The Pinion Vol. 90 No. 5

The Pini

n

President William McKinley High School

Vol. 90, No. 5

McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

March 5, 2012

Laquihon excels at boxing

“Boxing is pretty much my entire life.”

--Justly Laquihon

Laquihon looks up to Manny Pacquiao, a boxer from the Philippines, as a role model. Because Pacquiao worked his way up from poverty to become one of the top boxers, Laquihon admires his dedication and commitment. He also relates the Philippines to a part of his boxing plans.

Laquihon said that if things don’t go well in the finals, he will try out for a boxing team in the Philippines. He said that it is always good to have “something to fall back on.”

“I have never got knocked out,” Justly Laquihon said. “Not yet.” He and two other boxers from Hawaii competed in nationals. Photo by Francheska Rigor (12) and Leilani Hernandez (12)

by Amanda Muramoto Last summer, Justly Laquihon (12) helped represent Hawaii in the Junior Olympics. “Boxing is pretty much my entire life,” he said.

Laquihon started kickboxing when he was seven. His dad wanted him to be safe and learn to defend himself. A year later, his dad wanted him to try something different, so he put him into boxing. From there, he started to compete in both boxing and kickboxing. The sport has taught him to respect others and never underestimate someone because they could be better than you think. “It isn’t really as bad as it sounds. It’s really a fun sport,” Laquihon said.

Besides boxing, Laquihon is also on McKinley’s boys varsity basketball team.

Teammate Erick Diaz (11) said “I’m not surprised that he boxes because he seems

like the type of athlete that can excel at multiple sports.” Whether he’s in the ring or on the court, Laquihon said that he always puts his best effort into each game.

He also believes that you must put full responsibility, commitment, and passion into whatever sport you play.

He not only excels at sports, but in academics too. “He is a nice, careful, gentleman. It’s hard to imagine him aggressive,” said Sidney Li (12). “He also has really nice handwriting!”

The Junior Olympics, which were held in Mobile, Alabama, happens annually.

Once the boxers qualify for states on the island, all the winners from each weight division move on to represent Hawaii in their respective division at nationals. “It’s pretty much head-to-head from the best boxers from each state,” said Laquihon.

It was his first time at this annual compe-

tition and he ranked eight out of 750 boxers in his 119 pounds weight division. At nationals, boxers are trying to “get a spot in the boxing roster for USA boxing,” he said. The USA boxing team would then go up to the 2012 London Olympics.

To prepare for the Junior Olympics, during the summer he practiced six days a week. Training included sprinting at Roosevelt High School’s track from 6 to 8 a.m., resting at home until practice once again with the punching bags from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Laquihon said that he put training first and basically sacrificed his whole summer.

Laquihon wants to go into professional boxing. “I really love boxing and I don’t mind doing it for the rest of my life,” he said. “It’s a passion.”

The Seattle Times/MCT

RS 12-0997

2 THE PINION March 5, 2012

If I could interview anyone...

by Kelsey David

If I could interview anyone in the world, alive or dead, it would be Adolf Hitler.

Brutal choice, I know, but he was a brutal man. He was responsible for the deaths of millions of Jewish Germans -- amongst others like the disabled and mentally retarded -- during an event known as The Holocaust. But as a ruler, he wanted what was best for his people. I want to know why, exactly, he thought killing “undesirables” would help his people.

Hitler was definitely a complex man. And I wonder, too, if he was insane. Obviously he knew what he was doing -- he functioned rationally enough to appear in public, to hold mass rallies, to teach his hate to his people and so on. It seems that he was sane enough to plan out the dynamics of The Holocaust, but did he know that what he did was wrong?

Although he was a mass murderer, you should also keep in mind that Hitler was a charming man. Because of this cunning trait of his, he was encouraged. Everything he said and preached, people took to heart. When he ordered the Nazis to kill all those Jews, he used terms such as “Final Solution”, and “social hygiene”, as if it made everything sound more official. As if it lessened the harsh reality of what he was doing. So not only did he kill, he brainwashed as well.

What event in his life lead him to do such horrible things? It’s been said that he was rejected from an art school during his early twenties. Would things be different if he were accepted? How much of an influence did his wife, Eva Braun, have on him? Any hobbies, Chancellor Hitler? Besides mass murdering, I mean. So many questions for the man behind the swastika.

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“The Book Thief” is good read

by Corwin Shapiro (10)

“The Book Thief” is a unique book written by Markus Zusak. This book is well worth your time to read. The book is set in Germany during World War II, but unlike most such books, “The Book Thief” isn’t about someone who’s Jewish. Instead, “The Book Thief” features a nice perspective on the life of the German citizens living in Munich at that time. Also, “The Book Thief” is jammed-packed with tons of cool historic information.

