The Pini
n
President William McKinley High School McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Tyrell Tuiasosopo Wide receiver Mathias Tuitele-lafeta Running Back
Denzel Kalahiki-GasperQuarter Back
Lighting of the M - September 27 Homecoming Assembly - September 28 Homecoming Game - September 28
“Never back down.”
main concern is “being 100% out on the field.” As the captain, Tuitele-lafeta focused on talking about what he could do to motivate his team. His number one priority is to “Just get everybody hyped up and ready!” Tuitele-lafeta described the importance of practicing what they’ve been taught and remembering to work harder. “We need to feed the juice,” he explained, “Once one person does good, everyone else feeds off of the energy and does well.” And what about our opposing team? Coach Cho and the team agreed that this year would be the toughest homecoming in three years. However, the players were excited nonetheless. With McKinley’s famous traditions such as Black and Gold week, lighting of the M, and our Pep Rally, the three players said that this is the game that everyone gets excited about. The schools energy is also something the players can feed off of. Coach Cho replied, “We should have homecoming every week!” Unfortunately, homecoming only comes around once a year and this year, September 28 is the day. So, let’s support the tigers, give them the energy they will need to win, and show the Surfriders what the Tigers are made of!
Photos by Dayna Spencer(11) Michelle Dela Cruz(12)
by Ariana Makasiale (11) For the past two years, the Tigers have managed to win both homecoming games. So, this year the expectations are high. “We’ve won both games since I was a freshman,” says Mathias Tuitelelafeta (captain of the football game), “If we win this game it will make three years of homecoming games.” The Kailua Surfriders are going to have to watch out! Coach Cho said that no matter what, “We always prepare to win!” From the long list of Junior and Senior returnees, it is not hard to figure out why the team feels prepared. Coach Cho listed some players who he felt would be key and they all had one thing in common. They all had multiple years of experience. Tuitele-lafeta, Denzel Kalahiki-Gasper, and Tyrell Tuiasosopo, all juniors and all three year veterans, explained there excitement for the game. While jokingly listing what his lunch routine was; Tuiasosopo was all business when describing what he knew he could contribute to the team. As the wide receiver, he explained that his job is to know the right techniques and to be able to visualize what he has to do out on the field. Kalahiki-Gasper, on the other hand, got straight to talking about the game as he listed out what he felt the team had to work on to win this game. “We need to work on our routes and executing plays. We also need to make as many scores as possible.” He then added the importance of “distributing the ball evenly”, and “trusting the O line.” His
“Work hard. Get better.”
Tigers take on the Surfriders
September 24, 2012
“Play smart.”
Vol. 91 No. 1
RS 12-1339
2 THE PINION September 24, 2012
Honolulu Storm Drain System
The City’s storm drain system is a vast network of underground pipes and open channels that were designed to prevent flooding. Runoff drains from the street into the gutter, and enters the system through an opening in the curb called a catch basin. Catch basins serve as the neighborhood entry point for the journey into the ocean. Water in the storm drain system receives no treatment or filtering process and is completely separate from the City’s sewer system. The original storm drain system was developed in the early 20th century. As the City began to grow, rainwater that was once absorbed by miles of undeveloped land began to run off the newly paved and developed areas, leading to an increased amount of water flowing into streams. These streams could not contain the increased amount of water and flooded. In response, many streams were lined with concrete, initiating the development of an underground urban drainage system. As the City and County of Honolulu continued to grow, a complex drainage system developed. Today, more than 20,000 catch basins, almost 700 miles of underground pipes and open channels comprise the City’s storm drain system. Runoff from the City system reaches the ocean through approximately 2,200 storm drain outfalls or openings at the end of a storm drain system that allows water to flow into a channel, stream or the ocean. Pollutants found in the system City crews have found an unusual collection of items that have been dumped or have made their way into storm drain channels. These items include:
Shop, Score Free adidas MiTeam Uniforms When you shop at Times Supermarkets through October 9 and purchase Kraft Foods products, McKinley will score with free adidas MiTeam athletic uniforms! That’s because Times Supermarkets and Kraft Foods in Hawaii have once again teamed up to provide Hawaii high schools with the opportunity to earn a share of $200,000 worth of free adidas MiTeam athletic uniforms through the 12th annual Shop and Score program. All schools are guaranteed a minimum $500 credit. Help McKinley and give the cashier the code 338.
