted that “Use of the word ‘university’ by your corporation is misleading and violates New York Education Law.” On August 24, 2016, the state of New York filed suit for $40 million, alleging illegal business practices and false claims. The University was also twice the subject of a class-action suit from former students, both of which were settled for a combined $25 million. Mr. Trump also encouraged a foreign power, Russia, long considered to be a rival of the United States, to hack Hillary Clinton. After it was revealed through Wikileaks that Russia hacked the Democratic National Committee’s email servers, Mr. Trump said, “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails. I’m sure you’ll be rewarded greatly,” (27 July 2016) referencing the emails on a private server which Mrs. Clinton used and deleted while she was Secretary of State. Such incitement of cyberwarfare against his own country is extremely dubious ethically and, by some definitions, could be interpreted as treason. Perhaps most alarmingly, Mr. Trump has admitted, again almost boastfully, to sexual assault in the now infamous Access Hollywood hot mic scandal with Billy Bush (2005, released October 7, 2016), the details of which are quite frankly too distasteful to be written in a school newspaper. In Mr. Trump’s home state of New York, baseline sexual assault, which is defined as “subjecting another person to sexual contact without the person’s consent” is a Class C felony, punishable by up to ten years in prison, per New York Penal Code sections 130.52 - 130.70. For these reasons, the Electoral College is a complete and utter failure, and it is not the generation who voted Mr. Trump in, but our generation and all generations to come, who will suffer the consequences. This is not democracy. This is indefensible.
Top 10 Movies of 2016: ‘Iolanis’s Movie Club President Weighs In By Joshua Chun ’17
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10 Cloverfield Lane
Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Michelle, a girl who is abducted and held in a homemade bomb shelter with two other men (John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr.) who believe the world is under a mass chemical attack. What follows is a twisted game of cat-and-mouse between Michelle and her kidnapper. Winstead shines as a strong female heroine, one who uses her intellect and ingenuity to get out of tight situations. Goodman is also fantastic as an intimidating and mysterious man who is not to be messed with. The film keeps you on your feet for nearly all of its 100-minute runtime and then abruptly pulls the rug out from you in a rousing, “I never saw that coming” finale.
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Rouge One: A Star Wars Story
“Star Wars” is back with a nostalgic trip that can also stand alone, without the preceding series. We follow Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones, and a ragtag group of rebels, as they plot to steal the plans of the Death Star. With its final act boasting top-notch special effects and some of the best battles in Star Wars history, the film gives the viewer a true sense of the ‘wars.’ Most impressive is the film’s addition to the narrative and lore in the Star Wars universe -- you will want to immediately rewatch “Episode IV - A New Hope After.”
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Swiss Army Man
Daniel Radcliffe stars as a farting, talking corpse who tries to help his friend escape from the woods in this wildly original movie. What could have been played off as sophomoric and dumb is actually quite profound in its messages about life, love, and relationships. It is an endearing, feel good movie that is wholly unpredictable and charmingly weird.
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The Lobster
Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz star in another original film about a world where single people have 40 days to find a mate or else they will be turned into an animal. The film is funniest when its sharp satire shows how baffling the basis of some relationships can be. The second half of the film delves a little deeper into this subject and shifts into a more thoughtful, serious tone that gives distinct social commentary about love and relationships.
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Everybody Wants Some!!
Acclaimed director Richard Linklater takes us back to the 1980s with a story about college baseball players enjoying the hum of life. Without much of a plot, the film shows the freedom of its characters and their carefree, party-every-night lifestyles. This is a funny film that features memorable characters and is overall a great time at the movies.
Arrival
This is a smart, contemplative science-fiction film disguised as a personal drama. The film stars Amy Adams as a linguist who tries to communicate with aliens. What follows is a powerful, moving film about the importance of language and living life to the fullest. This film will stay with you for days, weeks, even months.
La La Land
Ryan Gosling stars as a jazz pianist who falls for an aspiring actress, played by Emma Stone. Similar to the director’s previous film “Whiplash,” this film, at its core, is about pursuing your passion no matter the circumstances. It is sure to connect with anyone who has aspired to do anything in their life. The film’s delightful first half is followed with an exploration of the leads’ relationships as each one pursues their own passion. It is both inspiring and tragic.
