HoMA Exhibits Work of McKinley Artists
by Malia Manuel
In an exciting and vibrant fusion of creativity and education, McKinley High School and its Art Department collaborated with the Honolulu Museum of Art to give McKinley student artists an opportunity to display their work with their own exhibit in the museum.
This exhibit, in addition to revealing the skillful artistry of the MHS students, pays homage to the alum that heavily influenced the Modernism Art Movement in Hawai’i, as well as fostered a deeper gratitude amongst people toward its roots.
These students attended the opening reception to see their work featured at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Leialoha Orta is below her green painting; Audrey Tajiri is below her tiger art; Shanna Nguyen is beside her pink painting.
The exhibit runs to Jan.12, 2025. General admissions cost $25, $15 for kama’aina, and free for members of the museum and kids age 18 and under. It is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and Friday until 9 p.m.
Home of the Tigers: How It Happened
The “Home of the Tigers” exhibit began when the Honolulu Museum of Art found a common thread between multiple substantial-artists originating from Hawai’i: all graduated from McKinley High School. The artists are Satoru Abe, Raymond Han, Ralph Iwamoto, Imaikalani Kalahele, Keichi
Kimura, Robert Kobayashi and John Chin Young. The exhibit also recognized their teachers: Minnie Fujita, Charles Higa and Shirley Russell.
Eren Star Padilla, an art teacher at MHS and a life-long artist, was involved in getting the ball rolling on this event. She met the curators the year before at an art show she had done in Waikiki with her students called Young Contemporaries.
“Just through luck and me being in the art scene community, I met the people who run that organization and we got involved highlighting our McKinley students,” Padilla said.
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Padilla began this process by getting together with the museum.
“They originally wanted to do a mural for ‘Home of the Tigers’ but as a teacher here at McKinley, I wanted to make sure that all the students and teachers had an equal opportunity,” Padilla said.
Padilla emphasized it took months of planning and effort to put the show together for the students, which included planning meetings, having a call for artists, teachers giving their students assignments for the art show, and sorting out favorite art pieces with the museum.
“Initially, we had over 200 submissions and once we narrowed it down, I worked hard with the events coordinator for the opening reception, Kirk Pillar, and she helped me put it together,” Kristi Auyong, another MHS art teacher, said.
Auyong made sure HoMA had all they needed for a successful opening reception, all the names for the performances, the equipment, and made sure to remind all the students to attend with their families,
“It turned out to be a super positive opportunity for the kids,” Padilla said. “I am so pleased with the outcome of all our hard work.”
The Home of the Tigers exhibit debuted with an opening reception on Sept. 26, where students, teachers and family members were invited to see the different works of art by the MHS students of today, and the artists that graduated long ago.
Principal Ron Okamura attended the opening reception of the exhibit.
“It is mind-boggling to think that here we are, seeing the past of McKinley High School’s art and artists and then we also come up to the future with students who are doing art now,” Okamura said. “People often ask how I get my students to come out. A lot of times, students find art museums kind of boring, but this exhibit has given them a purpose to explore it.”
Leialoha Orta (c/o 2025), who has an art piece of hers featured in the student portion of the exhibit, was one of many students who attended the opening reception.
“Everyone at the reception was so nice and the artwork was so beautiful. You could really tell what each artist was trying to say,” Orta said. “I get to create my work in front of these people that have actually done a lot for us, it truly is an honor.”
Padilla had finished her visit to the opening reception in high spirits at the impact of this event.
“Having a partnership with HOMA is a beautiful thing. The first opening reception had the jazz band from our school performing and many students and staff members were invited,” Padilla said. “It felt really special that they were going above and beyond to make us feel welcome. I am so emotional at having been really, truly honored.”
Home of the Tigers:
The Professional Exhibit
The professional exhibit brings together the artwork of seven of the most influential artists to Hawai’i, who graduated from McKinley throughout the 1920s to the 1960s. This exhibit delves into the impact of McKinley High School alone on visual art in Hawai’i.
Imaikalani Kalahele, a highly regarded artist, writer and activist was one of the artists featured in the professional exhibit.
“It’s an honor first of all to be showing with the likes of the artists that are there, because they were like the movers and the shakers when I was growing up in the Modern Art Movement growing up in Hawai’i, and the fact that I got to exhibit with two of my Kumu, Charlie Higa and Minnie Fujita, was so rewarding,” he said.
Kalahele discussed his culture as a primary motivation for his art.
“I really started to understand how important McKinley was to Hawai’i’s growth of the visual artist community when this show came out,” he said.
Kalahele was in awe at the relevance his fellow artists have maintained throughout the years.
“To be able to walk through the exhibit and realize these pieces that are over 50, 60 years old are still fresh and modern, and they still provide insight to today after all these years,” Kalehele said. “It was something I never thought would happen, but
thanks to this exhibit, it did and I am really glad about that.”
Okamura was excited at the influential people that come out of MHS, giving him a sense of pride for being principal.
“It’s always been interesting to me, you have so many leaders that come out of McKinley, but you don’t think about the artists and how famous these guys are. Not only in Hawaii but around the world,” Okamura said.
“I encourage everybody to come out and take a look because this is something right across the street from us!”
Dwayne Sakaguchi, a social studies teachers at MHS, centered on the historical relevance of the professional exhibit, each artist contributing a unique perspective to the show.
“My experience at the exhibit was very fulfilling, it was nice to see artwork created by such historical people from McKinley High School,” Sakaguchi said.
“It was very thoughtful that they were able to include asian immigrants that came to Hawaii to honor the migration period, because it was such a political turn in Hawaii during WW2 and what not.”
Padilla shared Sakaguchi’s enthusiasm for this aspect of the exhibit, taking note of its layout, the historical references from the war, the education, and who the artists were as people and as artists.
Padilla underlined the showing of other artworks that are concurrent with the ‘Home of the Tigers’ theme of the MHS exhibit, one having EastAsian scrolls of tigers displayed.
Sakaguchi showed a great appreciation for receiving much recognition and commendation as a school.