• Chicken Cages * Surfboards •Motorcycles • Soiled Diapers • Automotive Parts • Mattresses • Stuffed Animals • Exercise Bikes • Shopping Carts * Basketballs, Baseballs, & Golf Balls • Baby Strollers
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September 24, 2012 THE PINION 3
Find Breaking News at myhsj.org/pinion
Go to myhsj.org/pinion to read bios of the Pinion staff
Anthony Lee
Chanel Alarca
Astronaut Neil Armstrong, commander of Apollo 11 and the first person to walk on the moon, died Saturday, August 25, 2012. He was 82. In this January 1960 file photo, NASA test pilot Neil Armstrong is seen here next to the X-15 ship No. 1 (56-6670) after a research flight in January 1960. The X-15 was a rocket-powered aircraft 50 feet long with a wingspan of 22 feet. Courtesy MCT Campus Ariana Makasiale
Pinion Staff
Adviser: Cynthia Reves (publishing)
Nancy Wilcox (photography)
Briana Ribilia-Ramones
Annie Lien
Reporters: Anthony Lee, Chanel Joy Alarca,
Photos by Kelsey David (12), Brianne Atkinson-Barcelona (11), and Dan Bumanglag(11)
Ariana Makasiale, Annie Lien, Briana Ribillia-Ramones
Publication Information
THE PINION is published by the Newswriting Staff and printed by the Reprographics Learning Center. The Pinion McKinley High School 1039 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96814 Email comments or questions to mhspinion@gmail.com
4 THE PINION September 24, 2012
Ignition mentors prepare freshmen for high school With engaging activities planned, Ignition mentors are excited to help freshmen start their freshman year
by Annie Lien (11) Ignition, a program which started in the fall of 2009, helps freshman students transition comfortably from middle school to high school. The action team plans activities for new students to help them get to know people from different middle schools. Mentors and their mentees are able to get together after several activities to debrief and discuss what problems they may face as students, and how they can overcome them. Alina Oh (11), an Ignition mentor, said, “I feel privileged to be able to have a chance to help with this year’s freshmen.” She said that Ignition guides her mentees in a positive direction, and helps them overcome their shyness. Oh herself was a mentee two years ago. “I learned a lot from my mentor about high school, and how you have to work hard,” she said. Anela Poepoe (11), another mentor, is excited about getting to help the underclassmen. She said Ignition helps her mentees show their true selves and allows them to meet with others whom they will probably see their entire high school life. The advisers try to choose mentors who are outgoing, smart and optimistic. Furthermore, they try to balance the males with the females. Being a mentor is not always an easy task. “My group at first was kind of rowdy,” Poepoe said. “They kept going off topic.” Poepoe also said
that being a role model to her mentees can be pressuring, because sometimes she makes small mistakes that seem really big. Oh said her mentees seem shy, so it is difficult to communicate with them. As mentors this year, Oh and Poepoe hope to build a stronger bond with their mentees and provide them with all the help they need to successfully get through high school. Amanda Lien(9) said she likes Ignition because it is fun. The program allows her to meet new people. Lien said high school feels just like middle school but with different people. On her first day of high school, she said she felt “nervous, because I didn’t know anyone, and McKinley seemed huge.” Later on, she learned that the people in the school are nice. She just needs to interact more with the students to get to know them better. Overall, Lisa Panquites, McKinley’s Ignition coordinator, said Ignition is important because it benefits both the mentors and the freshmen. It helps mentors see different perspectives. She said many of them become more “outgoing, better readers and confident.” Panquites said it is “interesting to see freshmen grow.” Although not all freshmen get along with their mentors, most become friends with them, and the mentors really support their mentees.
