The Pinion Vol. 97 No. 4

T HE P INI

N

Vol. 97 / No. 4 May 2019

The student-run newspaper of McKinley High School

Top Row: Donovan Maxin, David Burdett Bottom Row: Denny Le, Kenji Maurer, Derina Kincho

RS 19-1259, May 2019

NEW BELL SCHEDULE TO BE IMPLEMENTED

NEXT YEAR

by Ryan Vanairsdale and Hannah Rouillard, head reporters Students will be seeing a new bell schedule for the 2019-2020 school year. While the current schedule alternates between even and odd periods regardless of what day of the week it is, the new schedule will have even classes on Monday and Wednesday, and odd classes on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday will be the only alternating day, being even one week and odd the next. This bell schedule is designed to have more consistency and certainty on what periods students will have on certain days, and it is aimed to help students with scheduling things like early college courses and internships.

Principal Ron Okamura said that implementing this new schedule will open up more opportunities such as internships, college courses, jobs and sports for students. The problem with the current bell schedule is that it does not provide a level of consistency, and this new bell schedule is a solution to that issue.

“Eventually we’re going to bring college courses here ... we cannot do that with a schedule that rotates every single day,” Okamura said. “I’m hoping that, with this new schedule, we can offer more things for you guys.”

Dee Ann Murakami, a business teacher, says she believes that the bell schedule will make things like internships easier because people will know what schedule is on what day.

“This year I have interns at Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union and they worked with us, but it definitely would have been easier if it was a set schedule,” Murakami said. “We can tell our partners and employers that these students can come on these certain days.”

Senior Ryan Cabote thinks the new bell schedule fixes the problem of not knowing when you can do what.

“It’s a fixed schedule … you know when you’re able to do something and when you’re free,” Cabote said.

THE PINION / 2

Green represents Even Days while orange represents Odd Days

NEWS

by Ryan Vanairsdale, head reporter Throughout history, vaccines have saved countless lives from dangerous illnesses. Smallpox, a disease with a 30% fatality rate, was declared eradicated in 1980 due to global vaccination efforts. Polio, a disease that can cause paralysis, is now unheard of in the United States.

While vaccines have been proven to be safe, some people still opt to not vaccinate their children, putting them and others in danger. In mid-May, the state of Washington experienced a measles outbreak in areas with higher percentages of unvaccinated people.

There’s little debate to whether vaccines are effective and safe. However, there is much debate as to whether you can refuse a vaccine for you or your children due to religious or personal beliefs. Some say that mandatory vaccination infringes on choice, while others say that not getting vaccinated makes you a danger to yourself and others.

When enough of the population is immunized against a disease, the disease can not spread, even among the people who aren’t immune. This is called herd immunity, and it requires about 95% of people to be immune to the disease.

“I think we should require the 95% [for herd immunity],” freshman Travis Tran said. “If they still don’t believe in vaccinations, that is all up to them. But they will learn that vaccinations help because they will see that their own children are dying because of disease.”

Fears of vaccinations may stem from a lack of knowledge. When looking at the ingredient list, it’s easy to be worried about formaldehyde or aluminum. However, toxicity is about the amount of a substance, and the chemicals in vaccines are nowhere near toxic levels.

“The reason why a lot of people are scared to get vaccinated is usually because they don’t know the whole thing,” biology teacher Osamu Ono said. “I don’t think we can force people to do it, because if there is some religion that says you cannot do vaccinations, then you’re also kind of violating their religious rights, so you’re taking care of one problem by causing a different one.”

Sophomore Tung Nguyen said he thinks that vaccines should be mandatory because they are lifesaving.

“It prevents people from dying, and saving lives is always a plus,” Nguyen said.

Ono said he thinks that vaccine hesitancy stems from a lack of knowledge, and more should be taught to people about vaccines to make sure that they know what exactly is going on.

“It’ll be good if they teach [vaccines] to where they dig deep about what a vaccine actually is,” Ono said.

“Then people will be able to make a better choice about why they should or why the shouldn’t take it.”