“I do think the fact that one of our state’s more prominent museums is honoring people that are from here, and to be someone that works in such a historical place, it just gives me a very impactful feeling,” Sakaguchi said. “It makes me feel proud to teach here because we are represented.”
Home of the Tigers: Student Work
The art exhibition held at the Honolulu Museum of Art sparked a turning point for the McKinley students selected to showcase their artistry in
their section of the exhibit.
Shanna Nguyen (c/o 2025) had her art included in the exhibit.
“This opportunity feels unreal because I have never thought of myself as an artist,” Nguyen said. “I have always liked art but I never thought I was good enough to be displayed, so when they emailed me, I was so ecstatic!”
Padilla had several of her students’ artwork chosen to be displayed in the student exhibit.
“I know that for people, especially young people, they need a chance to express themselves, they need a voice,” Padilla said. “Sometimes, it’s not always their physical voice that they can use, they use things like visual art that truly activates human expression.”
HoMA included the work of Audrey Tajiri (c/o 2025), who said she struggled to create her art piece on account of not consistently painting.
“It took me a while to think of the details of the design and everything but it all came together really well,” Tajiri said. “It makes me feel very accomplished because of the energy I put into it.”
Orta was excited at receiving this opportunity, as she had always wanted to do art as a kid.
“It is such a privilege to be displayed in the museum, especially because so few were selected,” Orta said. “My art being showcased is kind of nerve wracking, I’ve heard a lot of feedback on it and it’s surprising how many talk to me about it. It’s a really good feeling to actually be recognized.”
Orta discussed the meaning of the artwork the museum chose, saying it was a sequel to a art piece which was meant to show growth and how
things change.
“The person looking out into the sunset is supposed to represent us looking out into our future and what is beyond us as our years at McKinley are coming to an end,” Orta said. She went further into the inspiration behind these art pieces, recounting a story her father had told her about her mom passing away.
“The little boy was actually meant to represent my dad,” Orta said. “He looked out the window and took everything in and he knew that regardless all of those things happening, time moves on. You can’t give up.”
Home of the Tigers:
Aftermath
The Home of the Tigers exhibit presented a range of student and professional artwork. This experience provided a platform for selfexpressivity, allowing students to explore and articulate different ideas through their work, and even delve into the different opportunities art can provide. The exhibit also allowed for public exposure of their work through the collaborative nature of this project.
“It did not stop at the exhibit either, recently we had a field trip to the exhibit where students participated in hands-on art-making activities, and then on top of it, they also offer scholarships for kids to take classes at the museum school,” Padilla said. “I know of many students interested in taking these classes, and some have already received scholarships. We have a really good ongoing relationship with HoMA.”
Recently, MHS was the subject of a family day at the Honolulu Museum of Art, where different school groups had the chance to perform for their families. Auyong was one of
Imaikalani Kalahele is one of the artists featured in the professional exhibit. Kalahele is also an activist, poet, and musician. The MHS Newswriting Class along with other interested students attended an interview in The Pinion’s newsroom with Kalahele, which sparked a more in-depth discussion. Check out mhspinion.com for a deeper dive into this MHS grad.
Photo by Alex Tijerina.
the leading organizers for this event as well.
“I had to find who was interested first in order to put this event together, and a lot of people reached out,” she said.
Auyong had the help of many other people.
“The music department, theatre, chorus, cheer, as well as the dance club and the spoken word students were all really great performers and did an amazing job of capturing even more of McKinley’s ability,” Auyong said.
The exhibit increased Nguyen’s appreciation for the arts, and she encourages others to do the same.
“I am starting to love art museums even more now, I feel art completes humanity in many ways,” she said.
Sakaguchi acknowledged how interesting it is to have such a broad scope of different perspectives about McKinley.
“There are many differing views about MHS, many people are against us because of how we came to be as a school due to William McKinley’s role in the overthrow and annexation of Hawaii,” he said.
Padilla emphasized the positive effects in how the community views McKinley High School by highlighting the diverse selection of creative output made by students.
“We are actually showing not only McKinley High School students, but the youth in general that you can have a career in the arts, it’s a real education,” she said. “I love my school, and I think events like these just continue to amplify our importance in the community, our world, and how good of a school we truly are.”
Golden frames - @krimkate via Canva.com
Student Election Knowledge Affected by Social Media
by Nhi Nguyen
In the days before the Nov. 5 presidential election, social media content on the election was prevalent, with both Republicans and Democrats using sites like TikTok and Instagram to obtain the support of younger voters. With Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris as president-elect, online discourse has continued on both sides. This means most McKinley students have probably seen posts on the presidential candidates and election results online, and for those who are otherwise not very interested in politics, social media might be their main source of information on the election.
Viktor Cambe (c/o ‘26) said nearly all the information he saw about the election was on social media. Cambe said he believes social media has caused people to be more inclined to believe one thing or another, preventing them from forming their own nuanced opinions. He also said he feels it has influenced the candidates
people vote for depending on the part of the internet they are on. Cambe said the internet has two sides, one good and one bad, and that the two sides can come together with one side leading to the other.
“The internet is like a horseshoe. Brainrot media [can be] a quick push into alt-right politics if people aren’t careful. It’s a very slippery slope,” said Cambe.
McKinley Social Studies teacher Rajani Dhakhwa Morita agreed that social media significantly impacted young voters’ decisions at the poll. Dhakhwa Morita said she thought the use of social media to get election information could be both a good and a bad thing for students, because although it allowed students to access a lot of information, she also felt students needed to be able to filter through the information they see.
“A lot of information has come in the form of entertainment, and sometimes that information can be misleading,” said Dhakhwa Morita.
The content that shows up on a per-
son’s social media feed is controlled by algorithms which rank content by how likely the user is to interact with it. User interaction such as liking, sharing, saving, commenting, or viewing a profile is an important consideration for algorithms in creating their users’ feeds.
A common concern about social media algorithms is that they control the information that is shown to users, and often prioritize content that makes revenue while hiding or “black-listing” other information, causing gaps in coverage. For these reasons, content on social media may often be shown to users based on how likely they are to interact with it regardless of its validity. In addition to this, according to a study by The Free Press, nearly all social media companies have stopped upholding promises made after the 2020 election to control election information.
