October 26, 2015

October 2015 | Volume 91, Issue II | Honolulu, Hawai‘i A Voice for Students Since 1923

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The History of Homecoming ByRachel Bowler ’16 and Kanalu Monaco ’20

Shortest Homecoming Ever?

BySara Hui ’18

Class float. ‘Iolani School Bulletin, Winter 1974. ‘Iolani School Archives

FLOATS Each class in the Upper School, including 7th and 8th graders, would convert an old flatbed into a colorful and flashy float. After weeks of hard work, the school would parade down to Hawaii Stadium, now known as Old Stadium Park. The student body would walk around the parade. A competition determined which class built the best float.

BURNING OF THE I In years past, the Burning of the I was only led by the ‘Iolani Sons and Daughters. Now, the I is ignited by ‘Iolani alumni, two teachers, the Proconsuls, the Lower School Sportsmanship Award recipent, and the Senior class president.

President.

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Freshman perform an exciting ending to their dance.

Ka Mo‘olelo O ‘Iolani ’92

S.O.A.R Instead of having a Homecoming Court, the Proconsuls added S.O.A.R., or Spirited, Outstanding, Artistic or Athletic, Raiders.

Each class elected two representatives who made speeches about school spirit, and participated in spirit presentations.

Taumata Vaa ’11 and Ashley Yee ’11 served as our Homecoming King and Queen in 2011.

Ka Mo‘olelo O ‘Iolani ’11

HOMECOMING COURT The student body elected two students from each grade (9th-12th) to serve on the Homecoming Court. The court performed a dance during Cheerfest and at the football game, and received recognition in the Kozuki Stadium.

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hat is Homecoming? Homecoming is a time when ‘Iolani students, staff, families, and alumni celebrate their school. It’s time to return to campus, see old friends, and show school pride. Although Homecoming week revolves around the biggest football game of the year, fun activities such as dodgeball tournaments, dress-up days, eating contests, and chariot races also highlight the week. So where does the PSAT fit in this definition?

Homecoming is already a hectic tim,e as students scramble to get great seats for Cheerfest and Lip Sync, and football players try to get in the right

mindset. Our cheerleaders, marching band, and dancers already spend hours practicing their routines after school to perfect them for the crowds—so why add more activity to the frenzy?

Taking the PSAT is inevitable; high school students at ‘Iolani have accepted that fact. The College Counseling Office staff stated that taking the PSAT on the week of Homecoming worked best.

Although we sacrificed a dress day, the good news is freshmen, sophomores, and juniors students had a half day; the 7th and 8th graders enjoyed Class Day; and seniors planned for their futures with College Counseling!

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Cheerfest and Lip Sync

ByWinston Wei ’18

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RESULTS

Lip Sync

Cheerfest

1st place: 10th grade 2nd place: 7th grade 3rd place: 11th grade

1st place: 12th and 11th grade (tie) 2nd place: 10th grade

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ach year, during the last two days of Homecoming, ‘Iolani students don spirited attire and fill the cavernous gym with energy and enthusiasm.

Over these two days, events involving the entire Upper School student body, including Lip Sync and Cheerfest, take precedence.

While all grades did wonderfully during Lip Sync, a few performances stood out. Who could forget the Class of 2021’s performance when Hercules Sean Maskrey ’21 “rode” on the “fairy” Sunny Katagiri ’21? Or the Class of 2018’s performance that featured Nathan Hue ’18 prancing around on the stage with enviable vigor to the tune of “Gotta Catch ’Em All?” Similarly with Cheerfest, each grade competed vigorously with other classes.

Some of the cheers were phenomenally outstanding. The Class of 2016’s use of a string and band ensemble, coupled with its exhilarating cheers, was unmatched by any other grade.

This year’s competitions were not lackluster at all; on the contrary, they exceeded expectations. We can confidently look forward to equally enjoyable performances next year.

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ByNoahBrigoli ’19

O

n October 16th, the Raider football team played their hearts out and left them on the field. Despite their loss, their fans remained proud.

Prior to the game, the players worked harder than ever. “Practice was more intense than usual,” said running back KJ Pascua ’17. “It was more of a mental focus intensity.”

The game started off great; the first quarter ended with a 9-7, and the Raiders were in the lead. However, the game’s pace quickly changed with the

Tai-John Mizutani ’18 and Keoni-Kordell Makekau ’16 pose for the camera before the game.

Kamehameha Warriors taking on a 24-9 lead at the half. The game seemed lost for the Raiders.