Anela Poepoe (11) enjoys working with the freshmen and hopes to build a stronger bond with her mentees.
Amanda Lien (9) likes Ignition because it gives her a chance to meet new people.
FOCU S ON F
im pr ov ed
en m h s e Fr
w o h s s Last year’s Semester 1 data e s showed lower failure rates u o for house students. H HOUSE 21% NON-HOUSE
35%
By Anthony Lee (12)
Advancing from middle school to high school may be difficult for some freshmen. McKinley has many helpful transition programs, making it easier than ever for new students. house, one of these programs, is specifically for freshmen and puts sets of students in the same classes so students see each other for most of their schedule. Not only does this allow new students to make friends early on, but it also exists to help students adjust to high school work and learning. Starting this school year, the house system is covering all ninth grade students. Kyle Hiranaga is the Small Learning Communities coordinator at McKinley. The house school system originated in England and is quite popular and common there, even being fitted in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Hiranaga said the purpose of the houses is to help the freshmen get through their first year in high school and graduate on time. “The teachers really take the responsibility for their students,” says Hiranaga. The house’s performance and reviews for the past years meet Hiranaga’s expectations on what a house should be like and thus decided to try, for this year, allowing the house to be a program for all freshmen instead of only half of the freshmen as in the previous three school years. He said that it was clear across each grading period that the house did better, even though many factors still need to be considered. He believes
September 24, 2012 THE PINION 5
pa ss in g
ra tes
the core of the house comes from teachers coming together to help each other catch struggling students. “Being in a house felt normal,” said Sherry Tang (10), “I guess it felt like a middle school environment, like how we were separated in teams in middle school for having the same teachers, but we were taking high school class curriculum.” Erwin Domingo (12) remembers being in house in his freshmen year and tells how “being in [the] house sort of felt like a family.” Domingo also recalled performing for “My Time to Shine.” “My Time to Shine” was the talent show house study skill teachers hosted in 2009. It allowed house students to perform their talents in front of other house students in the auditorium. Domingo played the violin for all the other house students to help “break the ice” between them. Yasmin Wiggan (10) felt that with the house system, you only really bond with the people from your house, since you share nearly no classes with anybody in the other houses. Wiggan feels that it would be nicer if the houses hosted more field trips and games to help difference houses mingle. She said, “There were hardly any opportunities to hang out with the other house.” Even with this contrasting feeling, she still feels that house is a great system that allowed her to meet new friends and teachers that showed her the ropes of high school work.
FRE SH MEN
6 THE PINION Septemeber 24, 2012
...................................... Where I’m From I’m from a small rural village Not beautiful buildings nor luxurious adornments Only one group of every old man They come together to chat And in the plaza the children play I come from an ordinary joy
I come from my mother’s bosom I’m from “Why didn’t finish your homework” “Why the teacher call my phone” “Why did not cover your guilt” “Why did you cry” “Why... why... why...”
..................................... I am from coco baskets from coconut trees and seawater I am from fishing far away from home I am from killing dogs and collecting shells from basketball and football
I am from throwing up when a competition comes from Kantesy and Hayden who raise me to live forever I am from lazy to do work from knowing how to dance I’m from never seeing people fly from seeing people cry because someone dies I am from family don’t speak English the only boy in the family from don’t know what to do with life. by Helden Buliche (10)
I’m from my favorite family They give me a small home They give me food They let me be born in the world They love me That only belongs to me
by Juan He (10)
I am from a place of straw hats and the Cold War. I am from street food, red flags adorned with a single yellow star. I am from schooling, high and strict. I am from an old television and a wall stained with scribbles. I am from a family ancestor, a tyrant king; a story from grandpa. I am from Mrs. Capable woman and Mr. Unneeded in old albums and multi-stories houses. I am from a colorful tank full of exotic fish and wonders. I am from not many friends and carefree of high expectations. I am from a time when grades had not a significant meaning. I am from textbooks of yellowed out pages and fountain pen’s ink. I am from mind-scarring horror movies and pleasant classic productions. I am from forgotten children that I used to call friends. I am from a little girl who had neither high hopes nor dreams. by Gina Le (9)
Planner 101 At the start of each school year, each McKinley tiger is given a planner to organize all their assignments and extracurricular activities. Using the planner is a recommended way to start and find your preferred style of organizing. Read the entire article by Anthony Lee at myhsj.org/pinion
On McKinley’s Bowling Team, the bowler with the most strikes and spares per game gets crowned.. In Game 1 this year, the Strike King and Spare King wereDerek Haugen and Bryce Takenaka.