This means posts that cause shock, outrage, or disbelief and attract many interactions get pushed to people by social media algorithms. This can increase the reach of misinformation and conspiracy theories, and election-related misinformation may affect the vote of people who see and believe them.
“I think people, including students, need to continue to learn how to separate entertainment and information,” said Dhakhwa Morita.
During the 2024 presidential election, social media was a place frequently used to propagate information and campaigns. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 37% of adults under 30 regularly got news from social media. Among high school students, this number is likely as large. Art by Nhi Nguyen
Give Blood, Save Lives: Health Academy Hosts Blood Drive
by Alex Azhari and Dominic Niyo
In an effort to combat Hawaii’s ongoing blood shortage, Health Academy students at McKinley High School partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawaii to host a blood drive at the school library on Nov. 13, attracting numerous donors and volunteers.
Hawaii’s geographic isolation, compounded by the pandemic’s impact on donor turnout, has led to a severe shortage of O-negative blood. The Blood Bank of Hawaii reported that their supply has dropped from a three-day reserve to as little as one day, straining hospitals and emergency services. Traci Takehara, Donor Recruitment Account Manager for the BBH, spoke to some Health Academy students who toured the BBH.
She emphasized the critical need for donations.
“Only two percent of Hawaii’s residents donate blood, and high school students provide over 25% of our supply. Every summer break, we feel a strain,” Takehara said. “The demand has outpaced donations in recent years, and patients may be delayed from receiving necessary medical procedures.”
Since 2016, two blood drives have been held each year at MHS—one in the fall and one in the spring—to address Hawaii’s critical blood shortage. This year’s drive aimed for 40 donors, a target set by the Blood Bank and local hospitals to meet the community’s urgent needs. The drive exceeded expectations, with 48 participants, including 30 first-time donors.
“We began planning the event a year in advance, with student ambassadors leading the recruitment efforts and Health Academy students assisting donors on the day of the drive,” said Health Science teacher and blood drive coordinator Tiffany Miyashiro. “This event wouldn’t have been a
success without community support.”
After receiving training from the Blood Bank of Hawaii, Health Academy students and blood drive ambassadors Ashley Kim and Shirley Yang (c/o 2025) were responsible for planning, recruiting, and organizing the blood drive. Both coordinated appointment scheduling, managed donor flow throughout the day, and oversaw donor care, including providing refreshments and support. Motivated by their desire to address Hawaii’s critical blood shortage, they both aimed to make a meaningful impact on the community.
“For our recruitment, we visited 20/20 advisory classes almost every single day and explained the urgent need for blood donations,” Yang said. “We [emphasized] that donating blood is not just about giving; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives, especially during times of critical need.”
Culinary arts teacher Brian Yamagata’s students prepared food for the event, working closely with the Health Academy to create a valuable learning experience for both groups. They selected a Thanksgiving-themed menu, featuring turkey salad sandwiches with cranberry and pumpkin butter mochi for dessert, to serve the blood donors.
“This was an excellent opportunity for my students to practice big batch cooking and catering while supporting an event that directly helps save lives,” Yamagata said.
According to the Blood Bank, the donations gathered during this drive have the potential to save 144 lives. Once the blood is collected and deemed safe for use, it will be distributed immediately.
“Since the [donors] have the privilege of being healthy and are able to donate blood, I think their decision to donate really reflects their
character,” Yang said.
Dwen Raganig (c/o 2025), a Health Academy student, decided to donate blood after learning about the urgent need from the BBH. Although initially anxious, he was moved by the statistics and stories of those in need and felt compelled to contribute. Raganig encourages fellow students not to be nervous and to seize the opportunity to make a difference.
“It’s just a small pinch, and it’s over before you know it,” Raganig said.
Math teacher William McNabb also decided to donate blood, motivated by the impact his donation could have. He recognized the life-saving potential of blood donations and wanted to set an example for his students.
“Every donation can help save lives,” McNabb said. “Being a donor is the closest you can be to a real-life superhero.”
The next blood drive will be held on Feb. 26, 2025. Contact Tiffany Miyashiro
Julius Baja (c/o 2026) donates blood at McKinley’s drive to support local hospitals.
Photo by Alex Azhari.
High School Seniors Navigate Complex Application System
by Loraine Tambalo
As high school seniors commence the college application process both in school and in their homes, they face a lot of challenges, making the application process a stressful moment in their lives. On Oct. 23 at McKinley High School, the first period of the class W124 were assisted to T1 building to apply to their desired college.
For some students, applying during school hours can be a daunting task. My Nguyen (c/o 2025), applied during her English period. “I was surprised because I hadn’t prepared anything,” she said. “But the people there helped me with my application. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do it myself.”
Aaron Viloria (c/o 2025) attempted to apply during his own time. Previous preparations have allowed him to feel more confident during the process. “I had already signed up before the application was brought up in English class,” he said.
However, he said, “The staff provided valuable assistance with specific questions.”
Shirly Yang (c/o 2025) has been applying on her own time. “It’s very stressful,” she said. “It feels like you never have enough time. There are so many things to sign and you’re just trying to keep up with everything. The application process can be overwhelming, with endless deadlines and mountains of paperwork.”
Joven Lapitan (c/o 2025), who is also overwhelmed, said, “It’s all very confusing. There are so many steps. It’s hard to know what to do.”
For those who prioritize organization and efficiency, starting the application process early can provide significant benefits. Shanna Nguyen (c/o 2025) said that she had proudly applied to thirteen colleges already. Nguyen said, “If I hadn’t, I don’t
think I could have been as productive or efficient.”
Campus tours offer students an immersive glimpse into potential schools. Philip Bunda (c/o 2025) had expressed that a simple campus tour from a college has successfully won him over.
“I went on a tour to Kapiolani Community College,” Bunda said. “The campus was beautiful with an amazing view. I knew right then and there that I wanted to go there.”