NEWS

SHOULD

VACCINATIONS BE MANDATORY?

YES

NO

Source: World Health Organization Infographic by Alexandria Buchanan

THE PINION / 3

STAFF SNAPSHOT

by Mari Faufata-Pedrina, staff reporter

by Kevin Lee, staff reporter Dave Blanchard is a social studies teacher. He likes watching sports and events He said it is “enjoyable, relaxing and exciting.”

He watches in person and on TV. “I drive to games and watch TV at home,” he said.

He also likes his job.

“I like to work with and help kids partly because I don’t have any kids of my own,” he said.

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Kerry Higa is the new vice principal. He moved to McKinley High School in January following winter break. Previously, he taught at Roosevelt and he has worked a total of 21 years in education.

“I’ve been a teacher for seven years, vice principal for another seven years and a principal for another seven years,” Higa said.

He’s worked with students of all ages at his jobs at Manoa Elementary School, Kaimuki Middle School, Stevenson Middle School and Roosevelt High School.

Higa has been moving around for a few years, switching to other schools. However, Principal Ron Okamura said Higa can stay at McKinley as long as he wants.

“My current plan is to stay at McKinley and get to learn good things about the school, teachers and administrators,” Higa said.

“It’s also the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Higa has a son and two daughters. When he is not at work, Higa coaches his son’s baseball team, spends time with his family, and plays softball in an adult league.

Okamura hired Higa as a vice principal because he brings value to the school.

“Mr. Higa has experiences, doesn’t get angry, great listener, he’s able to reason with everyone and he does what he says he is going to do,” Okamura said.

by Kevin Lee, staff reporter

by Kevin Lee, staff reporter

Simran Bott teaches Physical Science in McKinley High School. She felt an earthquake before.

She was not alone.

“My mother, my sister and my pet dog were with me,“ she said.

The earthquake occurred 20 years ago in New Delhi, India.

“I panicked. My sister suggested that we go under the staircase,” she said.

Bott was worried about her dog.

“I started searching for my pet dog, I refused to go without my pet.

My sister grumbled. By the time I found my pet dog, the earthquake stopped and we all were relieved,” she said.

Imialoa’a Richardson is a teacher in McKinley High School and likes to watch wrestling.

His favorite wrestler is CM Punk.

“He stands for principles that I believe in,” he said.

He watches Raw, Smackdown Live and Pay Per View.

He also coaches wrestling at McKinley.

“I like coaching,” he said.

FEATURES

INSIDE LOOK ON CULINARY ACADEMY

by Mari Faufata-Pedrina, staff reporter Anthony Cabrera is the culinary teacher for McKinley High School.

Cabrera teaches his students kitchen safety, cleaning skills, knife skills, etc. Cabrera does cooking demonstrations and the students cook three to five times per quarter.

“Culinary is fun,” Cabrera said.

He said that students should take culinary class if they want to work in the culinary field in the future.

Junior Kayla Murayama is a student in culinary class. Murayama is taking culinary class because she wants to learn how to cook and bake. Her goal is to remember recipes and how to do the steps without the instructions.

Murayama learned many things during culinary class, such as how to make rice crispy pancakes and is now learning how to do soups.

“Culinary to me is cooking, learning the tools, the rules of the

kitchen and the safety of cooking and the kitchen,” she said.

Sophomore Sairin Skinny is also a student in culinary class. Skinny is blind and she is taking a culinary class because she wants to reach her goal to be more independent and learn how to cook on her own.

Students work in groups in cooking class. Each person has a different job. Skinny mostly watches her group cook, or she washes dishes or reads the ingredients to her group members. Pat Kim is a helper who works with Skinny in culinary class.

“Ms. Pat helps with the notes and makes sure I have the right answers and she also helps me find things that I need. Mr. Cabrera helps me by telling my fellow group members how they are able to help me with the culinary class,” she said.