Sing Street
Set in 1980s Dublin, Ireland, this coming-of-age story about a boy trying to win a girl by forming a band is the feel-good movie of the year and an instant classic. With a plethora of tremendously catchy songs and an infectious ‘80s soundtrack, this movie will have you humming after the credits roll and brimming with joy.
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Nocturnal Animals
Director/Designer Tom Ford tells a layered, emotionally charged revenge story that will leave you speechless after the credits roll. The film stars Amy Adams as Susan, an art gallery owner who is haunted by her ex’s novel that he (Jake Gyllenhaal) sends her. The film aptly balances flashbacks of their relationships and real life. It is up to the viewer to piece the different storylines together and come to their own interpretation of what everything means. ‘Nocturnal Animals’ is true work of art that will make you think twice about a former fling and how you left things off.
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Moonlight
Chronicling the life of a young black man growing up in the Miami projects in three separate chapters, this film is everything 2014’s “Boyhood” strived to be. The film explores themes of sexuality and identity surrounding a gay, alienated boy, named Chiron. Each of the three actors who portray Chiron give singular, authentic performances that never miss a beat. Mahershala Ali also shines as a father figure to Chiron who harbors some of his own demons. In addition, Barry Jenkins’ poetic, masterful direction solidify him as a front-runner in the Oscar race. This is the quintessential American film of the year and one not to be missed.
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Pull Away the Curtains! By Alec Tam ’20
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et ready to pull away the curtains in this year’s spring musical! “Curtains,” ‘Iolani’s spring musical, has received eight Tony Awards nominations, including Best Musical, Best
teacher and Director Robert Duval. When asked why he chose “Curtains” for this year’s spring musical, Duval said, “We have so many talented ‘Iolani students. I wanted a musical that would give
Behind the Scenes With IDP Member Kelli Ann Kimura ’17
Q: What is the most important part of Sets & Props? A: In terms of being in the theater, we’re the first ones in with lights and sound, and we’re the last to leave. We have to break everything down and send it all in trucks to either take it back to school or the places we got it from. During the actual show, it’s really important that we have our own queue. If things aren’t there by the time the actors need them, then we have a huge problem that we can’t really fix because if we bring it on late then it’s pretty obvious. Q: What is your favorite prop? A: We haven’t seen some of the props yet, and I’m really excited because it’s a murder mystery so there’s a lot of random, old-school props that you would find in the old shows that are really cool. Q: What is the most difficult part? A: I feel that we spend the most time in total. We’re there on Wednesday, and everyone else starts on Thursdays except for the lights and sound. We’re the ones who have to come early on Saturday rehearsals, too.
Image courtesy of Multi Media Production.
Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. The musical described by the New York Times as, “a declaration of love, passionate love, for the theater,” is coming to Hawaii Theatre on February 23-25! A talented cast from the ‘Iolani Dramatic Players will bring alive the musical in which themes of death and love, combined with humor and suspense, will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering who is the perpetrator of the mysterious murder. “Like most musicals, it includes a love story, but the addition of a Boston lieutenant trying to solve a murder or two and help this struggling theatrical troupe fix their musical makes the show extremely fun,” says Theatre
numerous students a chance to perform strong roles.” Ernette Au, math and psychology teacher, and Heidi Park ’18 agree that the music is one of the best parts of the show. “At one point in the end of the musical, all the music intertwines with each other,” said Park. “The last song is full of nitpicks of all the songs we sang. It all comes together, and it sounds amazing.” Whether it’s the great music, the humor, the intriguing mystery, or a cast full of talent, everyone has a reason to come watch “Curtains”! Mark your calendars for 7 pm, February 23-25 at Hawaii Theatre and unravel the clues in this hilarious and puzzling show! See you there!