However, for some students, campus visits did not significantly alter their decision-making. One of those students is Jian Xin Yu (c/o 2025). He said that although he went on a tour, it still did not change his decisions and opinions on which college he wishes to attend.
“I went on a campus tour at UH Manoa, but my choices remained the same,” he said. “I already planned on going there, so it didn’t really matter. I already know where I want to go.”
With countless college options
available, students must carefully consider their preferences to narrow down their choices.
Sheenda Hauk (c/o 2025) has said how she was able to narrow down her choices. “I checked if they offered the classes and academic programs I wanted to study,” Hauk said. “Then, I ranked them accordingly.”
As students contemplate their college options, they often reflect on past choices. John Huang (c/o 2025) had briefly expressed one of his regrets.
“I wish I had done better in class,” Huang said.
On the contrary, Ana Lampon (c/o 2025) said she is content with her current path.
“I am content with where I am now and what I have known and done,” Lampon said. “I think that things would have been very different if I had changed the way I have approached this. I think I’m where I’m supposed to be.”
Personal essays play a crucial role
Aaron Viloria(c/o 2025) fills out a college application form. Photo by Loraine Tambalo.
in the application process, but many students find them challenging to write.
Toan Tran (c/o 2025) said, “I haven’t written any. I didn’t know how to start.”
Afton Kajitani (c/o 2025) shares Tran’s sentiment: “I haven’t written anything either,” Kajitani said. “I just don’t know how to get started.”
Erin Britos, a English Language Arts teacher from McKinley High School, was willing to share her insights on college application. She was one of the teachers assisting when students were in T1 building being supported by KCC and UH Manoa staff during the college application process. Britos has said that it is very easy to do this with so many different online resources and tools.
“Having a college and career counselor that helps you is the best way to get a start.” Britos said, “There are online resources that provide samples of college admission interviews which
are easily found and researched to watch and learn from.” Additionally, she stressed that students must read more in order to excel academically.
“We are lucky enough to have a college and career counselor who helps the students to begin this process as juniors,” Britos said. “However, it is up to the student to do their own due diligence and research, to stay on top of their own goals to succeed.”
Moreover, Britos gave some valuable advice.
Recommended First Step In The College Apps
Apply online through colleges or portals like UC/UH.
“At the current time, applications are all processed online directly through the individual college or university,“ said Britos, before suggesting researching and preparing with the use of online resources and talking to the college and career counselor. Then, practice interviews online.
Getting Letters Of Recommendation For College Apps
Students should ask the teachers they have a good relationship with, and give them plenty of time to write the letters of recommendation.
“Students need to be transparent and organized and must communicate deadlines well in advance. This way the recommendation will be received on time,” she said Things Colleges Consider When Choosing Among Applicants
Colleges mostly consider good grades in core classes, the student’s position and how well they do in extracurriculars, community involvement, and “B” as the average minimum.
“They look for students who are well-rounded, she said.”
Britos suggested joining student journalism, government or council, or excelling in sports and academics will make a student a great candidate for college admissions.
Gnouilaphi Returns to Alma Mater
by Alex Azhari
This year, McKinley alumnus Sikhota Gnouilaphi (c/o 2003) returned to his alma mater as a special education teacher, dedicated to helping students achieve both personal and academic growth.
Before becoming a teacher, Gnouilaphi worked at a nonprofit organization serving vulnerable populations, particularly the homeless. During this time, he encountered many homeless youth, including former McKinley students.
“I just felt really sad about it. I thought, what can I do to make more of an impact with the younger age group? That’s how I started,” Gnouilaphi said.
Gnouilaphi believes that education is the foundation for post-high school success. He credits the teachers and coaches at McKinley for guiding him during his high school years, contributing to his adult achievements.
“I used to put my head down in the
back of the class because I didn’t want to do any work,” Gnouilaphi said. “But the teacher helped me see that I could get the work done. I was in a situation where I wasn’t even sure if I was gonna graduate.”
Gnouilaphi’s teaching method is grounded in the belief that experiencing success once gives students the motivation to pursue additional successes. He prioritizes helping students achieve initial success, which demonstrates their capabilities and boosts their confidence, motivating them to continue striving.
“You get one success after another, and then all of a sudden, you’re farther down the line than you anticipated,” Gnouilaphi said.
Photo by Dominic Niyo
In his free time, Gnouilaphi enjoys volunteering in the community.
“I like to coach youth sports, so I spend a lot of time coaching soccer at the youth level,” Gnouilaphi said.
He also enjoys reading, a hobby sparked by McKinley’s old reading program, ‘SURF,’ which stood for
‘Silent Uninterrupted Reading for Fun.’ This routine helped establish a foundation for his reading habit.
“I’ve learned to just habitually read throughout my day,” Gnouilaphi said. “That was one of the things I got from McKinley, putting in that time to just read about things.”
From Chaos to Curtain Call:
How McKinley Theater Group Brought ‘Beauty and the Beast’ to Life
by Jacky Oasay
Throughout the weekends in late October, the McKinley High School Theater Group performed their fall show, “Beauty and the Beast.” Besides the acting, singing, and overall musical performance, being behind the curtains is a show in itself.
Bringing The Show to Life
This year’s production was chosen by the creative team, which included Natasha Taketa and Anson Bernal, who worked on stage design; Scott Takata, who worked on vocals; Dwayne Sakaguchi, who worked on choreography.
“It is mostly determined upon how many students we have available and their talents to determine which type of musical we can do or show,” Taketa said.
This year, Beauty and The Beast was chosen, which is considered a much bigger production in comparison to the previous years, especially in terms of costumes.
In previous years, Taketa has done what many local theaters do and made their own costumes. This is convenient as the show takes place during Halloween time.
“But with Disney, you can’t do that,” Taketa said.
Though Ron Okamura, McKinley’s principal, was able to support and fund the theater groups to be able to get proper costumes.
“We needed to go ahead and reach out to a company that does these kinds of things for theaters,” Taketa said. “We were able to rent costumes from Disguises, which is located in Colorado.”
