Ke Alaka'i - January 2017

J A N U A R Y 2 017 · Vo l u m e 116 : I s s u e 3

THE LEAD ER

The Final Year of Athletics

Pa g e 24 A t h l e t i c c o a c h es expl ai n the p h a s i n g o u t o f BY U H sports

Page 42 Al um nus Earl Velo ria re cal ls his life as an athlete

Page 48 Missio naries w ho retu rn ea r l y w ith ho no r

JANUARY 2017 • VOLUME 116 • ISSUE 3

ADVISOR Le e A n n Lam ber t MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISTS Kelsy Simmons Leslie Owusu Savanna Bachelder Zoe Rounseville Patrick Campbell Dylan Sage Wilcox Gabriel Fryar

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Cam ron St ockf ord Josh M ason COPY EDITORS Kev i n Brown Danna Osumo Alex Maldonado PHOTOGRAPHERS Lex i e Kapel i el a O l iv i a Tsan

Gosuke Kawano

Chant al Hopper

Brooklyn Redd

ART & GRAPHICS

Alyssa Odom VIDEOGRAPHERS Be n W hat cot t A rman d o Ja red Leon INTERNS Yu ki m i Ki shi Hailey Rasm ussen

NEW S CE N T ER BOX 1920 BYUH LAIE, HI 96762 PUBLISHER P r int Ser vi ces Editorial, photo submissions & distribution inquiries: ke a l a k a i @ by u h . e d u .

To s u b s c r i b e t o t h e R S S F E E D o r t o v i e w a d d i t i o n a l a r t i c l e s , go t o

Hai l ey M ol i na Kyung Ji Ki m Dorot hy Chi u ART DIRECTOR Yuki m i Ki shi SOCIAL MEDIA Dyl an Sage W i l cox

CONTACT

E-mail: keal akai @by u h. edu Ad Information: keal akai ads@gmai l . com Phone: (80 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 6 9 4 Fax: (8 0 8 ) 6 7 5 -3 4 9 1 Office: BYU -Hawai i Al oha Cent er 13 4 ON THE COVER: Tennis, basketball, volleyball, and soccer are being phased out. This announcement came three years ago. Spring semester will be the last for BYU-Hawaii Athletics. Photo by Yukimi Kishi

ke a l a k a i . by u h . e d u

ABO UT US The Ke Alaka‘i began publishing the same year the university, then called Church College of Hawaii, opened. It has continued printing for more than 60 years. The name means “the leader” in Hawaiian. It began as a monthly newsletter, evolved into a weekly newspaper, then a weekly magazine, and is now a monthly news magazine with a website and a social media presence. Today a staff of about 25 students works to provide information for BYU-Hawaii’s campus ohana and Laie’s community.

2

K E ALAKA I

PH OTO SUBMISSIO N Hawaii’s microcosm of a snowy mountain. Lichens on a rock on Olomana hike.

Photo by Hailey Rasmussen

Share your photo with us and we may feature it in our next issue. E-mail us your high-resolution photo with a caption at kealakai@byuh.edu

F O L LO W U S AR O U ND THE WE B

KEA LA KA I.B YUH .EDU Instagram: @KEALAKAINEWS Snapchat: @KEALAKAINEWS Facebook: KE ALAKA‘I YouTube: KE ALAKA‘I NEWS

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

3

JANUARY 2017 • VOLUME 116 • ISSUE 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CAMPUS LIFE

8

A day in the life of Kuleisi Fakahau Social work major wants to return to Tonga to help teenagers and the elderly

10

Dancing with Hughes Student shares her struggle to pursue dancing while working hard

20

Campus Comment If you could play any professional sport, what would it be?

SPORTS

22

The Cannon Activities Center Members of the BYU-Hawaii ohana share their favorite memories

24

The reason athletics are leaving Athletic faculty explain the change

8 4

K E ALAKA I

28

Fullback makes a comeback Seasider soccer player Jaden Bybee overcomes cancer before his mission

34 28

13

FRIDAY Farmer’s Market

36

14

The baton twirler Jenn Barbour brings her skills to the BYU-Hawaii Dance Team

Women’s basketball 5 p.m.

Men’s basketball 7:30 p.m.

36

14

Ending on a high note Pep Band phases out alongside athletics

SATURDAY International student’s mandatory meeting. HGB 275 8:30-9:30 p.m.

42

14

RELIGION

48

Missionaries returning early Students and former mission president talk about returning early

COMMUNITY

54

Moms and Music open in Laie Michelle Henderson’s business gives toddlers learning activities

56

Gardening for the soul Learn how to make your own hanging plant in seven steps

54

JANUARY

Keeping score till the end Local employees say Athletics affects the community, not just students

All-American player Earl Veloria He reflects on his years as a CCH basketball and volleyball player.

36

C A L E N D A R

SATURDAY

SATURDAY Ho’omana Service Day 8:30 a.m.12 p.m.

20

FRIDAY

Open mic night at Hukilau Marketplace.

7:30-9:00 p.m.

22

SUNDAY Elder Bruce Hafen fireside at Temple Visitor’s Center 6 p.m.

26-28

THURSDAY - SATURDAY Musical performance Into the Woods 7:30 p.m. Auditorium

31

TUESDAY Shaka Steel performance 7:30 p.m.

Auditorium

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

5

BYU-HAWAII ATHELETICS DEPARTMENT:

1958

1960

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Wrestling

1974 Men’s Rugby

1982

Elijah Patrick Men’s Basketball

1987 Women’s Volleyball Champs

1995 Women’s Volleyball

2003

Women’s Tennis

Graphic design by Dorothy Chiu 6

K E ALAKA I

campus life

in this section A day in the life of social work major Kuleisi Fakahau

8

Student incorporates charity into her lipstick business

16

Missy Hughes talks about her journey as a dancer

10

Campus Comment: If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be?

20

Japan Tour Guide shares a miraculous story about serving

14

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

7

C ampus L i fe

Kuleisi Fakahau Social Work Major B Y K E L SY SI M M O N S

Kuleisi Fakahau wants to return to Tonga and mentor high school students and help the elderly. Photo by Lexie Kapeliela

Kuleisi Fakahau, a senior social work major from Tonga, said she loves her major because it allows her to serve. “I feel like my mission is just the same as being a social worker. It does not pay as much as other careers, but it’s all about helping people and that is why I love it.”

8

K E ALAKA I

What made you decide to study this major?

“I want to be a social work major because in Tonga I see problems in youth, especially high school kids. It would be good if we could counsel the kids to see the importance of education.

People don’t really see that they need social work because of the culture. They see that it is the responsibility of the parents.

They don’t realize they do need it, even if they are facing depression and anxiety. In our culture, they see that people are just lazy. I want to help them realize people are suffering from mental illness.”

What makes your major unique?

“No matter what you do in life, you can apply the skills you learn from social work.You can apply them to be a good leader or a good parent. It helps you to have more empathy towards other people rather than just have your own opinion.You can be understanding and reach out.”

Describe a typical day “I’m a normal student. I wake up and listen to music on my way to class. My favorite thing is when we do group discussions and pretend to be the clients. After that, I finish class around noon, have lunch, do some homework, take a nap and then I’m on my way to work. I work as a dancer at the [PCC] night show.”

Number of people in the major “There is not that many. There are about 13-20 students in my classes. The world needs more social workers.”

Time spent in a day “Approximately 8 to 10 hours. Being a senior, there are lots of presentations and reaching out to the community. I spend most of my time doing that.”

Pros What do you want to do with it?

“I want to go back to Tonga and work as a counselor at [Liahona High School]. I would love to help in any way that I can. I want to help [students] have more goals in life so they can achieve more in their education.”

“I’m able to go out to the community and educate them. It gives me more chances to help other people. Also, I learn to find a way to understand people through their body language.

I can tell just by looking at them what they really think… it’s really fun to be able to read body language.”

Favorite Class

Cons

“I love all social work classes, but my favorite class is Aging because you learn more about elderly people. It’s very interesting to me. I was able to understand that age is just numbers.

[Elderly people] have the same desires as young single adults, but the most important thing I learned is many elderly people have been neglected. I think about my parents nearing that age.

I want to find a way to help the elderly.”

“It takes a long time to have your license. If you want to be a counselor and therapist, it can take up to 10 years.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

9

Campus Life

Lexi Breen talks Dancing aboutHughes her experience with Student shares her struggle to pursue with to help others dancing while adoption learning to work hard Student reading a letter from her birth mother was a turning point

BY G A BE says F RYAR

BY LES LIE O W U S U

Missy Hughes said she she lovesif dancing, but Lexie Breen says while open about relationships more important her.as talking about are adoption, others aretonot Photo

by TylerPhoto Priceby Lexie Kapeliela comfortable.

10

K E ALAKA I

“I can’t remember a time I didn’t dance,” said Missy Hughes, a junior peacebuilding major from Oregon and former member of the BYU-Hawaii Dance Team. In addition to being a hobby for most of her life, Hughes, a single mother of one, said dancing has shaped her life by teaching her to never give up.

Hughes said she began her dancing career as a hip-hop street performer in downtown Portland. “We would dance any chance that we got. [We’d] just throw down cardboard and dance.” said Hughes. By fund raising through door-to-door sales with Papa Murphy’s coupon cards, Hughes said she was also able to save enough money to afford private ice skating lessons.

At 13, Hughes had an opportunity to attend the Ballet Dance School of San Luis Obispo in California. Working at a deli by day and taking lessons by night, Hughes reflected, “By this time I had a lot of people starting to tell me I was going to dance for the rest of my life.”

After saving all her money for lessons, she said family hardships led to Hughes having to discontinue any training. After an abrupt relocation to a foster home in Woodland, Washington, Hughes met Jessica Sahim, the owner of Reach for the Stars Dance Studio and began training at her studio. Hughes explained how Sahim “was amazing, and trained me in ballet, jazz, contemporary – everything really. She ended up asking me to be her hip-hop teacher at her local dance studio. I trained with her for a solid six months during that stay.”

In such a turbulent time of her life, Hughes said she firmly clenched onto the words of Sahim when she and the Mormon Continued on page 12 J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

11

C ampus L i fe

Continued from page 11

missionaries taught her, “Your body is a temple, and you need to be the one who protects it.”