Q: Personally, what made you join IDP and specifically S&P? A: I actually started with Publicity in 7th grade. I had a lot of fun in Publicity because you’re selling tickets and talking to people. Then in 10th grade, I met some people on Sets and Props, and I really enjoyed hanging out with them. I wanted to be involved in the musical somehow, and it’s not like I can’t sew, but I’m not great with costumes. I’m not the best at hair and makeup either. I really enjoyed being with the people in S&P so I stuck with it. Q: Anything you’d like to add? A: All the parts of the props and set design are important because they all have to work in harmony. If one part is late or not there, everything else gets messed up.
35 Years of Positive Vibes at Variety Show By Jasmine Kung ’19
show over to the Student Activities Office (SAO). Michelle Morioka ’08, the co-director of Student Activities, remembers performing at the Variety Show as a member of the ‘Iolani Dance Team. “It was pretty nerve-wracking to perform in front of the entire Upper School, especially the time when I did a duet. But as a dancer, it’s a little easier because your focus is changing constantly,” said Morioka. “I can’t Himari Fujimoto ’19, left, and Kasidy Honnaka ’19 show their “grand battement” form in ‘Iolani imagine what it’s like for Dance Team Team Black’s performance of “Ayo,” choreographed by Jamie Lee ’13. // the people who sing by Photo courtesy of John Tamanaha themselves or in a duo -- all n 1982, Frank Briguglio started teaching English to eyes are on you and you’re Upper School students at ‘Iolani School. As he grew just looking out into the audience.” accustomed to the school and became acquainted with Today, there are definitely more singers and fewer more people, he realized “There were some teachers bands. The ‘Iolani Dance Team continues to impress the and certainly a lot of students with talents, who weren’t crowd every year with their fun choreography and vibrant getting enough opportunities to be on stage.” spirit. Along with a couple of other teachers, Briguglio This year, on January 27, students again showcased began to organize a talent show for both faculty and stutheir extraordinary talents. The performance included dents to share their gifts with the entire school. a great variety of acts, from a performance of Whitney “There was a lot of spontaneity,” said Briguglio. “There Houston’s “How Will I Know” by Celine Carr ’22 to a were a few years when it was just all bands. But then piano “duel” between Megan Tagami ’19 and Joshua there was a lot of variety. We had stand-up comedy and Morisaki ’19. magic acts. I always made sure that our dance classes “This was my first time performing in the Variety Show, would have an opportunity to perform.” so I was really nervous, especially right before we started The show took place in the Lower Gym, which had an performing,” said Tagami. “However, once we started the actual stage at the time. After 20 years of holding audiperformance, everything went by really tions and running the show, Briguglio decided to hand the quickly and I really enjoyed myself. I thought it was
really fun and exciting when people started clapping and singing to YMCA.” Special guest and professional ukulele performer Jake Shimabukuro also surprised the crowd with a performance of “Tokada” along with Noah Lau ’18 and Jake Tsuchiyama ’19, before impressing the crowd with his solo renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” “Having the opportunity to play with Jake Shimabukuro was a honor, as well as an extremely beneficial experience towards the growth of my ability as a musician and the development of my character,” said Tsuchiyama. While Variety Show has seen many changes, one thing remains constant: the One Team spirit. “Our audience is always amazingly supportive and open-minded, no matter what the act is,” said Briguglio. “It’s the One Team spirit tangibly in front of you.”