Stage design is another important part of bringing the show to life. This is run by Taketa and Bernal, and each year they build the design on different stage concepts.
Last year for Jekyll and Hyde, the stage had three levels of platforms. They were able to utilize those levels again this year. “With the [previous] level, we were able to build upon that so we could make a castle for this year,” Taketa said.
There were also set designs created this year to roll onto the stage, which were used to change scenes. This piece was created by Bernal.
“He did a wonderful job in designing something for us to be able to utilize on stage,” Taketa said.
Along with the teachers’ involvement, students play a huge role in creating the atmosphere on stage. The theater craft class helps in painting and designing what they want to put on the stage.
“I will help with the construction part with Mr. Bernal, but it’s up to [the students] what color scheme they want to do, and that’s still all from the students,” Taketa said.
Hell Week
The week prior to the performance is dubbed “Hell Week,” due to the chaos the group undergoes.
Taketa said that this week is extremely challenging as all different components work to piece the production together.
“We try to make sure that everyone has everything that they need done before we get to Hell Week,” Taketa said. This is so that technical parts, like the stage crew, are able to practice the movement of props, lights, sound, etc.
During this time, every group of the production works in components. For example, the pit orchestra works separately, and joins the theater later on in the day.
“Everything really gets put together when the band comes in,” Liam Choy (c/o 2026) said.
The group uses rehearsal tracks before the band joins them in rehearsal.
As the show goes on, the lights are off backstage leaving stagecrew in the dark only the light of LED strips guide the way. They use blue lights to contrast the warm lighting of the stage lights. Wearing all black allows stage crew to not be seen.
Photo by Cheska Orias
“Rehearsal tracks aren’t always as reliable as having live instruments,” Choy said.
The rehearsals during hell week are from nine o’clock in the morning until four o’clock in the afternoon. Around noon, lunch breaks are provided. This year, the group was able to get support from Chick Fil A to fund the lunch breaks.
“Chick Fil A was nice enough. They gave us some chicken and biscuits for two days,” Taketa said.
Before shows, the group congregates and motivates each other in a big circle. They motivate each other by talking about how far they have come in the period of time preparing for the performance.
“It was a wild ride because in hell week, it was all over the place,” Thalia Tatingal (c/o 2025) said.
Managing The Stage
Tatingal is part of managing the stage props and hands and has been involved since her sophomore year.
“They make sure that everything is in order. From each scene, the props have to be directly where they should be,” Tatingal said. “Stage hands are the ones behind the scenes that move stuff and background items.”
However, working for stage crew involves instances of technical difficulties behind the scenes. Tatingal said that the limited amount of headphones contributes to this.
“Sometimes there’s technical difficulties and the headset is not connected. So, we don’t know what cue is going on,” Tatingal said.
On opening night, the lights failed to turn on for the opening scene. Despite the technical difficulties, the cast members continued to sing.
“One of the headsets was broken, so we had to work around that and I had to give my headset to someone else,” Tatingal said.
Although Tatingal was not involved in working with the lights for the show, she was able to help the rest of the backstage crew by giving her equipment. This resulted in the lights turning on for the first act to finish smoothly.
Tatingal said that actors have to pay attention to their cues, or they will miss them. “It would not bring professionalism into the theater.”
To prevent confusion within the audience and cast members, Tatingal said that despite the stressful situations happening backstage, the crew tries their best to keep the stress on a low.
“Even though it’s very stressful and all over the place, you learn to have fun,” Tatingal said.
Choy is one of the stage managers for MTG. He has been involved in the theater group for three years, since the beginning of the group’s revival after COVID.
“It’s really hard to calculate what being a stage manager is. It’s basically just making sure that actors and crew members stay on cue and make sure they know what they’re doing,” Choy said.
Along with managing the cast, Choy is responsible for creating and giving the stage cues. These stage cues indicate when a prop or actor goes on stage.
“Usually the director helps us with it, but most of the time she wants it to be student run,” Choy said.
The creation of these cues involves collaborating with the stage crew and cast members. This collaboration also involves training from experienced people in the program. Choy was trained by senior Arianne Fiesta during his sophomore year.
Being backstage during the production involves adaptability from the stage crew. Choy said that the headsets are used by the crew for communicating changes that happen.
“If Ms. Taketa tells me, oh, ‘I want this to come out instead or I want these lights instead’ she will make that change quickly during the show and then we have to adjust as well,” Choy said.
This adaptability is difficult with a small number of people. Choy said that in the previous year, they had more cast members compared to crew members.
“I think off the top of my head, I can count on my hand how many crew members there were compared to the cast, under ten,” Choy said.
After his experience as stage manager, Choy said that he has learned valuable lessons in theater regarding managing other people and working with those with differing opinions.
“Stage crew is the frame and the cast is the picture. You can’t have one without the other,” Choy said.
- @jemastock2 via Canva.com
The headphones stage/light/sound crew used to communicate between each other. They would pull down the antennas to speak, and put it back up to mute. Photo by Cheska Orias. Theater curtain
Cherishing Furry, Feathered and Scaly Friends of McKinley
by Cheska Orias
At McKinley High School students and faculty share some interest in having a pet. Some students on campus have befriended various freeroaming animals such as chickens or stray cats. Teachers and faculty members also have various pets themselves.
Chan Watching Over Sushi the Cat
After returning from winter break in 2024, Chase Chan (c/o 2025), was introduced to a particular cat near the MS-Building by a friend, Jenny Cheng (c/o 2025). After being shown a video of the cat and being told the
asked if he could be responsible for taking care of the cat. Chan was permitted to take care of the cat, and now every day in the morning he feeds and hangs out with the cat.
“I call the cat Sushi, but other people call it different names like Truffle,” Chan said.
Chan said Sushi is different from other cats. This is because of her en ergetic nature, and friendly personal ity with others. Sometimes meowing at those who pass by. Sushi also likes to be pet on the belly, which many other cats are not fond of. Though re cently shes been selective about who she wants to be with.