Last, “The Book Thief” has a very interesting plot.

The main character is a regular German girl who really likes reading. It’s nice to step into the shoes of a German living during the World War II era. “The Book Thief” tells you that not all of the Germans living in Nazi Germany were horrible people who thought that they belonged to some sort of master race. A lot of the Germans in this time period were simply forced to do things, like join the Nazi party or serve in the army. For me, this is probably the best attribute of “The Book Thief.”

This book should be read Art by Nicholas Jones (12) in history class because it has the potential to help people understand more about this era.

I’m a real sucker for anything to do with history. While reading “The Book Thief” you’ll learn more about the Aryans and the Nazi book burnings. “The Book Thief” provides a lot of information for a book that isn’t supposed to be a research book.

If you’re looking for a book that will give you tons of information about Nazi Germany, but still tells a good story, then “The Book Thief” might be a good book for you.

See more book reviews online by sophomores Jeramy Pasion, Nicholas Parris and Paul Santiago

March 5, 2012 THE PINION 3

Hero gets help from goddess

by Travez Suka (10)

It was during my quest to save the princess of Athens when the Goddess Hera appeared before me dressed in an antiquated dress made of Imperial gold.

She glowed like the sun. She studied me with her stern eyes as if I were a meager human, like she expected more.

I despised her. I didn’t like her based on the old stories I had heard: presiding in Mount Olympus, ordering the deaths of heroes that Zeus had bred. If the child wasn’t hers, she wanted it dead.

“All is well?” asked the Goddess. That was a dumb question! I had just gone through a day of battles with monsters and she asked if my day was well? It made me angry. Why couldn’t the gods just kill the monsters for us? “Oh, because the ancient laws say so.” I flouted those laws.

The goddess didn’t mind me not answering the question. She knew how lost and forlorn I was, so instead she gifted me with the mark of Achilles, something that would make me completely invincible in battle, both health and skill wise.

She disappeared, leaving me feeling strong and courageous at the tunnel entrance of the Persian Kingdom. I advanced to the palace with only one thing on my mind, “No mercy.”

Can you tell the story of your life in six words?

Submit your Six-Word Memoir to mhspinion@ gmail.com before March 29. Need ideas? Check out submissions by other teens at smithteens.com.

PINION SURVEY What’s your favorite way to fight stress?

Share at myhsj.org/pinion

4 THE PINION March 5, 2012

Destiny is Reality Senior Stephanie Ngo won the Scholastic Art Gold Medal Award for her photograph “Destiny is Reality.”

Here is Ngo’s explanation of the photo.

In the photograph, a little boy is looking in the bathroom mirror and sees himself as a military man. He believes it is his destiny to serve in the military, therefore, he views himself as a soldier in reality.

Go to myhsj.org/pinion to see a photo of Ngo with her award.

AVID provides various benefits

Student reflects on personal AVID experience

AVID offers supplies

by Samantha Li (9)

Binder Blues (the name some of you know) is now called Tiger Supplies. Tiger supplies is a school service of the 9th grade AVID class called College Preparatory Skills. Tiger Supplies’ mission is to provide students the supplies they need to help them pass high school and prepare them for any of their classes, at a minimal cost. To buy the supplies, students have to inform any adult on campus of what school supplies they would like to order. Supplies are delivered during period 3. Students have to pay their money to the Tiger Supplies deliverers.

The school supplies that are sold are: binders and folder paper (college or wide) for a dollar each. Black or red pens, pack of lead (0.5 or 0.7), mechanical pencils, erasers, organizer tabs, or pencil pouches sell for $.50 each. Six inch rulers and highlighters (pink or blue) sell for $.25 each. We also sell two wooden pencils for $.25.

If a student needs school supplies, they should inform any adult on campus, and remember to pay upon delivery. For questions, comments, or feedback, contact Sandra Oda in room E206.

I take a course that is a college and preparation skills class, called AVID. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. In AVID, you learn study skills, test-taking skills, and note-taking skills. You participate in motivational, enrichment, and academic activities that will increase your academic and social growth.

Before AVID, my binder was a mess and I couldn’t find my homework. I thought that AVID could help me be organized and that’s why I joined.

The first year I took AVID was 7th grade. During that year, I got to know the basics of what AVID is. When I had my first practice tutorial, I was lost, but I eventually got the hang of it. In tutorials, you have tutors to guide you to find

Kurt Strazdins/MCT

the answer. The tutors don’t give you the answer. The tutors are there to help you understand what you need to do in order to pass your classes.