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From left: Frank Briguglio, Chuck Nakoa, Bernie Ching, and Kermit Apio perform at the 1985 Variety Show in the Lower Gym. // Photo Courtesy of Frank Briguglio
2/7/17 10:45 AM
LOWER SCHOOL6
What’s New in Lower School By Alisha Churma ’19 & Eve Huddleston ’19
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eading and the performing arts have long been hailed as necessities to a well-rounded education. In Iolani’s Lower School, new changes are bringing new opportunities for students. With the new schedule, which mimics the Upper School schedule, students have had more time to enjoy a good book, as well as to explore new opportunities in the arts. In this day and age, it is easy to lose oneself in technology. However, ‘Iolani’s Lower School is working to bring back the traditional joys of reading a good book. “We’re moving into a new approach to literacy-- it is encouraging the kids to read,” said Dean of the Lower School Mrs. Linda Look. “Part of the reason a lot of
kids gave up reading was there’s just no time.” The Lower School recently implemented D.E.A.R.: Drop Everything and Read, which offers the students an opportunity to take a break from their daily school expectations and to appreciate reading. Teachers have provided more free reading time for all and designated reading areas called “Reading Nooks” in some classrooms. These Reading Nooks feature a cozy carpeted area with various comfortable chairs, surrounded by shelves of books of various levels. The Nooks have been completed over the last couple years. “All the kindergarten faculty have made a space to read. The sixth grade reading areas were done two years ago. Then, this past summer second grade teachers renovated their rooms. K-Mauka just did theirs this summer,” said Mrs. Look. Sixth Grader Cole Young ’23 is enjoying the Reading Nooks. “I like all the books that there are and it is very comfortable with the bean bags and pillows,” he said. Jake Arita ‘29 and Kai White ‘29 from K-Mauka enjoy reading in their Reading Nooks. Along with the changes to the
Keeley Kobayashi ‘29 reads in K-Mauka’s new Reading Nook
reading curriculum, the Performing Arts have also seen some developments. Previously, fourth and fith graders have had the choice to either take a performing art or study hall. With the new changes, students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades are required to take a performing art. Additional classes include: Musical Theater, regular Theater, and dance, as well as the classic hula and chorus. Though focused on academic achievement, Lower School students have begun to diversify their time to include performing arts and free reading. With all of these changes, students will now be able to truly understand the joy and value that reading brings.
Humans of ‘Iolani Share Their Perfect Relationship By Taylor Arakaki ’19 & Lexi Masca ’19
Brody Awaya ’26
Tyler Benn ’23
Q: What do you look for in a girl? A: I want a good girl. Someone who is not irritating and not afraid to hang out. Q: Describe what she would look like. A: Looks don’t matter I guess, but I do have a preference. Hot, she’s supposed to be hot. Black or brown eyes, black or brown hair, and she can’t be super tall. They have to be over 5’0”, they can’t be under 4’7”. They have to be shorter. Q: If you could date a celebrity, who would you date? A: I would date Caitlin Jenner...I’m just kidding, I’m just kidding. I would date either Beyoncé or Jennifer Lopez, because they’re hot. For them I approve.
Q: What do you look for in a boy? A: He has to be smart. He has to go to college and get a job as a teacher, so my kids would go to school where he teaches. He would make a lot of money so he can buy food such as carrots and broccoli. Q: Describe what he would look like. A: Blonde hair, blue eyes, and plays soccer. Q: Describe your perfect date. A: The movie theatre, The Secret Life of Pets, butter popcorn, fruit punch, and cotton candy.
Q: What do you look for in a girl? A: She has to be a nerd, so we can do all my taxes and do all my homework. Also, she would be smart so she could do my homework and pay my taxes. She would make a lot of money and be a brain surgeon. I would date Taylor Swift. Q: Describe what she would look like. A:She would have braces, glasses, red hair, and black eyes. She’d be short, 5’7”, but wide. Q: Describe your perfect date. A: Is there such thing called nerd palace? If not, we’d pick up pepperoni pizza from Pizza Hut and take it to my house. Then she would invite two friends, and we could make our own nerd party.