Under the direction of Sahim, Hughes explained how she “continued to compete with Reach for the Stars Dance Company, traveling to Canada for the 5678 Showtime Dance Internationals. I remember seeing this girl from Guam dance, and I was sure she was going to get first place.

I was so happy when they announced me for second place.

“Then the judges called our trophies back because a mistake was made. When they called the girl from Guam, I started walking toward Jessica to sit down. I couldn’t even fathom the thought that I, under-trained and out of place, could do any better than second place. Then they said my name for the first-place award. I was so surprised. I didn’t even hear my name get called! My team had to cheer for me to understand what just happened and turn around to accept the trophy.”

For years, Hughes said she has emphasized “dancing is not really about dancing at all. I learned really early on that relationships were the most important thing in becoming successful, no matter if it’s athletics, business, and so on. So it was funny to me when from the beginning my motivation to dance was my love for people and creating a space to build these relationships with others.

“Learning from each other constantly is critical in a truly happy life, and that’s why I think I was so successful in my dance career. I focused on building these real successful relationships, which is actually a lot of hard work, and the successful dance career naturally followed thereafter.”

Under this ideology, Hughes said she had the opportunity to receive mentorship from more coaches.

One of her subsequent mentors was Dee Dee Anderson, a talent scout who quickly recognized the young prodigy and opened doors for her. Anderson helped Hughes participate in cheerleading workshops from local professional and semi-pro teams. “She taught me so many things, such as the importance of surrounding yourself with a team of like-minded people off the dance floor as much as on it. I learned that this is the fundamental principle that makes a dance team valuable.”

One day after a workshop, Anderson told Hughes, “You’re a rock star Missy, but you need to look the part.” This led to many conversations that taught Hughes the importance of a balanced diet and nutrition as an athlete.

Despite changing foster homes, Hughes said she continued to dance. Her life continued to have ups and downs, including: becoming a personal trainer; joining

12

K E ALAKA I

CrossFit in order to train for the military; blowing out her knee; teaching yoga in Mexico; giving birth to Mika; fighting homelessness as a single mother; performing in the Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals; coming in as the 2015 champion for rhythmic dance at Arthur Murray’s International Dance Studios; resigning her dance career; creating a short documentary called “‘AMBITION’ The Dance Documentary;” and studying ballet and ballroom dance at BYU-Idaho before blowing out her knee once again.

At BYUH, Hughes said she has not shied away from sharing her talent in dance. Hughes expressed how being a single mother in college is far from being easy. Hughes said she takes her son with her everywhere. Ramona “Auntie Bobbi” Crowell, Hughes’ dance instructor, explained, “Having her handsome son Mika come to class and rehearsals with Missy a few times was a joy. He is full of life and energy.

Looking into his beautiful eyes is like looking into his heart and soul – something he has inherited from his mother, as well as his smile.”

During Hughes’ first semester here, Crowell entrusted her to hula in front of the Polynesian dance community during Culture Night. Crowell referred to Hughes as a “beautiful young women with talent, skill and a powerful spirit. Watching her dance is like opening a window into her world. Her love for dance has shaped her into who she has become. Missy has mastered all kinds of dancing. I had the opportunity to teach her Polynesian dancing, which she learned quickly.

“She not only feels the rhythms of the different cultures being taught, Missy feels the spirit [of dance]. This is evident through her motions and her infectious smile.”

A life lesson Hughes cherishes came from a moment when she had to climb a hill with her bike. “I had no car and had to commute with my son Mika as a single mother to and from work. There was this huge hill on my commute that I tried to bike up, but I always ended up walking my bike up it. Then one day I made it up to the top of the hill without getting off my bike. It wasn’t so much triumphant, but more like, ‘I got this one down. Let’s keep going. It’s time to move on.’

“This mind set is important to everything in life, whether it’s dance, athletics, scripture study, or building relationships. As soon as we can do something difficult and say let’s keep going, that’s how we can find success.”

Hughes concluded with one of the most important lessons she has learned from her dance career: “Knowledge is one thing that nobody can take away from you.”

Missy Hughes said she has studied several dance styles such as ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and jazz. Photo by Tyler Price

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

13

C ampus L i fe College students Takuya Ogasawara surf on the web said he stood in chestwhile waiting in line. high water in the PCC Photo by AP. lagoon and used his feet to find a customer’s cellphone she had dropped into the water.

Miraculously he found it and was able to fix the water-logged phone.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

14

K E ALAKA I

PCC Japanese tour guide’s ser vice inspires co-workers Takuya Ogasawara shares his motivation to serve and a miraculous experience from serving B Y GO SU K E KAWAN O

Takuya Ogasawara, a multi-purpose tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center, shared what he considered to be a workplace miracle after saving a visitor’s phone from the depths of the lagoon.

Ogasawara, a junior from Japan studying international cultural studies, said he was helping push canoes when one of his guests dropped her cellphone in the water while taking pictures.

“When the cell fell,” Ogasawara said, “she was crying since she was a high school student, and I bet it had many precious memories in it.” Although he was not sure if he could find the phone, Ogasawara said he was going to search for it.

According to Ogasawara, the phone fell in the deepest part of the lagoon where the water came up over his chest. He was able to find it by feeling around the lagoon floor with his feet, but sustained several bruises from submerged debris in the process.

“The cell was dead, and I wasn’t sure if I could fix it. The submergence of a cell is one of the most difficult problems to be dealt with,” he said, “To be honest, I thought I couldn’t fix it.”

Knowing alcohol displaces water, Ogasawara said he immersed the phone in liquid alcohol and the phone turned back on.

“Everything, including speakers, were all dead, but I fixed them all and was able to give it back to her,” he said.

When he reflected on this experience, he said he simply did what any other person would do. “I just did it and was fortunate to have been able to fix it. I feel that by small things, big things could be brought to pass as the scripture says. We can see miracles by doing small things.”

Jimmy Mapu, a PCC guest service manager from Laie, said Ogasawara is a dedicated employee.

“He is always looking for ways to improve the way he serves both customers and his co-workers. He holds himself to a very high standard and does his best to help others reach those same standards,” said Mapu.

Karlie Ellingson, a Japanese tour guide and a sophomore from Alaska studying graphic design, said, “He always goes above and beyond, always to help out. Not just to tour guides, but he always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is having fun.”

Another Japanese tour guide, Ibuki Kishi, a senior from Japan studying accounting, added, “Takuya is really thinking about others even outside of work and seeking to take actions to help others; not focusing on his own gains.”

Ogasawara said he is motivated to serve and improve by a scripture found in Alma 1:3. He said, “We do things to gain fame or recognition from time to time in our life, but we ought to do things to glorify God, not to seek our own profits.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

15

CC am am p upsu sL iLf ief e

Lexi talks Lexi Breen Breen Molly’s Lippy Ladies PeStudent a c e b u i d i n g m aher j o r c obrings m bexperience i n e s p r e t t y l i out p s w i t h c hthe a r i t y wo r k about with to help life others best adoption of her adopted

BY LES LIE O W U S U

says reading a letter birthlife mother was a turning point Student brings out the best offrom her her adopted

BY LES LIE O W U S U

BYU-Hawaii student Molly McKeon said lipsticks she called stay on all day and Lexiesells, Lesie Breen saysLipSense, while shewill is if open about she gives 10 percent of others her profits to charity. talking about adoption, are not as Photo

by Olivia Tsanby Lexie Kapeliela comfortable.

Photo

16

K E ALAKA I

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

17

C ampus L i fe

M

olly McKeon, a junior in peacebuilding and communications from Utah, owns a side business selling lip products for women and said it has taught her business skills plus the importance of being charitable.

McKeon said she was at a farmer’s market in Utah when she became involved with Lipsense. “They were selling it there and I really liked it. Then I wanted to became a distributor to share it with people here,” said McKeon. “It’s vegan and nonGMO.”

Recently, McKeon said she decided to give some of her profits to humanitarian aid. She said, “I was in my peacebuilding class and my teacher was talking about charity and how we are so rich compared to so much of the world. And then I decided I am going to give 10 percent of each sale I make to a charity.”

She said she wanted to donate to an organization focused on alleviating poverty and donates to the LDS Church’s humanitarian projects using tithing slips. “We are blessed with so much and we literally have everything we need,” McKeon said.

She said if customers know part of her profits are donated to charity, “people will be more willing to buy it too. They’ll feel good because they’re donating 10 percent of their money.”

She explained the process of becoming an independent distributor for LipSense. “You sign up online and pay a one-time yearly fee.You sell however much you want and the company gives you lots of really good discounts to begin as a distributor.You order the shipments. One gloss and color and oops-remover is normally $55.”

McKeon said she had never done anything like this before.

“I read a book on multilevel marketing companies before I joined because I was a little bit leary. It was called The Business of the 21st Century. So I thought maybe I could try doing it while I’m in school. But I still have another job. I work at the Aloha Center. I do LipSense for fun and on the side.”

Jeongeun Park, a junior in social work from Korea, is a co-worker with McKeon. “Molly is always smiling and so bubbly. I don’t work with her often, but when she’s here, she’s always greeting people and she does her best. She’s really good at making others feel happy and welcome.”

Viviana Huang, a sophomore in accounting from Taiwan, also works at the Aloha Center with McKeon and Park. She said, “Molly is so kind. She is always laughing. When I work with her, sometimes she’ll just suddenly laugh and then look at me. It always makes me laugh.”

Huang said McKeon has a good work ethic. “She is always on time and stays focused. She will go out of her way to try her best to solve any problem or question that someone might have.”

18

K E ALAKA I

McKeon said she learned a lot from the multilevel marketing book she studied. “I learned that business, first of all, takes a lot of effort.You can’t just expect quick results. It’s just like anything else.

“I kind of compare it to the gospel,” she continued. “Like when you’re first teaching an investigator, they have to take their time. They have to pray. They have to read. They have to put in that effort to gain a testimony of the gospel. And that’s how business is too.”

From the book, she said she learned perseverance is key along with attitude. McKeon said some challenges she faces with her business is helping people understand what the product is and why it’s a good product to buy. “It lasts four to six times longer than normal lipstick,” she explained. “So it’s kind of an investment. If you use lipstick all the time, then it’ll last you a lot longer than normal lipstick would and [last] all day.”