I continued AVID in the 8th grade, and I knew what was expected. Those expectations were completing homework on time, participating, improving communication skills, trying to be a organized and successful person, learning to take good Cornell notes, etc...

AVID has helped me get organized so I can find my papers quickly. I like AVID tutorials because it is always good to ask questions when you need help. I really enjoy taking AVID because it makes me be a successful and organized person. I like having binder checks because I want my binder to be more organized. I also like it when they check our materials for class so that if I am missing any materials, I can remember to bring it to class so that I am prepared.

Now, I am taking my third year in AVID. I went on the Aiea Loop Trail Hike with my class. On the hike, I learned to be persistent and persevere.

When setting a goal, you should tell yourself that you can do it, so you have confidence. I also experienced that some hikes are smooth and some are rocky.

And this is what life is all about!

The News Tribute/MCT

March 5, 2012 THE PINION 5

With the food pyramid a thing of the past, will there be less confusion or misleading information passed on to people? Will clearer guidelines help our future generations eat healthier? With just a glance at the new food plate, will people get the message right away and be aware of their daily intake? Check out Pauline Yang’s online video report at myhsj.org/pinion.

Art by Kelsey David (11)

6 THE PINION March 5, 2012

Two views on handling school stress

by Pauline Yang I have to do this, no wait...oh no, I have to do that first! There’s so many activities that go on with a student’s school life. Of course, along the way, you cannot avoid stress. Everyone deals with it - whether it be homework, extracurricular activities, family issues, or drama. Students have to keep up with so many priorities. Sometimes they lose track and get behind with their work. For me, I have to deal with homework from AP classes, go to club meetings, participate in outside school activities, face family problems, and keep up with my social life. It becomes hard because some conflict with each other and I feel like I have dug my own grave. This is why my schedule is overwhelming. I evaluated my time management to see what I could do to alleviate stress. Some ways are: 1. Prioritize 2. Select courses and activities you can handle; 3. Don’t procrastinate.

4. Write in your school agenda Art by Jocel Siapno (11)

5. Leave time for fun

Do you like to write, draw or work with InDesign?

Get the experience on a whole new level by signing up for Newswriting.

See Cynthia Reves in E207.

Juzhen Zhang wrote a Chinese summary for these stories. Visit myhsj.org/pinion to read them.

Juzhen Zhang 将为以下文章提 供中文总结。同学们可以到myhsj. org/pinion在线阅读此版本。 国家比赛的拳击代表 Student excels at boxing 癌症的故事 Cancer Story 撞击诗 Slam Poetry 神话 Hero meets goddess Akron Beacon Journal/MCT

Macon Telegraph MCT

Find us online at myhsj.org/pinion

Follow the Pinion @mhspinion.

Pinion Staff

Adviser: Cynthia Reves (publishing)

Nancy Wilcox (photography)

Editor: Amanda Muramoto Reporters: Kelsey David, Brannagan Mukaisu, Pauline Yang, Jocel Siapno

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

Way Back When in Waianae

by Le’vi-keoni Brunni (10)

Long ago back down to Waianae Where the truck’s oil’s smell is the dump, I don’t know why, Deep into the boonies living with my tutu, The back roads are red and the sky is always blue.

Our neighbor John always hunting with his dogs, Coming back two days later with two or more hogs, “Bark!” goes out dogs saying, “Get up for school!”

That’s where we are all about “poor”, so mostly everyone is cool.

But then there are times when someone wants to fight with me, So I’ll meet him at “Rings” and represent my family, Where the community is poor, and the junkie roam, Where I am happy and proud to call it my home.

See more childhood memory poems online by sophomores Kennedy Togafau, Clark Domingo, Lillian Kuo and Ting Ting Wu

Check out myhsj.org/pinion for a video on Spirit week by second year Digital Media students Miye Kuwata (11), Melvin Manera (12) and Peter Le (11).

Keith Carter/MCT

March 5, 2012 THE PINION 7

Slam poetry rises in popularity

by Kelsey David Slam (verb). To shut forcefully and loudly. Poetry (noun). Literary work that uses style and rhythm to express feelings and ideas. Separately, these words seem to have nothing in common. But when you put them together, the meaning becomes something different entirely -the art of the spoken word. Slam poetry (noun). A spoken word competition that puts dual emphasis on writing and performance.

Originating in Chicago in 1984, slam poetry slowly migrated throughout America, and branched to our islands in 2005. An organization called Youth Speaks Hawaii began then, and gave teens the opportunity to attend spoken word workshops. At these workshops, teens learn how to write and practice performing their work. Mentors give constructive criticism and advice to those who attend, and allow them to perform without judgement so that they feel comfortable speaking their mind.