Senior Allisiena Leituala is frying potatoes Photo by Mari Faufata-Pedrina

LEARN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

by Mari Faufata-Pedrina, staff reporter American Sign Language is an expressive language that uses hands, body emotions and facial expressions and is for the people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to communicate with other people.

Dusty Santos is the adviser of the American Sign Language Club and has been teaching ASL for 10 years. He took ASL classes at Kapiolani Community College and continues to learn through teacher workshops, conferences and through the University of Hawaii.

“Sign language has plenty of jobs,” Santos said.

Some jobs are translators, teacher, lawyer, court workers, service provid-

FEATURES

ers, and church employees.

He said depending on one’s interest one can learn sign language in 1-2 years with daily practice.

“The community needs interpreters and teachers and invites students to join American Sign Language Club if they want to learn American Sign Language,” Santos said.

Junior Pumehana Holmes has known ASL since she was young. Holmes has understood sign language since she started talking. She started using complete sentences in sign language in elementary school.

“My parents are deaf and my parents would sign to me and I would sign for

them to understand and get what I want or need,” Holmes said.

She said she wants to be able to communicate with her parents in a language they understand and are comfortable with.

Holmes learned sign language from her parents and other deaf people. She would watch the people signing and be able to understand what they were saying.

“I also think that sign language is really cool,” Holmes said.

For more information about sign language, go to room E102 and see Santos.

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McKinley students Amoreena Godoy and Suejin Yi performed in Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center’s production of Mamma Mia!

MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL NEEDS

PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

by Amoreena Godoy, staff reporter Pride and tradition is what McKinley High School stands for, but some students are not able to have pride and passion at school. The school’s academy system allows students to learn about a variety of different career pathways, ranging from finance to engineering. However, it lacks a Performing Arts Academy. Performing Arts is a great way for students to express themselves and expand the community, and it would bring numerous academic and personal benefits to students at MHS. A joint study found that students who are involved in the arts have greater academic motivation and more engagement in class. This would have constructive effects on McKinley’s students, providing them a wider variety of classes and encouraging productivity. The arts also have excellent effects on personal development.

Many students have talents that go unnoticed. While the school provides classes such as Chorus, Band, Orchestra, and Beginning Acting, there could be additional courses like dance THE PINION / 6

Photo from Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center and set design. If these courses were implemented into our school’s system, students would be able to expand their artistic abilities. Students who participate in dance, drama, music, and visual arts show improved academic and personal well-being from being more than simply an observer.

This would make students more capable of interacting with others in a friendly and upbeat environment.

Although some may argue that students need more academic structure, an academy like this would not take away any core schooling. These courses would provide students a unique perspective with lessons found not only in school, but in life.

The purpose of academies is to lead students into a career field. However, without a Performing Arts Academy, Tigers are unable to explore artistic careers. This is discouraging for many and results in only extracurricular opportunities. If our students were able to showcase their talent in our own school, this could open doors for artistic and performing scholarships

and would add variety to the talent our school has.

By actively participating in the arts, students would have a production to commit to and be able to work towards goals with a group. This would improve students’ well-being socially and bring them personal connections, while still granting structure and a learning experience. Since students who have spent quality time in creative and artistic classes have shown strong positive effects, it could help Tigers’ passions to flourish.

This would bring more pride to our school and show the community the talented students McKinley has. More traditions could be made through dedication to our student’s creative passion and the approval of a Performing Arts Academy. The benefits of creative and performing arts at MHS would be both internal and external for the students and the school itself, a valuable addition to increase diversity and personal growth in our school.

EDITORIALS

Black and Gold A call for inclusiveness

by Alexandria Buchanan, editor-in-chief The “Black and Gold” has been McKinley High School’s fight song for years. This song is sung just as much as, if not more than our alma mater and can be heard during football games, bus rides and assemblies. Considering “Black and Gold” is sung by the whole school, it would make sense for the lyrics to acknowledge this diversity. The lyrics to this song, however, leave out almost half our school population, stating, “boys we’re back of you” and “fight boys to the last.” In order to accommodate all who sing this school song, “boys” should be changed to a term that includes all our students and alumni at McKinley.