Photo courtesy of Deanne Haugen - volunteer assistant coach
September 24, 2012 THE PINION 7
Editorial
Fresh starts lead to new beginnings Chanel Joy Alarca (10)
Don’t let the past get the best of you. In life there are things that you regret doing and it stays within your memories. Sometimes it repeats over and over in your mind making it very difficult to forget. But you gotta realize that it is in the past and this is the future and you just gotta keep moving forward. Create a fresh start for yourself. This can make you strive for a better direction. Also you get the opportunity to start off clean and to really have the chance to become the person that you want to be without anything, including your past, hold you back. The fresh start idea was thought by
Kelly Sunabe(12) the student board secretary. “Forget what lies behind and look forward to what lies ahead” said April Nakamura, the student activities coordinator. Having a fresh start can make you feel good about yourself, not having to deal with the past anymore. You don’t have to worry about tripping over stuff that is behind you. Some people might not appreciate the fresh start idea but,”It’s your choice”, stated Nakamura. Whether you go by it or not just make sure that you do not get stuck in the past. The past is not something that you can cast away so easily, but you need to find the strength to push through and live a life that you are satisfied with.
Review
Check out Dis n Dat Goo ‘Dez By Tina Ho and Pauline Yang (12)
On a hot day after school, go to Dis n Dat Goo’Dez, located on 1112 Pensacola St. They sell many different treats like shave ice, smoothies, Vietnamese style sandwiches (banh mi), cracks seeds, pop-corn, candy and more. The shop is owned by husband-wife team, Linda and Henry. The store opened on August 8, 2012. They are having a reward system where students who have all A’s and B’s on their report cards are eligible in getting a free small shave ice cream through November 4, on Saturdays and Sundays only. Otherwise, their shave ice cream will sell for $1.25 small and $1.50 regular. As McKinley students, we happened to stumble across this little shop while walking to the bus stop. Linda and Henry are very friendly people who make us feel like family. The food is really good! We had the sandwiches and smoothies and liked them.
The smoothies are rich, creamy and sweeter than other smoothies offered at local shops like Jamba Juice. They are made with fresh fruit and they come in flavors like honeydew, pineapple, lychee, strawberry, banana, mango, etc. You are able to mix flavors too and have pearl tapioca in them or not. The Vietnamese style sandwiches are ono too! We tried the steam pork with pickled carrots and mayonnaise. Every bite that we took, we got a little bit of that crispy, warm bread, with succulent steamed pork and crunchy, sweet and sour carrots. There are other combinations. (meat + vegetable. ie: tofu, chicken, beef, dicon, lemon grass, basil, pickles) If you’re getting hungry by all this why not stop by Dis n Dat Goo’Dez! Try some amazing foods and and quench your thirst with some refreshing smoothies!