“Sushi usually chooses to sit with me and let me pet her more,” Chan
Chan said that if someone is interested in getting a pet cat, do your research on what kind of cat suits you. “A cat is codependent on you for emotional and physical needs,” Chan says. “You also need to have the time to take care of one.”
“There are many different types of cats, and if a cat is not interested in you it’s okay,” Chan said. “There are other cats that could be interested in
Perdido’s New CompanionTeddy The Tortoise
Autumn Perdido (c/o 2026) is a first time pet owner as she got Teddy the tortoise in July, around her birthday. For a while, Perdido wasn’t able to have a tortoise due to her grandma having superstitions that having one will bring bad luck.
“After she passed, my mom was like ‘okay we can get a tortoise,’” Perdido said.
water/food station, and an area where he can sleep. Perdido said it things requires lots of space, along with money and time.
“It’s going to be a pretty big investment, because I’m going to be taking care of her for a very long time,” Perdido said.
Perdido said that Teddy has a number of unique quirks, such as really loving cucumbers.
“Whenever she sees cucumbers, she automatically devours the whole thing. No matter if I just fed her,” Perdido said.
Whenever Perdido’s friends comes over, she would take out Teddy from her enclosure and let her free roam around the house, feeding her as well.
“They’re usually interested in Teddy,” Perdido said.
Tortoise can live for a long time when kept in captivity, from 10 to 20 years, other species live even longer. If kept in the right enviroment while living in captivity, tortoises can live up from 80 to 150 years.
Chase Chan (c/o 2025) with Sushi on the steps of MS building. Chan always comes in the morning to feed and hangout with Sushi.
Photo by Cheska Orias.
Teddy in her enclsoure
Photo by Autumn Perdido.
“She’ll live till I’m around 70,” Perdido said.
Taketa and Her Army of Cats + Dog
Natash Taketa, McKinley’s choir and theater teacher, has six furry companions she watches over while working as a teacher. The first cat adopted was Ash, a Russian Blue Grey Cat, in 2013. Taketa got Ash from Petco which partners with the Humane Society to help animals find homes.
“[Ash] is very laid back, very much sure of himself. He loves people, and is not afraid to say hi to strangers,” Taketa said.
A fond memory Taketa has of Ash was he was comforting her after the loss of a loved one. Ash recognized she was sad.
“Ash came up to me one day when I was crying, and put his paw on my lap and was like ‘Are you okay?’” Taketa said.
The second cat Taketa has is a ginger cat named Whyskers, which she saved on accident. Taketa heard the crying screams of a kitten and she found Whyskers, who had almost been run over by a car. Once she found him she took him in, and he’s been with her ever since.
“Whyskers is the opposite of Ash, as he has social anxiety. He sees or hears something strange, he runs away,” Taketa said. “But other than
that, he loves attention, always trying to pick a fight because he wants to be a dominant cat.”
Socks is a cat Taketa adopted from a rental that she was at before. Before Taketa had a bird feeder, but it slowly turned into a cat feeder because Socks would sneakily run up and catch the birds as they ate. Socks was a very good hunter and would catch a bird every time. This was due to her living in the wild for a while on her own, before Taketa adopted her.
“Now we try to avoid birds so that she doesn’t kill them,” Taketa said.
Elsa, the only dog in the pack, was inherited after the passing of her grandmother. At the same time Taketa also inherited a cat named Violi. The two are opposites. Elsa is rambunctious. Violi likes to do his own thing, being a little timid. One thing both have in common is they are both outdoor pets.
“Elsa always wants attention, is very protective, and wants to be in your lap,” Taketa said. “Violi likes to be outdoors and does his own thing.”
Moving on to the final member of the group, Sophie was adopted from Ms. Kamakawiwaole, a substitute teacher at McKinley, after she found a litter of kittens that needed homes. “Sophie is the little brat of the group, always wanting attention and when she doesn’t want it she’ll snap at you like a diva,” Taketa said. Despite this
Natasha Taketa’s Pets
Sophie is loved by everyone Taketa says. Taketa once brought Sophie to her classroom in May 2022, as she could not be left alone and needed to be bottle fed. Upon bringing Sophie to school, multiple students instantly fell in love with her.
“Can I play with the cat? Can I hold the cat? I want to be with the cat!” Taketa said that was some of the reactions her students had.
For those who are looking to get an animal companion, Taketa said while it may be good for you and make you happy, she wants you to ask yourselfdo you have the time needed to love and care for the animal? Cats are better if you are busy like her, as they are solitary creatures; not always needing attention. Taketa said that dogs always require attention, wanting to be walked and played with.
“They love their owners to death,” Taketa said.
When also looking for an animal, Taketa said it is more important to adopt than buy. She said you could buy a purebred dog that can cost upwards to $5,000, but if you go to the Humane Society you can get them for $25 for a small animal to $350 for a large animal; sometimes they have so many animals that they’ll give them to you for free after doing the necessary background checks.
“Remember to adopt,” Taketa said. “So many of them don’t have homes.”
Photo by Natasha Taketa
According to a survey by The Pinion of 40 respondents, 70% of students were unsure about the ruls or were unable to get a free HOLO card this year.
Students Experience Disappointment with EXPRESS HOLO Program
by Leif Allgood and Dominic Niyo
Students at McKinley High School are expressing disappointment over the changes to the EXPRESS HOLO card program. Previously available to all students from 2023 to 2024, the cards now have new eligibility requirements due to funding issues.
Funding for the EXPRESS program, which began in November 2022 to address the school bus driver shortage, has become limited. A significant portion of the funding was redirected to support relief efforts following the Lahaina fire in the 2023-2024 school year. As a result, the program now has stricter eligibility criteria for students.
Megan Omura, administrator for the Hawaii Department of Education’s Student Transportation Services branch, said that these funding limitations have impacted the availability of the HOLO cards.
“Funding issues have restricted its availability to only qualifying students,” Omura said in an email. “Funding has been limited due to the implementation of new school bus contracts starting in the 2024-2025 school year.”
Omura also said that, with the onset of the new school bus contracts statewide, the program had to incorporate the transportation qualifications indicated in the Hawaii
Administrative rules that applies to all school bus riders.