Some may believe that changing the words in the song would be breaking tradition or altering the meaning of the lyrics. The Black and Gold’s message, which shows support of our athletes, would be preserved and improved if we changed one word to be more inclusive.

The football team sings both the alma mater and the fight song every day at practice. In order to include the females on the squad, the team decided to change the lyrics in 2017 from “boys” to “team.” This change was decided by the coaching staff and players to acknowledge the whole team, making sure nobody was left out.

Principal Ron Okamura said he believes there is no problem with altering “boys” in the Black and Gold if it kept the song’s message intact. However, he expressed concern that it would cause a domino effect of other changes. I believe if the changes are necessary, we should never hesitate out of fear to make them.

One example of a change made at MHS was McKinley’s Code of Honor. Previously, it was sung during graduation. However, the song included the word “God,” which violated the separation between church and state causing a family to challenge this tradition in court. The court ruled in favor of the family, and the Code of Honor is no longer an official part of the school.

Not all changes are negative. We have the power to speak up when we believe something is not right, and we must use that power. The Black and Gold is an important, traditional song at McKinley.

In order for us to include all who sing it, we should change “boys” to a more inclusive term.

EDITORIALS

BETTER USE FOR 20/20

by Trent Pham, staff reporter There should be a better way to use 20/20.

Recently, students with a reading level lower than ninth grade have been moved to different 20/20’s and are supposed to read for the entire 40 minutes every day. All other students are required to follow the same 20/20 schedule, which is read for 20 minutes and then use the remaining 20 minutes for work of their choice. 20/20 this quarter has gotten more serious with people walking into classrooms and checking to see if the class is actually reading.

This change to 20/20 was applied to improve the reading level of our students, but if students are not reading during 20/20 the purpose is negated.

The data collected by people checking classrooms from January through March shows that less than 60% of the 127 students in intervention classes were reading. For non-intervention classes, the percent was even lower. Only 25% were reading during the first 20 minutes of 20/20. The top three activities, according to the data, that students do during the first 20 minutes of 20/20 is go on their phones, socialize, or do homework, and there are some that sleep. A handful of students that I talked to have said their 20/20 teachers do not enforce 20/20 rules.

I think the best part of 20/20 is that it gives students time to do their work. Students should be allowed to choose how they want to spend the 40 minutes of 20/20. Reading, although important, is something not all students might want or need to do every day. Only students with a reading level of eighth grade or lower should be required to read for the first 20 minutes of 20/20.

A period devoted to students getting their work done or improving their reading is a great thing but should be modified taking student opinion into consideration.

Photo by Trent Pham

THE PINION / 7

EVENT HORIZON TELESCOPE

GIVES FIRST LOOK ON On April 10, 2019, scientists from the Event Horizon Telescope project revealed the first picture of a black hole which many people had been talking about. While black holes are predicted in Einstein’s theory of general relativity, this is the first image of a black hole that has ever been captured making this one of the most major advancements in physics and astronomy history. The supermassive black hole, nestled at the center of galaxy Messier 87, is around 55 million light years from Earth, has a mass of 6.5 billion suns and is larger than our solar system. It is even more exciting because of Hawaii’s role in getting this image. The EHT located on Mauna Kea aided in capturing the photo of the black hole which was named Powehi, meaning “embellished dark source of unknown creation” in Hawaiian.

Trying to capture this black hole in the sky is like trying to photograph an orange on the surface of the moon. That’s unfathomably

small. I was shocked when I saw the picture. It’s such an amazing thing to be able to look at a sinkhole in spacetime 55 million light years away, and I think this is the start of more discoveries to come.

Trying to get a picture of a black hole seems pretty close to impossible, so how did they do it?

Well, first we should understand what we’re looking at here, because black holes are weird objects.

Let’s look at our earth. It has a mass of around 5,973,600,000,00 0,000,000,000,000 kg. That’s a lot of zeroes. Now compress it into a radius of 9 millimeters and you’ve created a black hole.