McKeon said she has received a lot of good feedback and her customers really love the different colors.

Trini Bandeaux, a freshman in political science from California, is one of McKeon’s customers. She said, “I am really pleased with Lipsense. The first one I got really didn’t work because it was too bright. But once I found my color, it was perfect.” The color she is referring to is the “Bella,” a sangria purple shade. “I love this color. It lasts all day. I’ll put it on at 8 in the morning and then take it off at 9 at night, and it’s still good. I love that it doesn’t come off on my water bottle or smudge.”

McKeon sells her products at the Farmer’s Market. “The first time I didn’t do very well, but the second time I sold double the amount I sold the first time. I think it’s just helping people know what it is. Because in Utah it’s super popular and everyone uses it already. Here no one really knows about it and then when they hear the price they’re like, ‘50 bucks? No way.’ Which in college, I understand why.”

But McKeon said lately she has been feeling selling lipstick “this isn’t a monumental thing. I want to work for the United Nations. I don’t want to be selling lip stuff my whole life. So I think by giving a part of the profits to humanitarian aid, it will be a lot more meaningful for me.

“It’s important to me that the profit goes straight to the people who need it,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s honestly just superficial. I mean, I just got off from my mission and that’s such a non-superficial experience that I just want to make it more meaningful.” McKeon said giving back helps her to better love running her business.

McKeon has made an official Facebook Page “Molly`s Lippy Ladies” for more information.

LipSense is vegan and non-GMO allowing it to last longer, according to Molly McKeon. Photo by Olivia Tsan

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

19

C ampus L i fe

If you could play any sport professionally,

which sport would you play?

a

BY K E L SY S IM M O N S

s sen Mun k hb a a t a r B u m t s e n d s i n e s ior u f ro m b M o n g o li a s t u d y in g

“I like basketball because it’s the national game in my country. Everyone plays and everyone wants to play better. If I play professionally, then I’m going to be a star.” jun

ct

Fre dd i e Ika p ro Isl fe s s o r t e a chin g Pa ci fi c

s and

tud

“I would choose volleyball. That is something that I [am bad] at, but it is the only sport that I like to watch.You have got to be really physically fit to do that.”

ior

st mi

ry

ie

jun

a

s

an

ad

f ro

e m t h A r a m Ce n t e n o o ch g bi e Philip p in e s s t u d y in

“I would play chess.You can be in an airconditioned room fighting with all brains, and there is no sweat. I like the queen piece the best because she is beautiful.”

a

f re

shm

an

ist Tih a ni La n g k ild e em h c f ro m io S a m o a s t u d y in g b

ry

“Netball is my favorite. I used to play it when I was in school. It’s my favorite because it’s my mom’s game.”

ph

in

g

a

so

om

o re

u Re u b e n S ca l e s e cco ga f ro m n i y d Maryland stu

nt

as ss e ni Er i c Te n g in e or f bus ro m Ch in a s t u d y in g

“I like to surf, and when we go to Seven Brothers, we watch those huge waves and it’s awesome. It’s a really big adrenaline rush to drop into the wave. The bigger the wave, the bigger the rush.”

“I practice golf a lot. It’s good for business because people talk when they golf and do some business. That’s pretty much the only reason I practice golf. It’s all about networking.” sh

c

e

a

f re

ma

i Mal l sc n fr ua o m S r i ta F u i a i t i ca l o p a m o a s t u d y in g

en

“I would play volleyball because all I have to do is just stand and hit the ball. I don’t have to run.”

20

K E ALAKA I

Illustrations by Dorothy Chiu

sports

in this section Members of the BYU-Hawaii ohana share their memories of the Cannon Activities Center

22

Local employees say Athletics affect the community, not just students

34

Athletic faculty members explain why sports are phasing out

24

Jenn Barbour brings her twirling skills to the Athletic Department

36

The “ultimate Seasider fan� shares his love for Athletics by attending every home game

26

Pep band phases out with Athletics

38

Jaden Bybee tells the story of his battle with cancer before his mission

28

Tennis athletes say Coach David Porter motivates and inspires them

40

Team captains from various sports share their strategies and what it takes to be an athlete

30

Earl Veloria reflects on his years as a CCH basketball and volleyball player

42

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

21

Sp or ts

Cannon Activities Center Memories BYU-Hawaii ohana recall games, devotionals, conferences and more in the CAC B Y L E SL I E O W U SU

President Spencer W. Kimball meets with the BYU-Hawaii men’s basketball team before a game in 1980.

Photo courtesy BYUH Archives

22

K E ALAKA I

T

he Cannon Activities Center, along with the Lorenzo Snow Administration building, were dedicated on July 17, 1981. Elder Marvin J. Ashton, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave the remarks and dedicatory prayer.

Irene Lesuma, the administrative assistant to the vice president of Academics, said of the CAC, “All I remember is that I came here as a student in ’73 and it was an empty field. They played rugby there.”

Wendy Anae, the assistant athletic director, shared a personal experience that occurred in September. “I found an old classroom journal from my senior year of high school. I read through it and I found a journal entry where I talk about returning from a BYUH basketball game.”

The journal entry is dated Feb. 24, 1981 and reads, “It’s been pretty long since I have written in this journal. Well I have a lot to talk about today because this past weekend was really special. On Saturday, I went to the BYU basketball game with my dad. It was held in the new activity center at BYU. BYU played the Hilo Vulcans. It was a really good game. During half time, the prophet of the LDS Church walked in, everyone was so surprised. He said a few words (oh yeah, this was Spencer W. Kimball) Then BYU’s president, Pres.

Cameron presented him with a basketball with all the signatures of the players on it and a letterman’s jacket.

They made him a honorary member of the BYU Basketball Squad.”

Mark James, an associate professor and associate dean in The College of Human Development, also shared some of his memories. He said, “I have many good memories of the Old Gym and the Auditorium before the CAC was built. The old gym was small, but you were on top of the action! I also remember as a student watching all-night movie marathons in that gym, like the ‘Planet of the Apes’ trilogy.”

James said devotionals were in the auditorium, and “back then there were huge window bays on the sides, and chairs were set up in the two hallways to accommodate a student body that had already outgrown the seating capacity. As for the CAC, everybody in the state was impressed with the facility when it first opened up.

It took our Athletics programs to a whole new level, as they say.” said James.

Anae added, “Back then, the community was really involved in attending games. In the old gym, it was a sell-out, no seats. A lot of the community came out to

watch. Everyone thought it was really cool because we now had all state-of-the-art. The CAC was known for its bouncy floor. It is the best facility on the island for basketball, and it still is in some ways.”

As for the future of the CAC, Anae said she hopes they keep it a basketball arena. “This place used to be bumping!” She exclaimed, “The community would be here. It was just packed. We had people from all over the island playing here. It was kind of the hot spot.

Lots of things went on here. When volleyball was at its prime, this place was packed.”

James added, “Magic moments for me include watching the BYUH Women’s Volleyball team beat UH in the ’90s--massive upset! Free ice cream after the men’s basketball team scored over 100 points, listening to President Hinckley speak at the Pioneers of the Pacific Conference in 1997, talking and sitting next to Vance Cannon, grandson of George Q. Cannon, at the very top row during a BYUH 50th Anniversary assembly in 2005.

“Being inspired by the annual David O. McKay lectures each year, Culture Nights, and listening to Prof.

Preston Larson play the organ during commencement exercises. By the time Professor Larson reached the fourth verse of “Pomp and Circumstance” as the faculty and students were marching in, all the stops were out, and he was using all four keyboards and all foot pedals!

And the many lunch hours I used to spend jogging around and around the upper concourse. I’m responsible for the signs up there that tell you how many laps are equal to certain distances.” James said.

In addition to sports games, the CAC is home to the band, choir, and Athletic departments’ facilities and classrooms. Within its repertoire, the CAC has hosted numerous events, including devotionals, dances, conferences, performances and more.

In her journal, Anae wrote, “On Sunday the 22nd, we had stake conference. It was held at the new activity center at BYU. BYU Stake joined our stake cause they wanted to hear President Kimball talk. This conference was really spiritual. The youth had an early meeting at 8:00 a.m.. Elder Hinckley and his wife spoke to us. It was really nice. The three main points of his talk were 1) Be Smart 2) Be True and 3) Be Clean. Pres. Kimball’s talk was on temple work and that we should make more use of our temple. I really caught the spirit at those meetings and I also learned a lot. I wish I could have shook his hand, but I didn’t get a chance to.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

23

Sp or ts

Tanner Nelson is on the basketball team this year - the last season for basketball and other NCAA II sports at BYU-Hawaii.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

24

K E ALAKA I

Funding BYUH Athletics Coaches say millions in donations could not be raised in time to pay for the program B Y SAVAN N A B ACH E L D E R

As BYU-Hawaii’s Athletics program approaches the end of its final season, coaches said while financial reasons were given for the change, they wished money could have been donated to pay for the program and that the loss of athletes and athletic activities will drastically change the campus.

BYUH released a statement three years ago under then BYUH President Steven C. Wheelwright regarding the Athletics program: “The money being spent on Athletics programs will be used to provide educational opportunities for the increasing number of students from around the world who can be served by the university. The Board, Executive Committee, and University Administration said they feel the top priority is to serve more students, especially those from the Pacific and Asia.”

However, Craig Stanger, head women’s basketball coach, said, “When they decided to make the announcement and pulled in the coaches and Athletics administration and told us what they were doing, we were not consulted and we were not involved in the process at all. They alluded to the fact that we were, but we weren’t. We certainly felt there were things we could have done to have helped them.

“If it was financial, they could have come to us and said, ‘Look, financially this just isn’t going to work. Let’s put our heads together and see if there is something we can do.’ But there was none of that.

“There was, unofficially, numerous donors who stepped up to the tune of several million dollars, each of them, who offered to help bankroll and establish an endowment, and

that was not accepted. So if it was financial, you would think they would try to figure out a way, or been accepting of the donation.

“What they hope to gain will never surpass what they are losing by eliminating the Athletics piece. There are many things Athletics does for the individuals who are involved in it, but mainly it’s a very good recruiting tool and a good missionary work tool for us. We have lost an unique opportunity to carry out the goals of the church and the university.”