They picked up the pace in the third quarter, keeping the Warriors from scoring until three minutes left in the quarter. A minute and a half later, the Raiders scored again. Instead of the usual P.A.T., they went for the twopoint conversion, ending the quarter

at 31-17.

The fourth ‘IOLANI GAME quarter saw a safety and a touchdown for the Warriors, as well as a touchdown for ‘Iolani. The final score: 39–24, in favor of the Warriors.

The team prepared well for the game.

“We were prepared, we knew what to do, but execution is key,” said Melvin Ho‘omanawanui ’16.

Despite a few mistakes here and there, the boys gave it their all. They pushed hard, trying to make a fourth quarter comeback, but they ran out of time.

“The boys played their hearts out and I can’t ask for anything more,” said Ho‘omanawanui.

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RESULTS

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KAMEHAMEHA

next football season. “It’s a lot more fun playing Div. I than Div. II guys,” said Ho‘omanawanui. “Even though we didn’t win a game this year, we learned the most this year as a team. We got a lot better playing better teams.” It is true; the Raiders have been scoring more and more on the Division I teams.

Overall, our players have done great this year, making their families, friends, and school very proud of them.

Although their season is over for now, this might not be their last Division I hurrah. Let’s go Raiders!

“Practice was more intense than usual. It was more of a mental focus intensity.”

-KJ Pascua ’17 Melvin wasn’t the only one who applauded the players’ efforts. “I’m very proud of them,” said ‘Iolani Head Coach Wendell Look. “This team is really special to me, especially the senior group.”

With the Division I vs. Division II debate last year, one has to wonder where the ILH will put the Raiders

“Marching band took hours of practice during band class to make our show look bomb.”

-Daniel Ferrer ’18

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DAY

Ryan Yoshida ’16, Kevin Matsuoka ’16, Makoa Magnani ’16 and other seniors walk to the field with lei for their parents. At the end of the last game of each season, seniors traditionally present lei to their parents to show their appreciation for the support they have received from them throughout the season.

The Marching Band has performed during half time at four games, including two games at Aloha Stadium.

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Spreading the “One Team” Spirit By‘Auli‘i McClellan ’18

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aving joined the ‘Iolani family as a ninth grader, I have noticed one difference between `Iolani and my former school, Trinity Lutheran.

From the classroom to the football field, the `Iolani `Ohana puts the “One Team” motto into practice in whatever they do. It wasn’t until Homecoming week, however, that I witnessed a deeper display of the “One Team” spirit during several traditional activities.

Cheerfest. This competition, in which each grade performed an original cheer representing their class spirit and unity, turned the vibrant Homecoming week atmosphere into the loudest and craziest event I had ever experienced. The roar was so loud the people in Waikiki probably heard it. I remember when it came time for my

Class of 2018 to cheer, the energy and noise in the gym rose by 100 percent.

Lip Sync. The top row bleachers gave

me a bird’s eye view of the gym as the first performance began. Students started mouthing words to a variety of popular songs. Did I think it was weird? No, I thought it was by far one of the funniest things I had ever seen.

The music played and the students came in, perfectly synchronized. It was as if they were in a movie, conversing, and bam! Talk about some high school musical. I wished that I had taken part in contributing to Lip Sync, because each grade did it so well.

Burning of the I. When I arrived at the school’s center courtyard during my first Burning of the I event, I expected to encounter a rowdy crowd of high schoolers.

Instead, a large, calm crowd swarmed the “Big I,” which stood tall and proud. Twinkling gems appeared in the darkening sky. The I started to burn, and a warm and joyful atmosphere enveloped everyone like a cozy blanket. It was a beautiful and memorable experience.

A Hackers Homecoming ByReid Ueki ’18

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he ‘Iolani Hackers are at it again, transforming an ordinary elevator into an amazing work of art and creativity. Guided by Mr. Taylor Wong ’08, the ‘Iolani Hackers are a group of students who go around school turning boring into brilliant in some of the most unexpected places. These students specialize in “doing the impossible” and blowing past expectations. The most recent installation, “Go For Broke,” is a tribute to the “Perfect Play,” known by many former ‘Iolani football players as the most famous play in the school’s history. “Go For Broke,” a saying Father Kenneth A. Bray lived and stood by, is what motivated his offense to many victories.

The elevator installation uses laser

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cut wood parts of the famous picture, taken from the 1951 edition of Ka Mo‘olelo O ‘lolani, to make this noted play come to life.

With the music and Arduino-programmed flickering lights, the feeling of being at the game against Saint Louis in 1950 becomes realistic and electrifying. Keep an eye out for the #iolanihackers, as the ‘Iolani Hackers continue to find new challenges and designs to tackle every day.