Poets who participate in slam poetry use this medium as an outlet, a way to express themselves through words.

Whether the poem is about a dog, or a recent break-up, students can write to vent, to rant, or just to be heard.

At an average slam, there are several basic rules. First off, your poem cannot be longer than 3 minutes, 10 seconds long. Also, while performing, you are not allowed to use props, costumes or music.

Each poem is given a score (0.0 to 10.0) from five judges randomly selected from the audience. Slam poetry is not hip-hop, nor is it a serious critique on literary skills. It isn’t a bunch of angry performers yelling about social issues, either.

Slams bring an incredibly diverse array of demographics, voices, styles, topics and points of view.

Performing a poem can be absolutely terrifying. You may stutter and mess up, but getting your message across is what’s really important. Slam poetry is a way to make a difference, an opportunity to speak your mind and be heard instead of ignored. So now that the mic is passed over to the youth, it’s our job to use it and speak up.

8 THE PINION March 5, 2012

H.U.G.S. helps patients

by Kelsey David

H

aving a friend with cancer stinks.

My best friend, Ryder*, was diagnosed with cancer during his freshman year of high school. For about a year now, he’s been in remission -- the period of time in which doctors no longer detect cancer cells in the blood.

Cancer is when abnormal cells in your body start to grow uncontrollably. These growths then form tumors. There are hundreds of types of cancer, but all end the same if not treated -- death. Early detection means a higher survival rate once treatment, such as chemotherapy, starts.

It’s not contagious, and you can decrease your risk of cancer, too.

Even after Ryder entered remission, there were many bumps in the road to recovery. He slacked in school, and lost a lot of his friends when they couldn’t handle his sickness. His diet and athletic activities changed drastically. He had lost a lot of hair and weight, so his selfconfidence practically disappeared after all the treatment he underwent. Plus, all the medication and energy loss made him grouchy, so it was really hard to ignore the stand-offish attitude he acquired after his diagnosis.

It’s rough being a friend of a cancer patient. It’s a full time job, because you have to be there for them through the

whole journey. You can’t back down if something goes terribly wrong, and you can’t come back only if something goes right. There were many times where I couldn’t even stand seeing Ryder without a beanie on his bald head, or the central line sticking out of his chest. But I stuck it out, because he, as sappy as this sounds, needed me. I wasn’t always happy to be there for him, but it was definitely worth it.

“The whole process is terrifying -- even after they tell you it’s gone. You’re still not sure if it’ll come back.”

--Ryder

Thankfully, Ryder didn’t have to do it alone, though, and neither did I. We went to support groups and therapy sessions to ease the difficulty of coping with the complications that accompanied cancer.

Hawaii has a local organization called H.U.G.S. (Help, Understanding, and Group Support) that focus on not only children with cancer, but any terminal illness. McKinley High School helped the HUGS foundation fundraise with last years’ winter ball, A Walk Down Candy Cane Lane.

The H.U.G.S. organization is dedicated to providing support and enhancing the

quality of life for Hawaii’s seriously ill children and their families. They have programs such as peer support groups and monthly family events. They also provide hospital outreach, which includes the Laughter Wagon, a volunteer program that lets trained volunteers engage children, teens and siblings with interactive games and activities that help to reduce stress and anxiety.

With the help of organizations and programs like H.U.G.S., Ryder’s life gradually returned to normal. He’s swimming again, and he’s able to look into a mirror now without cringing. He’s gotten his grades back up, and he lost the snarky attitude and replaced it with so much appreciation for life that it’s not even funny.

He’s learned to appreciate everything more.

If you have a friend with a terminal illness, or even if you have it yourself, just remember to stay positive and stay strong, and that you don’t have to go through it alone. Don’t focus on only the negatives, and keep in mind that the illness doesn’t have to take over your whole life. Even if you don’t personally know anyone who’s terminally ill, you can still help brighten their day. Interested in helping them cheer up during a difficult time? Check out www.hugslove.org for more info on volunteering and applications. *name has been changed.

H O T S H O T S

Pow Wow is a live artist exhibition all over the streets of Kaka’ako. Nicholas Jones (12) pictured above, and other McKinley students spent time working with the artists to collaborate on a large mural in Kaka’ako. Go to myhsj. org/pinion to read the full story and see more photos.

In Health and Nutrition, students like Kylie Kansaku (12) and Mae Gallardo (12) perform cooking labs. Here, they prepare the meat by browning it for their “mush”, which was a dish of mashed potatoes, meat, and chopped vegetables.