David Porter, chairman of the Exercise and Sport Science Department, attributes the change to the availability of church funds. “I believe that the church has made the decision to not spend church funds on intercollegiate sports. BYU at Provo runs their entire Athletic department from television contracts (mostly for football) and donated funds through the Cougar Club. BYU-Idaho does not have intercollegiate sports. Therefore, BYU-Hawaii is the only church school that has been using church funds for athletics.

“I don’t think the church or the leaders in Salt Lake are opposed to intercollegiate sports, and perhaps that is why we were given three years to come up with an acceptable financial solution. However, since we were not allowed to request funds from anyone outside Hawaii or who had not graduated from BYU-Hawaii, we have found it virtually impossible to raise the $35-$50 million we were told was necessary to have the programs continue.”

In an interview with Hawaii News Now in 2015, BYUH President John Tanner said many millions of dollars would be needed to create

an endowment to fund Athletics for the long run. He said in the interview, another problem is it has become more expensive to participate in the NCAA.

Porter said, “The reasons we were given were financial, consistent with what is done on other church campuses, and very generously delayed to allow all playing freshman to complete their athletic eligibility and graduate.”

Gabriel Roberts, head coach of men’s basketball, said, “I wasn’t here at the time of the announcement, but my understanding is because they wanted to use the funds from Athletics to increase student enrollment from 2,700 to 3,200.

“I think that campus life will immediately change as Athletics helps breathe life into the campus and community by way of school spirit.

Not all students attended sporting events, but for the hundreds that do they will have fewer options for entertainment and socializing on campus and the North Shore.

“They will have to look elsewhere like driving into town, which can be an issue and an added cost. I think that without a significant population like student-athletes, you lose valuable, talented people who contribute to the community off the playing fields and courts.”

In place of Athletics, Tanner told Hawaii News Now the university plans to improve the intramurals program.

“We’ve got fitness, fairness, fellowship and fun,” said Tanner in the video interview. “I want to build a program that’s remarkable that way, and we won’t be bound to just NCAA sports.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

25

Sp or ts College students Local man Harold Palimo‘o surf on the web is one of BYU-Hawaii’s super while waiting in line. fans.Photo by Olivia Tsan Photo by AP.

26

K E ALAKA I

Harold Palimo‘o: The Ultimate Seasider Fan Athlete Dallin Olander says he never misses a home game B Y SAVAN N A B ACH E L D E R

Harold Palimo‘o, a Kahuku High School graduate, said he has been going to BYU-Hawaii sports games religiously since the 1990s. “I only went to high school at Kahuku High School, and I graduated in 1976. I’m from Hawaii, born and raised. I’m just working at a government job in the city and county. I work at and run the gas station there.

“I enjoy coming to these games. I like volleyball and basketball. I like men and girl’s basketball and girl’s volleyball. I’m sad they are getting rid of the Athletics Department. I was hoping they would end up keeping it, but they don’t have enough money to run the program.

“I think the only chance we have of saving sports is if basketball makes it to the tournament, the girls and the men. The women’s [basketball team] did well on the road. I don’t travel with them to games, but I keep up.

“I think it’s weird they were re-roofing the CAC, and doing all this other stuff, but they don’t have money for sports.

The community has been trying to fight it, but they can’t win the fight.”

Palimo‘o has print outs of both teams’ rosters for every game, and said he keeps track of the score in the margins of the roster. He said, “I keep it for myself, just to keep track.”

Palimo‘o also tends to yell, stomp, and wave emphatically at the opposing team’s players, in an effort to intimidate them.

“By intimidating them, I just let out my frustration. I get really frustrated at the game sometimes.”

Despite Palimo‘o’s enthusiasm for athletics, he has never participated himself. “I was in band in high school. I never did sports. Brother Payton was actually my band director in high school. He teaches here now.”

Dallin Olander, an athlete at BYUH, commented on the bittersweet nature of Palimo‘o’s avid participation. “I think Harold is BYU Hawaii’s No. 1 fan. I have been at every game this season and as far as I have seen, Harold has also been at every game sitting in the front row right by the band, usually wearing his ‘I love Seasiders’ shirt.

Olander continued, “He screams when the other team shoots free throws and likes to stomp his feet and wave his arms the rest of the time. It is nice having at least one other dedicated fan out there; the student section has been weak sauce this year! When there’s an air ball or someone get swatted, you can count on Harold to yell ‘air ball’ or throw you a high-five! It is sad that the Athletic program is phasing out, but at least there are fans out there who are going to go down cheering.”

Mariana Rudyk, a freshman from Ukraine studying hotel and tourism management, said, “I’ve seen him at games before, cheering and yelling so loud! He seems very excited to be able to see our Seasiders in action. It’s cool that sports games can become a be a good place for the community and students to come together.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

27

Sp or ts College students Jaden Bybee said he surf on the doesn’t let web his condition while waiting in line. change his game.

Photo Photo

by AP.

by Olivia Tsan

28

K E ALAKA I

Fullback makes a comeback from cancer Jaden Bybee tells the story of his battle with cancer before his mission B Y PATRI CK CAM PB E L L

Jaden Bybee, known by his teammates for being a great defender on the “That’s when I got diagnosed with cancer.”

BYU-Hawaii men’s soccer squad, was diagnosed with melanoma cancer

A week before when Bybee had gone to place the refill order, one as he was preparing to serve his mission in 2013. of the doctor’s assistants noticed a small mole on his neck and wanted to

“My original reaction after being diagnosed and having my mission take a small sample just to be safe. With Bybee’s departure date for Ruspostponed was I was mad at God. [I was] angry and confused. I started sia approaching, she wanted to make sure they checked for cancer. The asking questions like, ‘Why me?’” Bybee, a sophomore from Utah major- assistant said the results would be in by the time he returned in a week ing in exercise and sport science, said, “In the end, it humbled me and to pick up his prescription.

I’m grateful everyday to have health and be able to play the sport I love.”

After the sample had been taken, Bybee left for Hawaii to play in

Bybee continued, “I feel the lessons I learned transfer well to soccer. a soccer tournament. He recalled, “I got back, and when I went to the I’m grateful I’ve even had the opportunity to play at the level I’m playing dermatologist, I had completely forgotten they had even taken the mole at today.” off. I was in there by myself and they called me to the back.”

While Bybee does not shy away from sharing his experience, he

Bybee explained, “They pulled me into a room and there were does not try and draw the attention to himself. Many of his teammates a bunch of doctors and nurses in there. They said they had some good said they were impressed by his spiritual maturity and the obstacles he news and some bad news.” had to overcome medically. Several also noted how they see him as a

They said the bad news was the sample came back positive for leader both on and off the field. melanoma cancer. They said the good news was the cancer was still in

Brando Barron, a junior from California majoring in exercise scistage one, meaning it could be controlled and removed through some ence, said, “It was cool to know what he had to do to work his way back fairly simple medical procedures. to be able to play soccer, [then] still be one of the best players on the

The doctors sent him down to the Huntsman Cancer Center in Salt team. It’s one of those neat inspirational stories.”

Lake City for further testing. Once again, he said he was reassured he

Another way Bybee has influenced his teammates is through sharing would be fine, and it was just to make sure he was safe to serve a mission. his testimony. He talks of his experience and how it has strengthened

Bybee’s doctor proposed they remove a lymph node from his neck. him, as well as the blessings of serving a mission even after the cancer Bybee said, “The doctor assured me there was a 1-to-5 percent chance diagnosis. there was any cancer in the lymph node. He said I didn’t have to worry.”

For Griffin Garcia, a freshman forward from Utah majoring in busi- When the results came back from testing the lymph node, cancer had ness management who is leaving on his mission this year, it was particubeen discovered, instantly making the situation much more serious. larly meaningful. Garcia explained, “Jaden’s testimony helped me a lot

Bybee required a major surgery where the doctors removed all the because I’m leaving for my mission to Peru this year. It was really good lymph nodes on the right side of his neck. This lead to his mission being for me to hear what Jaden had to say.” postponed for a year. During this time, he recovered from the surgery

After a successful high school and club soccer career, Bybee deand also began participating in clinical trials for a new drug. cided to go on his mission rather than going to school and playing soccer

“It’s part of the reason I went to Oakland for my mission, because for a year. “I decided to leave once the age requirements for missionaries I could still participate in the clinical trial, which had a center in San changed,” he said.

Francisco,” Bybee said.

Bybee received his call to serve in Novosibirsk, Russia and began

Bybee fully recovered from the surgery during his year-long delay, preparing for his departure date soon after he graduated high school. and left to the California Oakland-San Francisco Mission where he

“I already had my mission call and was just going into a dermatoloserved the full two years. gist to get a prescription refill about a month before I left,” Bybee said.

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

29

Sp or ts

Team captains share strategies B Y B R O OK LY N RED D

Ibrahim Karmadzha

Sinamona Tonga

Senior from Bulgaria majoring in computer science and captain of the BYUH men’s tennis team.

Junior from Hawaii majoring in teaching English as a second language and previous captain to the BYUH volleyball team.

What prepared you to become a successful athlete?

“My parents supporting me throughout the years giving me motivation. What I personally did was work harder than my peers when I was younger. My father’s guidance also helped. He was a successful athlete [at canoeing]. It’s not all genetics, but it is all about hard work and hours. I practice every day for three hours, tennis alone, and work out 30 minutes to one hour every day.

What is the difference between a good athlete and a successful athlete?

“I think anyone could be a normal athlete, but a successful athlete [is] somebody who knows how to lift up their team, not just themselves.

“If you like something and want to be successful, you have to put in the hours and hard work.”

“I think role models help a lot in that, because my older sister was pretty much my motivation. Not saying I wanted to be like her, but that I wanted to be better than her. Everything that she did do I did it, but I pushed it maybe 10 times harder than her… she is so good [at volleyball] that I don’t even know if I have met her level yet.”

Photos by Olivia Tsan

30

K E ALAKA I

“I think a successful athlete is someone who is a really good leader on and off the court, not just being a good player having all the skills… but when you can actually apply it off the court into school or the gospel.

Tanner Nelson

Makaela Williamson

Sophomore business major from Washington and current team captain of BYUH men’s basketball team.

Senior from California majoring in International Cultural Studies and recent captain of the BYUH softball team.