Hala‘i Fujimoto ’28
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2/7/17 10:49 AM
Back on the Water After a Seven-Year Drought By Nagem Uiagalelei ’19
‘I
olani’s proximity to the Ala Wai Canal and the open ocean makes it easy for our paddlers to spend quality time out on the water. It is crucial for a crew to practice
The mixed crew poses for a photo after earning third place in the six mile race. From left to right: Logan Rubasch ‘18, Reuben Lee ‘19, Bradley Lee ‘17, Aloha Cerit ‘18, Sierra Hamamoto ‘19, Kylie Tamashiro ‘17
together to ensure their timing is in sync. During the winter season, Jessie Desmarais ’18, Logan Rubasch ’18, Aloha Cerit ’18, Bradley Lee ’17, Sierra Hamamoto ’19 and Reuben Lee ’19 came together to form ‘Iolani’s mixed crew this year. The mixed crew consists of three boys and three girls ranging from grades 10 to 12. They practice for roughly 12 hours a week to reach their goals. This hard work and dedication earned the mixed crew a spot in the state race. The boy’s and girl’s personalities and skills compliment each other well. “The girls bring a lot of positivity and energy that would be lacking on a boys team,” says Rubasch, a first-year paddler, who has worked hard to help his team reach the state race. Cerit has been paddling since her freshman year and dedicates her improvement to her teammates. “I have pushed myself to become a better paddler because I have the boys on the team to inspire me.” Their strong work ethic and unbreakable bond have helped each of them become a better paddler and teammate. Paddlers learn not only to be responsible and dependable, but also what the One Team motto truly
means. In paddling, it means six people contributing and working to move the boat as fast as possible. The coaches remind members that these skills translate into the classroom as well. Therefore, they push the student athletes to be better paddlers as well as better members of the community. This season has challenged the mixed crew to try new things and work with different people. Lee served as the crew’s steersman this season and worked hard to contribute everything he could both in and out of the boat. “I think I improved on my technique a lot as well as open ocean steering over this season,” he said. Hamamoto agreed that she has also improved her technique by learning about the mechanics of paddling. Saturday, February 4th, was the first time in seven years that an ‘Iolani crew has participated in states. Despite their best efforts, the crew fell short of the final race by just .04 seconds. “It’s not always about winning,” said Desmarais. “Knowing that we were able to represent our school together was the best feeling.”
Polynesian Bowl Picks Minami and Chang By Jake Kaneda ’18
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ith a new year, comes a new high school bowl game. The inaugural Polynesian Bowl, consisting of 84 high school seniors across the nation, took place on Saturday, January 22, at Aloha Stadium. The Polynesian Bowl’s first year roster included star-studded talent, such as AJ Espensa, a defensive lineman who has committed to play for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, and quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, who will join the University of Michigan Wolverines. ‘Iolani seniors Evan Minami and Cameron Chang were two out of the 40 players from Hawai‘i selected to participate in the game. Both were selected to play for Team Mariota, with starting quarterback Marcus Mariota as its captain. Team Mariota matched up against Team Stanley, whose captain was Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens’ starting left tackle. The Hawai‘i high school seniors were chosen from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser 2016 First and Second All-State Football teams. Practices and events filled the week leading up to the Bowl. During the Bowl, Minami handled the kicking duties such as punting, place-kicking, and kickoff, while
Raise the Banners!
Chang long snapped for Minami during punts, field goal attempts, and PAT (Point After Touchdown) attempts. The time at the bowl was unforgettable for them. “It felt like a dream come true experience,” said Minami. Chang added that, “although I didn’t play that big of a role in the game, only long snapping, the atmosphere was still competitive and fun.” Although some would say the two did not play a big role throughout the game, the importance of their positions were very significant. Without Minami’s kicking, there would have been no PAT’s, and Chang’s long snapping was huge as he was the one snapping the ball for Minami to kick. Both Minami and Chang had such a unique opportunity, and made history as participants of the Inaugural Polynesian Bowl. Chang expressed the honor he felt in taking part in the game. “It was a great experience to play alongside some of the top players in the nation, in an atmosphere that was competitive and fun at the same time.”
Cameron Chang ’17 and Evan Minami ’17 pose for a photo before the inaugural Polynesian Bowl game. // Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ohta
February Signing: National Letter of Intent
JONAH BUCHANAN
2016-2017
ILH CHAMPIONS
TYLER EBISUYA
Girls D-IAA Basketball 2016-2017
ILH CHAMPIONS
Boys D-I Soccer
SHANTEL TORRES-BENITO
“Our team is the epitome of ‘hard work pays off.’ I couldn’t be more proud of my boys.” -Alex Liu ’18
CAMBRIE MOTOOKA
KYLEE KIM-BUSTILLOS
2016-2017
HHSAA CHAMPIONS
Girls D-I Soccer
Left to right: Jonah Buchanan ’17, Tyler Ebisuya ’17, Shantel Torres-Benito ’17, Cambrie Motooka ’17, Kylee Kim-Bustillos ’17, and Makana LaBoy ’17 // Photo courtesy of Mr. Todd Fleming
MAKANA LABOY
Harmonies For The Heart
By Alisha Churma ’19 & Jasmine Kung ’19
V
alentine’s Day is here! While chocolates and flowers are great, but everyone, whether single or in a relationship, can celebrate with some good music. Check out these popular playlists!