To be qualified this year, students must live more than 1.5 miles from school and be within the district to qualify for a free Holo card. This change has sparked frustration among students, including Anthony Fontana (c/o 2025), who feels the requirements are too strict.
“The requirements for being able to purchase the Holo card should be a bit less than a mile, maybe about a quarter of a mile,” Fontana said.
Keoni Bickel (c/o 2026) lives just outside McKinley’s district.
“I either have to bike to school now or pay like three dollars per day to get to school. It says more than 1.5 miles. So I applied there, but then they have this district thing,” Bickel said.
Devan Coloma (c/o 2026) believes a free HOLO card should be available to all students, regardless of distance or district.
“I don’t think they should have any requirements for it,” Coloma said.
Science teacher Osamu Ono has also weighed in, suggesting that the HOLO card should be available to all students who need it, regardless of their situation.
“It should be the same or equal to everyone that needs it,” Ono said. “There could be many different reasons why students need the Holo card. Distance can be one; another issue would be family situations.”
TIMELINE
EXPRESS County Bus Pass Program
SY 24-25:
Students who meet the transportation requirements regardless of whether they are free-qualified can get a free HOLO card.
SY 23-24: All students can get a free HOLO card. The card is combined with the student ID.
SY 22-23:
The EXPRESS pilot begins. All students can get a free HOLO card.
Prior to SY 2022-23: HOLO cards only administered to freequalified students who met the transportation requirements as per Hawaii Administrative Rule (HAR) 8-27.
Graphic: @stealth-black via Canva.com. Information: Megan Omura, Hawaii DOE.
Derealization: Visitor in Your Own Life Derealization: Visitor in Your Own Life
by Cheska Orias
Editor’s Note: This article should be intended for raising awareness on this matter, and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
One day I’m sitting in class and everything starts to feel off. The colors of the classroom look too bright. The desks and tables look wrong. The buzzing of the fluorescent light grows louder. My body doesn’t feel like it’s my own; it feels like I’m merely a visitor in my own body as the teacher continues to teach.
Derealization is a living nightmare for me and others.
What’s It Like
Derealization is when an individual feels disconnected from their thoughts and environment which affects their thoughts, feelings, and body as a whole. It affects their ability to see their surroundings accurately, as things may not feel real. It may feel like they are watching their life through a clouded window or seeing things in black and white. This can create a sense of unease and anxiety in an individual.
Dealing with it at school is a challenge I deal with on a daily basis. From walking around campus, to being in class, it is something that is always present. There’s been long stretches of time where things didn’t feel right. It felt like I was walking around in a thick fog, unsure of every turn, unsure if I could trust my senses. Sitting in class feels suffocating. Even if I was physically sitting there, emotionally I wasn’t.
I’m not alone in this as I’ve had friends who also experience this. One friend described it as a numbing experience. They said at one point everything felt like a dream, and at another point, it felt like they were an observer of their own life. They would be enjoying themselves in happy situations, but then they are thrown right out of it; sucking the joy out of that current situation. For them they are
aware of what’s happening and going on in the moment.
Dealing/Coping
With Derealization
People a like deal with derealization in many different ways. One of the few ways are grounding techniques, like the name suggests, that help ground you and remind you where you are in the present. A common one called 5-4-3-2-1, utilizing the five senses. There are five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste.
Another grounding technique involves having a physical object, such as a weighted blanket or jacket, essential oils, candies with strong flavors or an object with a unique texture. Having a small fidget toy or music can also help if you can’t physically leave the area. It helps to eliminate factors that trigger derealization. I know bright lights are something that causes me to experience derealization. It’s something that I can’t escape, but I use the tools available to me to help. Such as working in a dimly lit area, wearing sunglasses, or turning off the lights if there is already natural light.
Derealization is a distressing experience, as a person feels out of place; questioning their surroundings. Coming from personal experience; everything can feel too bright, the colors of things look too saturated/desaturated and items look like they don’t belong. Art by Cheska Orias
If you or a loved one is going through some difficult times, here are resources you can text or call for help:
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text ‘ALOHA’ to 741741
• Hawaii CARES | 1-808-832-3100
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline| 1-808-2730-TALK (8255)
My friends and I can agree on is do more of your own research on derealization. If you feel like it’s affecting your life, causing you major distress, seek and find a licensed doctor or professional. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Self-Harm Hotline| 1-808-3668288
• The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Community) | Text ‘START’ to 678-678 | Call 1-866-4887468
Victory at Last: Tigers Break Five-Year Drought
by Dominic Niyo and Jacky Oasay
After 34 games without a victory, the McKinley High School football team ended their five-year losing streak on Homecoming night, Oct. 5. They achieved a thrilling 9-7 win over the Kaimuki Bulldogs at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium, reigniting enthusiasm among the Tigers and their supporters.
Following a 0-28 loss to Kaimuki in the 2023 season, McKinley entered the 2024 game with determination. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to score despite several attempts.
“We knew it was going to be a tough fight, and our defense really stepped up when we needed them most,” said McKinley Head Coach Steven Warner. “We told the team to just keep playing hard, make tackles, block, and focus one play at a time.”
Kaimuki’s running back, Zechariah Kuratsu-Cook, broke the deadlock
in the second quarter with a 12-yard touchdown run, putting the Bulldogs ahead 0-6. Kicker Bryant Meyerhofer’s successful extra point attempt extended Kaimuki’s lead to 0-7.
“Even though Kaimuki scored first, there was no panic or frustration that night,” Warner said. “The staff prepared the team very well to play this game.”
McKinley kicker and wide receiver, Gregory Givens (c/o 2027), responded with a field goal, drilling a 31-yard kick and narrowing the Bulldogs’ lead to 3-7. Givens said the score boosted the team’s morale and significantly contributed to their performance.
“Making that field goal felt great. It was the result of the hard work we put in every single day during practice,” Givens said. “It gave the team confidence and reminded us that we could make a comeback.”