Haiku On a sunny day I started my junior year Making more new friends. Rajan Eligado (11)
The first day of school I didn’t like it at all ‘cause we had cafe duty. Ross Bala (11)
School year has started students are from far countries I want to meet them. Wenjie He (11)
School is in session You hear all the kids screaming Where is my next class? Shelby Baradi (11)
Chaos as always Excited to get started now Nervous as it starts. Krystel Chun (11)
Summer seem so short Begin the school year busy School year fresh new start Liezl Joy Agustin (11)
Up bright and early See old friends and make new ones Just can’t wait for lunch. Kaiwi Pemberton (11)
School begins new again Many people feel sad and mad Freshmen are coming. Long Xue (11)
I had a fun day Meeting new teachers was great Saw my friends--was cool. Tiana Pacheco (11)
8 THE PINION September 24, 2012
Hanging with friends
Hangout spots make memories to last a lifetime
by Briana Ribillia-Ramones(11)
Whether you hang out on the front lawn, at tables or by the oval everyone has a different place they feel comfortable Your hangout spot determines how you spend your time during lunch,
recess or before school. Misty Tran (10) likes to hangout at the tables because “It’s a shady place” where she can eat and sit down. Susan Iverson (11) also likes hanging out where “it’s close to her class.” On the other hand Micah Lovingfoss (11) hangout spot is someplace where he can catch up with his friends. Hangout spots are scattered all around campus. Whether you want a place that is peaceful and quiet or someplace you can read or do homework. It is your choice to hang out wherever you want, whether it be hanging by the tables or hanging out by the tree. Your hangout spot can be anywhere For some, their hangout spots become a memory of their high school experience.
Top left: Sunny Tom (11) and Micah Lovingfoss (11)chatting by the tree. Bottom left: Misty Tran (10) and Kairis Yam (10) chilling at the tables Above: Mark Nozares(12) and Susan Iverson(11) hanging by the bench before class starts.
Get scoop on reading from male perspective by Devin Lee (12) with Kelsey David (12), members of MHS LIterary Magazine staff
Do boys read? Yes, they do, but statistics show there really are very few books written with male readers in mind. So, unlike female readers, boys -- and men, too -- must make an effort, be on a mission, seek and seize a book they can enjoy, keep focused on, and get those AR points. On reconnaissance to find what boys read, this guy did the first reaction/ response route: recall the books just recently read. What book did he actually finish, cover-to-cover, not assigned by the teacher? Seriously, did you think I was going to admit I carried around a book during summer vacation? Did not happen, so don’t go there. The next step was to do field research: went asking friends. “What do you read?” or “What is that you’re reading?” “Dishes” by Diane Muldrow, “It’s Kind of A Funny Story” by Ned Vizzini, and “Someday This Pain Will Be Useful
to You” by Peter Cameron were favorites repeated more than twice by different guys, confirming there really are not too many books written for male teens... and, face it, the man-thing is to read what the other guy is reading, diminishing the possibility of shame or cut down, and being made fun of reading a chick book. Actually, this guy did try “Twilight,” and then those Sparks books, but, come on, the excuse, “...so I can find out what girls like,” just did not fly. What do these characters say and do that make the girls go ‘ga-ga’? What is the cool, suave line?” Gag, gag... this just did not work. Check this out: “Bella, I can’t live in a world where you don’t exist.” “”I couldn’t let you walk away from me. It hurt just to imagine it.” “I’ll be back soon, you won’t have time to miss me. Look after my heart--I’ve left it with you.” “It’s like you’ve taken half my self away with you.” How do guys get the scores? If you are a real man, the pickings are slim to none.
Jerry Wu (12) used to read books all the time, even walking to classes. “Back then,” he said, “in sophomore and junior years, there was more time to read.” “So, what did you read before?” “Dan Brown books. Before that, Harry Potter. Now, my current read is my psychology text book.” Here is a list of genres, titles, and authors which McKinley boys around this campus shared. Maybe you will find something. Horror, fantasy, Super Genius manga/ anime, medical books, autobiographies, real life teen situations, books by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast, Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”, “Flip” (“What if you awoke in another person’s body?”), mystery, adventure, “Dreamcatcher” (science fiction) by Stephen King, The Pendragon Adventure series (fantasy), books made into movies (like Hunger Games), “Gregor, the Overlander” by Suzanne Collins), and “Fat Cat” by Robin Brande. Girls should look into these as well. Read what we like, for a change.