How did you become a successful athlete and make it to the top?

What advice would you give for people who want to fulfill their dreams?

“Work will beat talent every day. If you work hard, people are going to notice you working hard; doing all you can to achieve.You will be able to be a better example as well. A girl can be talented, but if she’s not working hard over her talent, then she is just going to fall behind everyone else.

“I think mainly all the support I have around me. Sometimes I am amazed by the people who are around me – how good they are, how blessed I have been to have them in my life. I think the main thing is to surround myself with good people who always supported me in whatever I was doing and who would push me to become better.

“My parent’s had a huge impact, because my dad played college basketball, and my mom grew up playing volleyball and basketball. Ever since I can remember, I have been in a church gym. [I] remember watching my parents play volleyball together when I was little.”

Softball is all about losing. It is all about a game of loses. It’s overcoming continuingly failing. Every time you fail you have to pick yourself up, doing it better next time. There is no time to sit down, recuperate and think about it.You have to let it go and practice and think about what you need to improve on. Mental toughness is such a big thing in softball.You have to be like a horse with blinders and focus on whatever task is right in front of you.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

31

Sp or ts

Besser Davila

Jessica Horrocks

Senior from Utah majoring in exercise sports science and captain of the men’s BYUH soccer team.

Senior from Idaho double majoring in exercise science and bio-med.

Team captain of BYUH women’s cross country team.

Who was your biggest role model, and what lessons did you learn from them?

What is the difference between a good athlete and a successful athlete?

“I count on my grandpa a lot. He played soccer professionally and played in the World Cup for Mexico representing his country. I was compared to him by others, which motivated me in becoming better. He is my biggest role model for sure. Listening to all the stories of my grandfather growing up made me push myself to be as good as he is.

“Be positive with yourself. The world is not easy. That is the most important thing I learned recently. In order to be successful, you have to have a successful mind set. In order to have a successful mindset, you have to be positive.”

32

K E ALAKA I

“I think a successful athlete pushes themselves the extra mile. We all set goals to better ourselves. When you really are determined on a goal… you take those extra steps.You put in those extra workouts.You really focus a lot of your time on [that goal]. It’s more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle.

A successful athlete, said Horrocks, requires a mindset that lifts them to “a competitive level and being able to know you have to push yourself and earn what you have. Obviously God gives us talents for a reason and being able to use them here has been an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Dalton Stanger

Kenzie Gilbert

Junior psychology major from Utah and captain of the BYUH golf team.

Senior from Utah majoring in exercise science and captain of the BYUH cheerleading squad.

What is a team captain?

“I think that a team captain is someone who embodies everything that the team stands for. I try to stay in the moment and not worry about the future or past. The biggest thing that helps me stay in the moment is focusing on what went well because it is very easy to be negative.”

Stanger said he takes three positives and one negative to consider when he moves forward. “I think that is how I keep positive...”

“If you want to be successful at something, I feel that you need to understand what your purpose is in doing that in the first place and own that purpose.”

How did you become a successful athlete and make it to the top?

“For me in cheer, I think it’s more of learning how to be a leader or coach as well as an athlete; thinking about others. When I was a senior in high school, I was injured so I had to be more of a coach helping everyone else out instead of focusing on myself. I had to help them get new skills; help them get better.

“I am very competitive with myself and others. I want to be the best with everything. I can’t just settle with being on a team. I have to be the best. I want to make a difference.”

Photos by Olivia Tsan J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

33

Sp or ts

Top clockwise from top left: Part-time Athletics staff are Aurie Sorenson, Kingsley Ah You: Paul Hurst, Faigalilo Aiu, Moana Kalua’u, Marsie Mo’o, and Diedra Ulii. Some employees have worked for years and Aiu for nearly 50 years. Bottom: Kingsley Ah You announces during a women’s basketball game. Photos by Lexie Kapeliela

34

K E ALAKA I

Keeping score for the countdown Local part-time Athletics employees cherish memories and community connections B Y PATRI CK CAM P B E L L

When the Athletic Department concludes its final basketball season in February, BYU-Hawaii will also be parting ways with their employees who run the scorers’ tables, most of whom are residents of Laie and Kahuku.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be a part of the BYUH Athletics program ohana,” said Kingsley Ah You, the in-game announcer. “My time here has been amazing, and I will cherish the memories and friendships I’ve had the opportunity to create here over the last eight years.”

The other score table workers expressed the same sentiments. Ah You reminisced about the great memories they have had watching the Seasiders Athletic competitions for the last few decades.

Lilo Aiu said he has been working for the Athletics Department since 1968 and has seen many changes. As a new student from Samoa, he ran the scoreboard, which at the time was a flip chart with the numbers on the cards. Aiu still has the scoreboard responsibilities, but instead of flipping paper, he presses buttons.

Although the programs and the technology he uses have changed, Aiu spoke strongly about the mission of the program staying constant all these years in accomplishing the school’s mission. “Many foreign students came here because of basketball and other sports,” said Aiu. “You had many non-members coming and joining the church because of their experience with the Athletics Department. It will be a loss for BYUH.”

With the end of intercollegiate sports, Aiu said he felt there would be something lacking in the school, but he was not sure what could fill the void.

“Athletics are a big part of our community,” said Ah You “They pull us all together.”

Ah You, like Aiu, said he is not sure what will be able to replace Athletics, but he also expressed concern about the loss of connection between the university and the local community, which he said sports provided.

“I’m not sure what is going to be the main connection between us and the community,” said Ah You. “There are other many great programs the university offers, but they are for a certain sector, such as plays and concerts, which are very culturally important. But Athletics has been such a big part of our connection as a community as a whole to the school.”

Ah You said one of the thrills of his eight years announcing for BYUH has been to watch athletes from Kahuku get the opportunity to play at BYUH and to see them excel academically as well as athletically.

Marsie Mo’o, who has kept the stats at the games for 20 years, said she feels there might be more opportunities for the local high school teams to play in the gymnasium.

“Many of the most exciting games have been when the local schools have been playing. A lot of times we’ve seen this place get full,” said Mo’o. “The fans are so fun and are so excited.You can feel the warmth of the fans cheering on their family and community members.”

While it remains to be seen how sports will impact the school in the future, Mo’o is grateful for the rich history and the opportunity she had to see so many “skilled athletes and excellent teams play on the Cannon Activities Center’s court.”

As a retiree, the change Mo’o is worried about most is having too much spare time. “Working here gives me an opportunity to stay alive, and see what’s happening,” joked Mo’o. “It’s my way of keeping up with everything current.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

35

Sp or ts College students Twirling came surf on the webfirst and then came dancing. while waiting in line.

This isby Jenn Photo AP.Barbour’s first experience being on a dance team.

Photo by Chantal Hopper

36

K E ALAKA I

World-class baton twirler Jenn Barbour brings her twirling skills to the Seasider Athletic Department B Y ALYSSA O D O M

Jenn Barbour, a sophomore from California double majoring in biochemistry and math, said she has been a baton twirler since she was 4 years old. She shares her elite experience with Seasider fans during her half time performances at games and other athletic events.

Barbour has been twirling competitively for 15 years, and said she could not imagine her life without it. “I fell in love with the sport when I started solo twirling at the age of 5, and the rest is history.”

She said attending BYU-Hawaii has always been a goal of hers. “BYUH has been my dream school since I was 12. I have always wanted to be a collegiate baton twirler. Once I decided to attend BYUH, I contacted the dance coach and was able to start twirling at games.”

Being on a dance team and dancing collegiately was never part of her initial plan, said Barbour, but it fell into place due to dancing combining so naturally with her twirling skills.

“This year I decided to try out for the dance team. I really enjoy being a part of it, and I’m glad that I am still able to twirl along with being on the team. I’ve never been on a dance team before. It is a new experience that I have enjoyed learning from. The dance team is filled with so many great girls and it has been so fun to grow with and learn from them.”

Like other Seasider athletes, Barbour is disappointed about the BYUH Athletics program ending after this year.

“I understand the purpose of cutting the sports program, and I see the benefits that it will bring to the university as a whole, but I am very sad to see the program go. I am planning on transferring to a different university after this year so I can continue twirling collegiately.”

Barbour’s hard work and determination is seen through her results in competitions she has been a part of over the years. As a young baton twirler, Barbour claimed state titles in 2000 and 2001. She also was consistently the California state champion from 2008-2015. She has earned four regional titles, three national titles, and three world titles. In the year 2015, Barbour said she was able to receive the state, regional, national, and world title all in one competition season.

She said her experiences and success has taught her to stretch out of her comfort zone and share what she loves with other people. “I can gain a better appreciation for the things that I have worked hard for and also help others find a passion for something.

“When I went to Peru for a competition, I was able to share my passion by teaching some of the locals about twirling. I was also a goodwill ambassador on this trip, which allowed me the opportunity to volunteer at orphanages and senior homes.”

Twirling has been such an integral part of Barbour’s life for as long as she can remember and she said she hopes to keep it that way as she moves into the next stage of life.

“I’m hoping to start a little girl twirling team soon. I have been teaching twirling since I was 15, so I plan to continue doing so throughout the rest of my life.”

Barbour plans to continue her biochemistry and math while still keeping baton twirling as a part of her life.

“I plan to seek a doctorate degree after receiving my bachelor’s, and then receive a teaching certificate and become a teacher. Baton has always been such a fun part of my life, and after I start raising my family, I plan to just teach baton on the side.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

37

Sp or ts Top: A line of sax players in the Pep Band. Middle: The rhythm section performs during a time out. Bottom: Mike Payton conducts the brass and wind players, comprised of students, graduates, and Kahuku High School students.

Photo by Lexie Kapeliela and Olivia Tsan

38

K E ALAKA I

Ending on a high note BYU-Hawaii Pep Band phases out with Athletics B Y PATRI CK CAM PB E L L

The BYU-Hawaii Pep Band will play its swan song when the Seasider’s basketball program plays Point Loma on Feb. 20 in the last home game in the program’s history.

The band, comprised of volunteer community members and students who receive scholarships for participating, has been led for several years by Mike Payton, a retired Kahuku High School music teacher.

“It’s been my biggest pleasure to lead the Pep Band and to have the opportunity to offer scholarships to the musicians,” said Payton.