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RAIDER NATION R

ByTiana Hannemann ’18

meet other students aider energy on rowdy,” she said. “It makes playing and make them feel the football field sports more exciting. Similarly with welcome in our ‘Iolani and Raider Nation spectating, when you’re involved and family, enthusiasm along cheering, watching the game becomes whether they’re new the Kozuki Stadium fun and interactive.” or returning,” said sidelines combined for an exciting Hogan. game against Kamehameha on Thanks to loyal supporters and Homecoming Friday. an Instagram page (@iolaniraiderThe Raider Nation club, nation), news of upcoming Raider created last school year by Sierra athletic events spreads quickly and Buscher ’16, Morgan Spencer ’16, tasty incentives always help to fill and Halia Hogan ’17, was born the seats. During one of the varsity out of the trio’s love for supportvolleyball games, Raider Nation ing fellow Raiders at sporting provided free pizza for audience events. members.

That love, and Raider Nation’s Likewise at the Homecoming “One Team” philosophy and game, Raider Nation partnered with spirit were almost palpable during the Marching Band to provide sup‘Iolani’s biggest football game of Raider Nation members (from left) Morgan Spencer ’16, porters with free drinks and candy the year.

Conor Hannum ’16, John Lee ’15, Sierra Buscher ’16, Emily and, of course, lots of enthusiasm “Raider Nation is a club that Sunada ’16, and Halia Hogan ’17 high-five Lower School and spirit. promotes school spirit, student students at autoline during Fired Up Friday.

Having started with just three leadership, and ‘Iolani’s ‘One enthusiastic girls, Raider Nation is a Team’ motto,” said Spencer. “Before Siblings of athletes love being a part testament to the efforts and foresight of Raider Nation, students would scatter of Raider Nation’s energy and pride. along the sidelines making it hard to “Cheering for my sister Emily is even its creative founders whose generous support of fellow Raiders helps keep deliver a unified source of positive more fun with Raider Nation. I love `Iolani’s “One Team” philosophy alive. energy and school pride,” said Buscher. seeing her so happy with the hyped The club’s support not only helps to enBuscher believes Raider Nation crowd,” said Lauren Sunada ’18. courage the players in action, but also spirit contributes to a team’s success.

Happiness and leadership go handunifies students by fostering friendships “As an athlete, I can definitely feel in-hand with Raider Nation. “Being a and bonds between upper and lower a difference in play when the gym is leader of Raider Nation has helped me classmen.

Festive Face painting

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r. Ryan Roberts and Mr. Taylor Wong transformed students’ faces with unique designs during Homecoming week. The long lines to the popular face painting activity limited the talented art teachers to just a few minutes with each student, but everyone agreed it was worth the wait. Thanks to Mr. Roberts and Mr. Wong for their time and efforts to make our Raiders look even more spirited for the big Homecoming game!

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How do you get into the spirit?

Avery Curet ’18

“I have this big ‘I’ in one hand and Greek yogurt in the other and then I just stare into the mirror, growl at myself, and chant ‘one team.’”

Maya Franklin ’16 It’s all about preparation.

When I prepare for Cheerfest and I try to plan out my outfit, that’s how I get pumped.

I get into the spirit by jumping up and down and screaming GO RAIDERS! Hailey Monaco ’17

Makana Laboy ’17 Usually I go to Ross as a pre-homecoming ritual to get pumped for homecoming festivities.

I get a lot of red, black, and white face paint and just have fun with my friends.

Connor Kennedy ’19

Pro-Counseling Corner: Taking on the Year

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ith the year in full swing, people asked us, “How can I make the most of my time here at ‘Iolani?”

We, the proconsuls, compiled a list of things that are valuable to us. Balance work and play: Focus on schoolwork, but get involved. Join a club, play a sport, and meet new people. Build connections with your teachers: Teachers are more than just educators; they are coaches, mentors, and friends.

Reach out to them, as they are more than willing to help you through your

struggles. Be appreciative: It’s easy to forget how lucky we all are. We are surrounded by people who want to help us reach our full potential. Take a moment to thank everyone who makes ‘Iolani a special place.

We hope you guys had an amazing homecoming! This is just the beginning of an amazing year! Don’t forget: Winter Ball bids are on sale from November 4-6 at lunch in Seto Hall, so you better start talking to that special someone.

NOAH BRIGOLI SEAN CALLAHAN TIANA HANNEMANN SAMANTHA MASCA

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‘AULI`I MCCLELLAN KANALU MONACO ARUPA POUDYAL ALEC TAM NAGEM UIAGALELEI WINSTON WEI

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