At halftime, the crowd erupted in cheers as the McKinley High School Homecoming Court was presented by the JROTC Saber Squad, with Angriel Olap (c/o 2025) honored as Home-
coming Queen. Olap, who also serves as a football manager, reflected on the entire night as a memorable and fulfilling experience.
“Even when we were down in the first half, we stayed positive and kept supporting each other. We wanted to make sure we played with pride and kept our focus until the very end,” Olap said. “I’m so grateful for the support we received from the school, especially from alumni, family, and friends—it really made the game even more special.”
While the cheerleaders led spirited routines and the band played “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky, the crowd’s excitement surged.
Miye Iida (c/o 2026), who at-
McKinley’s offensive line sets up for the next snap. Photo by Shane Kaneshiro (c/o 2024).
tended to support the team, recalled the electric atmosphere.
“I was standing right at the fence throughout the game, and it was so cool,” Iida said. “Everyone was so excited, and it was so loud. You couldn’t even hear yourself talk.”
As the game moved into the third quarter, McKinley’s momentum began to build. The crowd’s energy intensified, but the score remained 3-7, with Kaimuki still in the lead. Both teams continued to battle defensively, but neither side could break the deadlock.
“Our boys were a lot more focused as the game was getting closer to the end,” Athletic Director Bob Morikuni said. “They could sense they had a chance, that this was their time.”
In the final quarter, McKinley’s defense held strong, preventing Kaimuki from extending their lead. Wide receiver Fabien Pudja (c/o 2026) praised linebacker Kimo Kaio (c/o 2028) for his critical defensive play.
“Kimo prevented a Kaimuki first down on 4th and 12,” Pudja said. “He tracked the receiver down to McKinley’s 15-yard line, deflecting the ball out of [his] hands and securing it.”
With just two minutes left, the Tigers took over on the 20-yard line following a series of Bulldog penalties. Quarterback and football captain Alyza Taufa (c/o 2026) then took charge, running for a 12-yard touchdown to put McKinley ahead 9-7.
“I remember seeing the touchdown marker and knew I just had to push through,” Taufa said. “It felt unreal.”
As the final seconds ticked away,
the Tigers held firm defensively, stopping the Bulldogs from reclaiming the lead. With the victory secured, the stadium erupted with energy as the cheerleaders led the school chant, “Let’s go, Tigers.” The band played “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and the roar of fans and “chee-hoos” filled the air.
“The energy from the crowd is what gave us the energy to keep pushing,” Taufa said. “It gave us the reason to do our best.”
Warner praised the team’s effort, emphasizing their hard-fought win. He commended Taufa for helping end the long losing streak, noting that the victory was a tremendous accomplishment and a huge relief for the team.
“We called a play to the left, but Alyza saw an opening and broke to the right. He got rocked and still powered into the end zone,” Warner said. “We had to have our [athletic] trainers check him out before he got back. He is one tough kid. Smart too.”
Olap expressed gratitude for the community support, emphasizing its impact on the team’s determination and making the victory a milestone for the entire McKinley High School community.
“We really appreciated the support of the band, cheerleaders, and fans throughout the entire game. You could feel everyone’s excitement at
that time,” Olap said. “Because of it, our boys fought hard.”
Morikuni highlighted the significance of the team’s achievement, sharing his pride in their determination to secure their first victory in years.
“I’m extremely happy, not just for the victory, but for the players, the coaches, and the entire school,” Morikuni said. “They’ll carry this win not only for the rest of the year, but for the rest of their lives.”
Although the football season has concluded, the athletes are far from done. The victory sparked a renewed sense of determination within the team, motivating them to continue striving for success in the upcoming seasons.
“The team has had its ups and downs during practices, but we have worked every day as much as we could to be able to pull off this win,” Givens said. “We will continue to work on our drills and improve how we play our positions in the offseason.”
McKinley’s JROTC saber squad presents Homecoming King Brayden Kaneko and Homecoming Queen Angriel Olap.
Photo by Shane Kaneshiro (c/o 2024).
PINION
McKinley’s football team takes a group photo after winning the game. Photo by Shane Kaneshiro (c/o 2024).
Balance in Sports
by Rose Ganotisi
Coaches often say that being a student athlete means putting the student part first. Finding balance between the two is important but can be challenging. The girls JV Basketball team is a good example. This year’s team only has eight girls, so it is important that athletes must be able to stay on the team.
Lexene Arriola (c/o 2028) said her mom has a schedule for her to keep her on track with school work while playing sports. This way, she is able to easily ensure that Arriola finishes all her work. “She puts times and then I have to do things at the right time. I do my work after practice,” Arriola said.
Siulolovao Matangi (c/o 2028) does not have a definite schedule but she goes to study hall a lot in order to stay on track and finish all of her work before practices. “I just do the work,” Matangi said.
In order to be able to maintain good grades in school while playing sports, student athletes must have the motivation to continue participating in their sport. When asked what was their motivation to continue being a student athlete, many mentioned that they are motivated by their family members who also have played sports. Through sports, athletes are able to have a connection with family that also play or played that sport. The common interest can spark up conversation.
Matangi said she is also motivated to continue improving herself so that she can be the best player she can possibly be. Matangi said she strives, “To be the best of the best.”
Editors
Dominic Niyo Cheska Orias
Assistant Editors
Malia Manuel
Nhi Nguyen
Jacky Oasay
Newswriting I
Leif Allgood
Kena Anien
Donald Ayon Youm
Alex Azhari
Rose Ganotisi
Shyleiah Hanawahine
Loraine Tambalo
Darryl Tang Adviser
Cynthia Reves
Copy Editing
Mission
The Pinion staff strives to provide and maintain accurate, entertaining and informative news for the students, staff and alumniw of McKinley High School. We strive to show diligence in creating all our content so we can make a positive contribution to the public.
The Pinion is published by the Newswriting class and printed by Reprographics Learning Center. All content and more is at mhspinion.com. Print archives are at issuu.com/mhspinion. Questions or Comments?
Interested in donating or advertising? Email - cynthia.reves@k12.hi.us
Photo by Rose Ganotisi.