The Pep Band has for several years been a part of the BYUH game day experience for the programs that compete in the Cannon Activities Center. The band used to be sponsored by the Music Department until 2010 when it moved to Athletics, according to Payton.

Kevin Peterson, a Spring 2016 music graduate and community member who has played in the band for six years, began playing for the band while attending Kahuku High School and continued as he attended BYUH.

With the band and the Athletics programs closing, Peterson said he feels the biggest loss might be the lack of connection to the community. “Not only is this community very interested in sports, but many of us Pep Band players are community members,” said Peterson.

The opportunity to be involved with BYUH is what first attracted Wendy Valentine, a flutist. As a member of the band for five years, Valentine said she’s been grateful to play in the band.

“It’s been fun being able to pump up the crowd during games. I always like seeing the few students get up and dance a little. Even if they are sitting, you can tell they are still affected by the music,” said Valentine.

The band’s style plays a large role in creating its exciting performances. While Payton’s accomplishments as a musical educator might be his main credentials, he said his early years as a musician have shaped the band’s arraignments the most.

“As a teenager, I was heavily influenced by surf music and their style of rock ‘n’ roll. I actually got to play with the Beach Boys and met them personally,” Payton reminisced. Payton arranges all of the music for the band, most of which he transcribes from popular songs such as Maroon 5’s “Sugar” and Katie Perry’s “Roar.”

The band’s instrumentation contains brass instruments, like trumpets and trombones, and woodwind instruments, like tenor and alto saxophones. The band also has a rhythm section, which includes a drums, bass guitar, rhythm guitars, and keyboard, all of which help give the band its rock ‘n’ roll sound. Payton plays a tambourine while he conducts. “I like to rock with the students a little too,” he joked.

The scholarships associated with the band will be concluded at the end of the Winter Semester and will not be renewed for Spring, according to band members.

The North Shore Symphonic Wind Ensemble and other groups are options for community members who want to continue to play with a BYUH-affiliated program.

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

39

Sp or ts College students Coach David surf on the webPorter connects sports with while waiting in line. learning life’s lessons, Photo

by AP. says athletes. Photo by Monique Saenz

40

K E ALAKA I

Coach with most career wins counts down final season Tennis athletes say Coach Porter motivates and inspires them

BY B RO O K LYN RE D D

Coach David Porter is described by BYU-Hawaii tennis athletes as inspirational, loving, and driven, qualities they say attribute to his ability of keeping the most consistent winning record in NCAA Division II tennis, according to the USPTA.

Coach Porter was the inaugural coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams. He has been BYUH men’s coach since 1982 and has coached the women’s team since 1994, coaching nine undefeated seasons, according to the BYUH Athletics’ website.

Hailey Daniels, a sophomore from Utah majoring in business, said, “The best way to describe Coach Porter is when I ask him how I am doing and he responds, ‘I am pleased, but never satisfied.’

“Nothing he says is ever something that won’t help you to progress into a better player. He made me more motivated than I have ever been.”

Porter said, “In order to help them, I have to be honest with them and give them that kind of feedback, but I certainly don’t feel that it is inappropriate to not help them to become better. If I wasn’t, I would be cheating them.”

Tyler Miller, a freshman from Utah studying business, and a men’s tennis player, said, “[Coach Porter] makes sure you get your priorities right and achieve your goals. He takes time to explain and help you to improve, bringing it all together to make you a better player.”

Athletes said Porter is not only a coach but also a teacher of life lessons. Porter agreed with their views. He said, “Learning is a process. If I don’t help them to continue to learn, then I am not really doing my job as a coach. If they think they already have the answers, then we are in big trouble.”

He continued, “My mission president, Paul Dunn, said, ‘When you are through learning, you are through,’ and so for them I have to help them understand there are always ways to improve. If they didn’t need to improve, they wouldn’t be here.”

Before Porter started coaching, he attended BYU with a basketball scholarship. He said he decided to go on a mission and was no longer eligible to play for the team, so he started to play tennis. Porter said he had played in high school and played the last two years of his college career.

Once Porter graduated, he became the director for physical fitness at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah and set up the athletic program that is currently being used by missionaries around the world today.

Porter said he wanted a change and felt BYUH was the best option. He started at BYUH as an assistant coach in basketball, and he also helped assist the women’s volleyball team.

He said he had the privilege to coach the men’s tennis team being the university’s first tennis coach, eventually taking over the women’s team as well. BYUH Athletics’ website reports him as “leading BYU-Hawaii to the second-most national championships in Division II women’s tennis history.”

Porter said he feels he had learned a lot more throughout the years of his experience with coaching. He said, “I think the principles of coaching in terms of commitment to the players and working hard is something I brought since coming here.”

Porter had goals in mind when first starting as the coach for BYUH. He hoped to help athletes to learn life’s lessons through the vehicle of tennis. “Winning is a by-product, but the real purpose is to get an education, prepare for a career and a future, and to learn life’s lessons.

“Sports is one of the best vehicles to learn life’s lessons, putting you in challenging situations you can’t avoid. I think that is one of the real benefits, and that is one of the reasons I am sad to see it go,” said Porter.

Nannan (Dallas) Zhang, a senior from China majoring in accounting, and BYUH tennis player, said, “Coach Porter is strict, but he is also kind. He’s always helping us, not only on the court, but also even with studies or any problems. He is the first person I will ask for help if I have any problems.”

With Athletics coming to a close at the university, Zhang said she knows Coach Porter did everything he could to save the program, “but we have to accept that it is the final decision.”

BYUH made the decision a couple years ago to end Athletics.

Coaches, including Porter, pushed to allow the players who were already a part of the team to play until they graduate.

“BYUH will no longer have an Athletics Department, but there is a reason behind it. I don’t understand it right now, but there is a lesson for me somewhere,” said Porter.

Coach Porter encourages BYUH students to watch students play and support the tennis team. He said he hopes everyone is able to enjoy what the university has, while it has it. The last tennis season begins midFebruary and the first matches at home in Laie are scheduled for March 1, says the BYUH Athletics website.

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

41

C S paomrpt su s L i f e

Lexi talks Earl Breen Veloria: about her experience All-American with adoption to help others basketball player Veloria on hisayears a basketball volleyball Studentreflects says reading letterasfrom her birthand mother was a turning point player during the beginning of BYUH’s Athletics program

BY LES LIE O W U S U

BY DY LA N-S AG E W I LCOX

Lexie Breen says while she if open about Earl, Veloria 77, nowothers lives are in Kohala talking aboutage adoption, not as on the Big Island. Photo courtesy Earl Veloria comfortable.

Photo

by LexieofKapeliela

42

K E ALAKA I

E

arl Veloria first played basketball for BYUHawaii when the university was known as the Church College of Hawaii in the early 1960s. Veloria was born in 1939 on the southeast side of the Big Island of Puna. He was the fourth oldest of 10 brothers and sisters. His father was a Filipino immigrant who came to Hawaii to work for the sugar cane plantations.

“Plantation life was a simple life. We were poor then,” Veloria remembered. “Our mother would stay home and father would provide for the family.” Veloria said their life growing up was humble and simple. He grew up knowing how to work, and eventually his work ethic, along with his skills on the basketball court, carried him through high school.

While at high school, coaches began to take notice of Veloria’s athleticism. This led to an opportunity to play basketball while being able to pay for college. “When I graduated from Pahoa High, I was offered a basketball scholarship after graduating in 1957.” Veloria then went to UH Hilo for a year on a basketball scholarship, which covered $200 for the year.

Veloria said he was first introduced to the LDS Church through his passion for basketball. “The stake president would take me to the Mutual Improvement Association to play.

He would invite me to sacrament and I would go.”

While he was acquainted with the church through high school, shortly after his time at UH Hilo, he decided to attend Church College of Hawaii in 1959. During his second Continued on page 44

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

43

Sp or ts Continued from 43

semester there, Veloria was baptized at Clissold’s Beach, named after President Edward L. Clissold, a former stake and temple president in Laie, originally from Utah. “He was a respected man in the church – not only in Salt Lake, but also in Hawaii,” Veloria said.

“I was interested in the church already. I went there to play basketball to be among members,” Veloria continued. There were a couple of members, Sister Myers from Arizona and Sister Gladys Chu ,who resides in Laie, whom he had met at church in Hilo. “We became acquainted and become good friends; and we still are,” he said.Years later, Veloria and Myers would still communicate with each other.

“These two sisters were stalwart members of the church.”

“I made a lot of friends through sports,” Veloria said. “At the time [1959], it was just limited to wrestling and basketball. The athletic director, Ed Lolotai, was a professional wrestler. He turned the Samoans and Tongans who came to CCH into outstanding wrestlers.” Veloria left CCH without finishing, but later returned in 1966 when the school had a volleyball program. By that time, CCH also had a rugby program. He said since there was no recognized governing board on a national level for rugby, CCH’s rugby team, which had beaten UCLA in 1968, couldn’t have won a national title. “They proclaimed themselves national champions because there was no organized national governing body over rugby,” Veloria said. CCH’s sports and Athletics program was successful because of the variety of students the university attracted, he said.

Despite being a small school, Veloria said CCH could play with the best of the best. “We recognized that we only had seven men on our volleyball team,” he recalled, “We played teams that were dominant in the game: UCLA, Long Beach, and others. We beat all of them. We thought we did pretty good.” Carl McGown was the men’s volleyball coach at the time. He led CCH’s volleyball team to two national championship titles.

“A CCH team couldn’t play against a big school, but because it wasn’t organized as such, we competed against those bigger schools and we won those games,” Veloria said. The CCH volleyball team won in 1968 against 12 college teams. “We played for four days. It was double elimination. If you lost two games, you’re out. We lost our first game.”

The first-place team, California Sea College, placed CCH in the loser’s bracket. “CCH had been beat by California Sea College two sets straight. The rules were a little different then.You played hour after hour from 9 in the morning to 9 at night,” he said. “You had to be pretty athletic to compete at that level.”

At the end of tournament, it was San Diego vs.

CCH. It was sudden death. San Diego beat CCH, 15-12. “I thought that was amazing because that was a national title we were playing for under the United Volleyball Association,” Veloria said.