Imua LTE
100%
Imua LTE
# Single Playlist
100%
# Taken Playlist
1. Single Ladies (by Beyoncé)
1. You Are The Music In Me (from
Mix)
2. She Will Be Loved (by Maroon 5) 3. Lucky (by Jason Mraz ft. Colbie
2. Shout Out To My Ex (by Little 3. We Don’t Talk Anymore (by Charlie Puth ft. Selena Gomez) 4. All By Myself (by Eric Carmen) 5. Really Don’t Care (by Demi Lovato)
6. Send My Love To Your New Lover (by Adele) 7. Payphone (by Maroon 5) 8. Me, Myself, & I (by G-Eazy ft. Beba Rexha)
9. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (by Taylor Swift) 10. Ridin’ Solo (by Jason Derulo)
High School Musical)
Caillat)
4. All My Loving (by The Beatles) 5. You Belong With Me (by Taylor
Swift)
6. A Thousand Years (by Christina
Perri)
7. Photograph (by Ed Sheeran) 8. Can I Have This Dance (from High School Musical)
9. Make You Feel My Love (by
Adele)
10. Say You Won’t Let Go (by
James Arthur)
Proconsul Corner: Parties And Pick-Up Lines H
APPY VALENTINE’S EVERYONE! Don’t you just love, love? Today,Valentine’s Day, we have some fun activities planned for you. During lunch, we will have another awesome Riff Off. Come support your favorite teams in the Center Courtyard! Also...Excited for No Homework Weekend? Kick it off right with The L17 (Lit) Event after school on Friday, February 17th! There will be live entertainment, featuring The Hydrolites, bounce houses, a Henna booth, and food vendors like Taste Tea, Waiola’s, and Aloha Crepes. Don’t miss out! If you are having trouble coming up with the perfect message to send to that special someone, we have found some great, and some not-so-great pick-up lines for friends -- m and more than friends.
--
If practice makes perfect, then your parents’ names must be practice and practice. Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you, the entire room became beautiful. Hey, what’s your sign? ...Wow, I’m a Gemini! According to the stars, we’re supposed to have a mutually supportive and noncompetitive positive relationship! I wish I could rearrange the alphabet and have U and I go bowling.
My love for you is like diarrhea, I just can’t hold it in! If you were a potato, you’d be a good potato. Some people call me ______, but you can call me tonight! Your hand looks heavy, let me hold it for you. Do you know what my shirt is made of? Boyfriend/Girlfriend material. Roses are red / Violets are blue / I’m bad at rhyming / You’re pretty. Proconsuls Joshua Chun ’17 , Koa Among ’17, and Dane Nakama ’17.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AMY NAKAMURA
SPORTS EDITOR TIANA HANNEMANN
MANAGING EDITORS SEAN CALLAHAN SARA HUI
LOWER SCHOOL EDITOR EVE HUDDLESTON
ONLINE EDITOR WINSTON WEI
COPY EDITOR ISABELLA CHANG
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STAFF TAYLOR ARAKAKI ALISHA CHURMA CHANNAH RANAE GARCIA JESSICA MAE GUILLERMO JAYSON GUO ETHAN HUI JASMINE KUNG CAMERON MAEDA LEXIE MASCA
LIAM MONAHAN RESS NGUYEN BAYLIE RODRIGUES IAN STONE ALEC TAM NAGEM UIAGALELEI STEPHANIE WANG CARTOONISTS KYLIE MURAYAMA KYRA TAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOSHUA CHUN JAKE KANEDA JAKE STEINER ADVISORS MRS. LAURIE CHANG MS. JENNA TAMASHIRO
2/7/17 10:52 AM