Because of his strong performance during the volleyball tournament in California, Veloria was selected to become an All-American; an award given to the best players in the nation. The first All-American team can only have six people. There were five others recognized with him.

He was then nominated to play for the U.S. Olympic Volleyball Team in 1968 but decided not to pursue the opportunity. “In the past, the volleyball national championship was held in May, and then the Olympics were held in June.You couldn’t put a team together in two months and expect a polished team. They only had two months to get ready,” Veloria said.

He said because of the quick turnaround for volleyball players, he felt the U.S. Olympic Volleyball team wouldn’t be as ready as the other teams who would have played together for longer. “They couldn’t get the chemistry of the team right. They got the best players from each college team, but the chemistry between the players wasn’t there because each of the players felt they were the best,” Veloria said.

Veloria returned to CCH and graduated in 1969.

“One thing about Athletics is that you form a lasting and forever tie with people. Even if you haven’t seen them for years, somehow they pop up.You form these ties and you have good memories with these people. In any sport you form a tie.”

Veloria had coached high school basketball, for 20 years. “You never forget your association with athletes because there’s a bond there,” he said.

One of his greatest associations through the sport was when he met his wife of nearly 50 years, Audrey, at CCH. She played volleyball and was skilled, but she said she “didn’t have the guts” to play professionally. It was through the sport that the two met. “I am glad that he went to CCH when he did, because I was able reap the blessing of meeting him,” she said.

“He came through the ranks of high school in a very rural area. He played basketball but didn’t really blossom until he got to CCH,” Audrey Veloria said.

She added the volleyball and basketball boys were good because of the bond they shared. “They were driven for the love of the sport, but they also had a bond. They had a sense of playing for the school and using it as a way to burn off the steam of being students.

Continued on page 46

44

K E ALAKA I

Earl and wife, Audrey, are retired and serve in the Kona Hawaii Temple. Photo courtesy of Earl Veloria

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

45

Sp or ts

Earl Veloria, second row on the far right, was a member of the men’s volleyball team in 1968. Photo courtesy of Earl Veloria

Continued from page 45

“Many of them were non-members who were converted because of their friends who played with them. This was the career, the athletic venue that he wanted to pursue,” she said.

As the two got to know each other, their relationship bloomed. “I marveled watching him. He was a humble player and he was handsome. He included me with the boys so we went through our college years,” she said. Audrey would follow Earl around to his games in a beat up old Volkswagen Beetle. Audrey noted how much effort Earl put into his training by running around Laie to keep in shape. He said community members would encourage him to keep going.

Audrey said, “It wasn’t a vanity as much as a joy in his accomplishments. I’m always very proud of him because of that.You can’t succeed without the hunger to excel. Hawaiians have this thing called kina’ole, doing the right thing at the right time, and that was Earl’s creed,” she said.

“Earl never thought he would go to CCH, become a member, then become bishop, a stake president and then 46

K E ALAKA I

become the first Hawaiian temple president,” Audrey said.

Years after his time at CCH, Earl became the president of the Kona Hawaii Temple, the first Hawaiian temple president.

Earl Veloria said he learned many things during his time at CCH. “Integrity and commitment is important.

People will always remember you for how you did things.

You can do 10 or more good things, and one bad thing, and people will remember you for that one bad thing,” he said.

“Be true to yourself. The way you live your life – the way you feel your life should be lived. People can see right through you. Life is prone to have failures.Yet some people see failures as a stepping stone. I’ve had a lot of failures. There are things in my life I could’ve done better. That goes for sports as well. I always analyze things I could’ve done better, ‘Why did I do what I did?’ and, ‘Why did the outcome come as it did?’ and eventually you’ll become a winner,” said Veloria.

religion

in this section Missionaries who return early share the stress that comes with their transitions

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

48

47

C Raem l i gp iuosnL i f e

Lexi Breen Lexi Breentalks Missionaries who return early with honorout the about herbrings experience Student S t u d e n t s s ay s e r v i n g f o r a ny l e n g t h o f t i m e with to help life others best adopted i s s t i l l s e r vadoption iof c e t o Gher od

BY BROO KLY N R E D D

says reading a letter birthlife mother was a turning point Student brings out the best offrom her her adopted

BY LES LIE O W U S U

Lesie Lexie From Breen left to says right:while Kawika sheWise, is if open Rachel aboutRoundy and Arilla talking Utley all about returned adoption, early others from their are missions not as and share their comfortable. stories. PhotoPhoto

by Chantal

by Lexie Hopper Kapeliela

48

K E ALAKA I

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

49

R eli g i on

W

hile five BYU-Hawaii students said they returned home early from their LDS missions, they said in time they came to understand they still returned home with honor.

Religion Professor Marcus Martins shared his experience as a former mission president in Brazil. “I honor all those who receive medical releases with the same degree of honor, and perhaps slightly a bit more, than those who went and only had to face a little cold, flu, [etc]. No big deal. Everyone goes through that,” said Martins.

However, he said missionaries with medical releases “went to the very edge of their physical possibilities.”

During his experience as mission president in the Brazil Sao Saint Paulo North Mission, Martins said he sent about 25 missionaries home early. He recalled, “It is never pleasant to send missionaries home.” He said it was very difficult at the time, but he felt Heavenly Father directed the decisions. He added, “That missionary who receives a medical release went above and beyond their duty.”

Daniel Starr, a sophomore with an undeclared major from Utah, said he was called to serve in Samoa. “Coming home early was hard because people see you and are wondering why you are suddenly home, along with becoming suspicious with what happened.

Even when you tell them it’s anxiety or that you are still worthy, they still don’t know what to say, so it makes it harder.”

He continued, “People don’t understand what it’s like coming home for a mental condition. No matter the reason for coming home early, there is something in that missionary’s life where they are not able to function well enough to be a missionary at that time and are needing to come home.”

Starr feels after 17 months of being home, he is now prepared and ready to return to his mission. He said he hopes to help other missionaries who may be going through the same struggles he has gone through.

“I feel that because of the Atonement, Jesus Christ knows how to help us. He knows exactly who to put in our path and what experiences to help prepare us at this time,” he said. “When coming home early, it is important to have people who are understanding and who are loving towards that missionary.”

He added, “If you feel that your time is done, then I think that is okay. Some people just have shorter missions because all our tests in life are different. Remember your whole life is a mission. [It] may not be full time, but you can continue to be a servant to the Lord.”

Returning home with honor means that you have done what the Lord wants you to do in that place at that time,” said Starr.

Rachel Roundy, a sophomore from Utah majoring in sports science, said she was called to serve as a missionary in Japan. Due to a back injury, she went home after going to the Missionary Training Center. It was later decided that she would be reassigned to serve in California. She said, “I felt prompted to go back out, even though I didn’t feel 100 percent good about my back.”

When it was recommended that Roundy serve stateside, she felt “heartbroken,” but her stake president encouraged her to pray about it. She said when she prayed, she felt at peace with California

being where she was needed. Roundy said she knew there was a reason behind the changes, especially when she went through different experiences; one of which was when she taught a Japanese investigator in their native tongue while in California. She knew she was supposed to be serving there at that time, but due to more issues with her back, she felt she needed to go home. She said, “I didn’t get my answer until I gave up my own will, asking the Lord what does he want me to do?”

“I went home and saw so many miracles at home. I can honestly say I saw more miracles at home than I actually did on my mission. God allowed me to finish my mission at home in Utah.”

She added at first she had a difficult time at home, but after a month, she said, “I started seeing miracles. Christ didn’t heal my back physically, but he gave me opportunities to serve people and that healed me in a way and helped me have a positive attitude. The more positive I would think mentally, the less I felt pain.”

Roundy concluded with, “Heavenly Father will take away your anger, your heartbreak.” Raising her voice and looking more intently, she added, “He will take away your sadness if you let him.You have to let him do it for you.You have to be open-minded enough and forgiving enough towards God to let him take that from you, because it is part of his plan, even if you are angry you came home early. It is meant to happen. That’s how it’s supposed to happen.”

Kawika Wise, a junior from Hawaii majoring in Hawaiian studies, said he was called to serve in the Philippines before coming home early.

Wise said, “There were still things at home holding me back.

Because of that, I couldn’t give everything to the Lord, or to the Philippines. My mission president and I decided that I would come home for a period of time and work on some things to prepare myself to go back on my mission. “

He said his family’s support and love for him was his driving motivation. He said it was hard at first but knew there was a reason.

Wise said he felt it was a good time to be home and be a missionary for his family in supporting and helping them to overcome trials. With tears in his eyes, he said he was the last person his grandmother saw before she passed away. “I love my grandma,” he said, “being home early from my mission wasn’t so much a struggle, but there was purpose as to why I needed to be there.”

He smiled and continued, “I then knew, ‘Okay, this is what Heavenly Father had planned for me,’ and because of that, I was prepared even more and had learned so much more about myself, about Jesus Christ, the Atonement and how it cannot only bless my life, but other people’s lives. When I went back on my mission, I felt that my testimony was so much stronger and there was so much more I could give to these people. I am very grateful for that experience, despite how hard it was.”

Wise gave this advice to early returned missionaries: “If there is any chance you are to go back out on a mission, don’t give up.

Continue to build the church, stay with good friends and family.

Continued on page 52

50

K E ALAKA I

Kawika Wise said his family’s support was a driving motivation. Rachel Roundy said Christ didn’t heal her back physically when she came home, but she saw miracles in how her heart changed. Photo by Chantal Hopper J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

51

R eli g i on

Aline Weitzel talks with Daniel Starr. Photo by Chantal Hopper Continued from page 51

Don’t listen to any negativity people give you for being home early from your mission.”

Martins said of missionaries who go home early, “Their desire to serve was clear. That desire to sacrifice was clear – a sacrifice the lord was not asking for.”

Aline Weitzel, a junior from New York studying hospitality tourism and management, said she was called to a California Spanish-speaking mission. She was 14 months into the mission before she had to come home for dental reasons. She said, “It’s something you can’t control. At first, I felt I was not worthy enough to go to church, and I didn’t want to talk about it. It took a while for me to respond to friends since I felt ashamed, but then I realized my purpose was only to serve for that amount of time.

“We all have trials in our life and Heavenly Father knows that.

He knows that we each do things differently. Heavenly Father understands you inside out. He knows your desire and he knows your heart. Anything you came home early for, that’s the plan.”

Elder Jeffrey Holland, speaking in a video to missionaries who returned home early, said, “I want all of you, anyone out in the audience who would wrestle with this issue, to have that feeling of self-worth and of a successful mission honorably offered to the Lord, regardless of the period of time involved. I encourage that and want you to feel that way forever.”

Weitzel said, “The best thing to do once you return home is to keep that connection with Heavenly Father. The time you are at your lowest point is when you really need guidance from him. A lot of people see it as if when you are at your lowest point, he does not want to talk to you anymore. That’s not true. That is the exact moment that he wants you to talk to him.”

Arilla Utley, a freshman from Oregon majoring in psychology, said she ended her mission in Peru a couple months early to 52

K E ALAKA I

undergo surgery. She had the option to either go back to Peru or serve locally, but after praying, she said she received a confirmation she did not need to return.

Utley said, “Any of the time we devote to the Lord and his work is valued, and it does not matter how much time it is.You’re called to serve an 18-month or two-year mission.Yes, you are expected to serve that time, but especially after this experience, you served the time that the lord needed you to serve. When he says you are done, you are done. That could be a part of your plan. If I didn’t come home early, I would not be here at BYUH.”

She said, “The personal plan the Lord has for you is the most important above anything. The Lord knows who you are. Keep going and remember the Lord loves you. Every little work you did on the mission was fulfilling the calling.”

Utley concluded with, “We can look fondly on our mission, and, with humility, accept the fact that the Lord has other plans.”

Martins said he posted on Facebook a message in respect to his own missionaries who had not been well received in their home wards after returning early.

He wrote, “There is no indignity in the early medical release of a worthy and diligent full-time missionary. In fact, we may say that these missionaries consecrated everything their mortal bodies allowed them to offer the Lord, even though such an offer did not match the size of their desire to serve the Lord.”

He continued in his post, “Because of this, they deserve the same honor granted to those whose (relatively) good health allowed them to serve the regular duration of a mission. I’m sure the Lord will accept their sacrifice just as he promised Oliver Granger [in Doctrine and Covenants 117:13]: ‘... his sacrifice shall be more sacred unto me than his increase, saith the Lord.’”

community

in this section Laie Mom teaches music and sign language to toddlers

54

Learn how to make your own hanging plant

58

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

53

C oa m pmuus nLi ti yf e

Lexi Breen talks Moms & Music about experience opens her in Laie Program incorporates sign language and music with adoption to help others during developmental stages Student says reading a letter from her birth mother was a turning point

BY A LYS S A O D O M

BY LES LIE O W U S U

Lexie Breen says while she if open about talking about adoption, others are not as comfortable. Photo by Lexie Kapeliela

54

K E ALAKA I

M

Michelle Henderson teaching her music class.

Photo by Olivia Tsan

ichelle Henderson, wife of BYU-Hawaii Music Department Professor Daniel Henderson, teaches music classes for toddlers and their caretakers in her home in Laie.

Henderson was born and raised in Seattle, Wash., but just recently made the move to Laie from Boston, Mass., where her and her family have called home for the past 11 years. The Henderson’s have been married for 12 and a half years. They have four children, Logan (10), Eva (7), and twins, Peter and Abigail (2).

Henderson had not always planned on starting her “Moms & Music” business, but she was able to experience different jobs and opportunities that ultimately prepared her for where she is today. “I have a degree in Early Childhood Education. I’ve taught preschool, taught in an inclusive program, worked in early intervention as a developmental specialist, taught Spanish to kids, and basically just did a variety of jobs within the Social Services Department.

“After I had Logan, I didn’t want to work full time anymore so I would find part-time job opportunities while we were in graduate school,” she said. Although these were all great opportunities for Henderson, she said she knew there was something more for her to do.

“When we were in Boston and Logan was a young toddler, I had really wanted to get involved in a music program that I could attend with him. However, all of the ones that I had researched never seemed to fit what I was looking for. I started looking for locations to teach a class myself but never really found success. A few years later, after Eva was born and started getting to the toddler stage, I couldn’t shake my desire for a music class for my little ones. I knew how beneficial it would be and I decided not to give up on this dream,” she said.

Continued on page 56

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

55

C ommu n it y

Left: Michelle Henderson at her home in Laie. Left center: Daniel Henderson has fun with his children at home.

Right and right center: Michelle Henderson creates interactive learning environments for toddlers. Photos by Olivia Tsan Continued from page 55

Henderson talked about how her early experiences prepared her to take the route of starting her own business and creating what she believes is the best way to integrate music into a toddler’s life. “I have a background in music and spent time working...with speech and language pathologists and occupational therapists.

All of these experiences ignited my passion and love for sign language and the benefits of teaching sign language to young toddlers and children.” Henderson knew she wanted her toddlers to be involved with a music program that utilized sign language along with the music used in the group. “Both sign language and music are incredible tools that help one in developing language skills and a myriad of other developmental skills,” she said.

Henderson could not find a music class that fit her desires, so she decided to teach one herself. She thought all she needed was a group of people together willing to give her a shot.

56

K E ALAKA I

She said she reached out to people in her community, neighborhood, and ward telling everyone about her plan. “I started out by inviting people over to my home once a week for an hour-long music class. It started getting so popular that I had to limit it to 10 moms and their toddlers. We all sat knee-to-knee on my tiny living room floor.”

Soon after starting these classes in her home, Henderson heard about a literacy workshop focusing on song and speech being held at her local community center. “I attended this literacy workshop in which the audience was being asked to volunteer songs for the group to sing together. Each time someone was asked to volunteer a song, there was complete silence.

I shared a few songs and also shared with the group that my husband is a musician and I teach music classes.”

Henderson continued, “I was not aware, however, that the director of the community

center was there at that workshop.” This was great timing for Henderson as she was offered the opportunity to teach her class at that community center. This was the start she said she needed for her program to reach out to neighboring community centers and public libraries throughout Boston.

Henderson said she spent a lot of time and effort getting her Moms & Music program up and running throughout Boston. One of the scariest parts about moving to Laie, she said, was the uncertainty of keeping her classes and whether or not there would be an opportunity for her to pursue them still.

“I am passionate about early childhood education. I am passionate about music. I love feeling like I have contributed something to a community and the feeling of belonging that comes from this,” said Henderson. “I didn’t want to lose that after having been so established in Boston.”

Henderson said she has enjoyed the challenge and excitement of continuing her business in a new environment. “The make up of the Laie community is so different from any other community I’ve ever been a part of.

This has been a challenge but also an incredible learning experience.”

As far as Boston goes, Henderson said she has hired three educators to continue the program there. “I train them via Skype and lesson plans. After having completed two sessions here in Laie, as well as through my hired educators back in Boston, I feel like I am getting in the groove with the new situation. I am so happy with how it is going and have enjoyed meeting caregivers and kids from Laie and the surrounding communities,” she said.

Henderson said she likes the diversity of the groups she teaches in Laie. She said one of the benefits of being a part of a class like hers is it allows the group to make connections and

learn in ways that are not possible anywhere else. She said learning from other parents and caregivers has broadened her understanding of being a mom, especially in this new environment.

“I can just tell by the way that their eyes light up and smile so brightly that they each have their favorite songs, props, or instrument to play. It is so amazing to see the connections that they make through the music and singing.

They are learning so much, but all they know is that they are having fun.”

Moms & Music offers class sessions of seven to eight weeks, where classes are held once a week for one hour. Henderson says the normal price is $80 per session, but she is offering a $10 discount for BYUH students.

Winter session registration begins Jan. 3, according to her website, momsandmusic.com.

Registration runs through Jan. 24, which is the first day of the Winter session.

“There is no better feeling than watching the toddlers as they interact and experience music within my class.”

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

57

C ommu n it y

STEP 1

STEP 5

Prepare your plant. Remove the plant from the container and gently remove the soil surrounding the roots. This works best if the plant is dry.

Break the ball in half and put the plants roots in between. Shape it back into a ball, and add more soil if it doesn’t keep its form.

STEP 2 Quickly immerse the plant’s roots into room temperature water.

STEP 6 Gently wrap the ball in the sheet moss. Use the twine to secure the sheet moss onto the ball. Continue until ball feels secure. Leave enough twine to be able to hang the plant up.

20 - 22 ° C 68 - 72 ° F

STEP 3 Using the Sphagnum Moss, wrap the damp roots of the plant and squeeze out all excess water. Use the cotton thread to tighten the Sphagnum moss to the plant’s roots.

STEP 7 Hang the plant up!

STEP 4 Using your hands, shape the soil mixture into about the size of a grapefruit. Depending on the size of your plant, it could be larger or smaller.

Illustrations by Keira Kim

58

K E ALAKA I

Gardening for the soul Research shows gardens lead to better lifestyles

BY ZO E RO U N SE VI L L E

According to an article in Psychology Today, “the presence of potted plants has been found to be helpful in many different settings including work, school, and hospitals. In particular, plants have been shown to improve reaction times, increase attentiveness, improve attendance (at work and school), and raise productivity.”

Mikko Toussaint, a senior at BYU-Hawaii majoring in psychology, said, “Having plants in the home tends to make me feel like I am close to nature. It promotes a zen-filled home that also translates to a balanced environment.”

Not only do the presence of plants aid to one’s well being, but also the process of preparing plants and gardening can act as a meditative experience, according to Psychology Today.

Missy Hughes, a junior working as a groundskeeper/gardener at BYUH, described valuable childhood memories of her gardening with her grandparents. She said she learned many meaningful principles while working with [plants] and said, “Gardening makes me feel like I connect to those principles in a way a lot of people don’t understand.”

There are several low-maintenance, shade-loving plants that can act as great dorm room decor, as well as natural de-stressors, according to inhabitant.com. The website offers simple, easy, and practical instructions for making an indoor Kokedama String Garden:

How to make a Kokedama String Garden You will need:

A Small Plant

Sheet Moss

Twine

Peat Moss

Sphagnum Moss

Bonsai Soil

7:3 ratio of peat moss and bonsai soil (mix the two together to a clay-like consistency and add water if needed.)

J AN UARY 2 0 1 7

59

A collage of Seasider athletes from 2016-2017 by Dorothy Chiu