Black holes are super dense, matter-gobbling holes in spacetime, where their gravitational force is so great that not even light is able to escape. Most black holes are formed by the collapse of massive stars, a lot more massive than our sun.

The point around a black hole at which light can’t escape is called the event horizon, and is what the EHT is named after.

Since we need light to see, we don’t know what happens after the event horizon and probably never will.

However, we can see its accretion disk. Around a black hole, matter is shredded and gutted into dust and plasma. Around the black hole is a ring of this matter, swirling and orbiting it so fast they generate heat and light that is visible to us. And that’s how we can get a picture of a black hole.

Taking a picture of a black hole seems impossible, but the Event Horizon

Telescope looked at it from a new angle. Eight different angles, to be exact. The Event Horizon Telescope is not one telescope, as the name might suggest. Instead, it is an array of eight telescopes that work together to collect information, including one on Mauna Kea. To produce an image like these telescopes did, you would need a telescope around the size of the Earth, but that’s rather impractical.

Instead, the telescopes gathered information simultaneously and combined them using a technique called astronomical interferometry.

Basically, each telescope collects light from a target and converts the radio waves it receives into an electronic signal. Then, a computer combines these electronic signals and converts it into an image. That image has a resolution much higher than any of the individual telescopes.

You’re probably wondering why they focused on a black hole 55 million light years away in another galaxy rather than Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of our galaxy. First of all, although M87 is farther away, the black hole is also more massive, which balances out. The more important reason for looking at M87, however, is that since it is in a different galaxy, we don’t have to look through the thick clouds of gas and dust to see the black hole. Imaging M87 is easier because of these factors.

People had a lot of questions. And Reddit’s AskScience subreddit gave them an outlet for those questions. r/Askscience hosted an AUA (ask us anything) involving some scientists involved in the event horizon telescope. Here are a couple of the questions they answered.

Art from Max Pixel

A BLACK HOLE

by Ryan Vanairsdale, head reporter

Question: What led to decisions to focus on M87 instead of Sag A*? How is the Sag A* data coming along?

Question: What plans are currently in place to improve imaging and understanding of black holes in the future?

Sara Issaoun, Ph.D. student at Radboud University: “M87 is both more massive than Sgr A* and in a different galaxy, which means it is not as variable or obscured by interstellar scattering, both of which make Sgr A* work more challenging. We are still working on Sgr A*, but it is a more difficult task and will take more time.”

Raquel Fraga Encinas, Ph.D. candidate at Radboud University: “Our plans to improve the imaging involve making more observational campaigns in the years coming up, as well as adding new antennas to the array. The next step will be to do variability studies to see how the black hole changes with time. Going from making snap-shot images like the one we showed today to making movies.”

So there definitely is a lot more in store for the Event Horizon Telescope. An image is just the first step. I think this is one of the most major advancements in the history of physics and astronomy.

It was the first time we have ever had visual proof of a black hole, and it further supported Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which predicted black holes. This opens the door to new discoveries and steps in discovering more about black holes and space. An image of a black hole, while very impressive in itself, is the first of many other great discoveries.

Powehi “Embellished dark source of unknown creation” Photo from the Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration

EDITORIALS

THE PINION / 9

PLASTIC STRAWS

SHOULD BE BANNED

by Ashanti Brown, staff reporter Beauty influencer Bretman Rock thinks that the government should ban plastic straws; he’s right.

A plastic straw is only used until you’re done drinking your drink, then you just trash it, which is a waste.

Such trash endangers sea creatures around our island.

In a 2018 TIME article, marine biologist Christine Figgener talked about a video she recorded of her removing a plastic straw from a sea turtle’s nose.

“You were able to show the suffering of a creature that was affected by a straw that someone had disposed of. Definitely that was an object that passed through human hands and made its way to the ocean,” Figgener told Time.

Plastic straws also have unhealthy

toxic chemicals. These chemicals go into our bodies when we sip through the straws and can lead to health issues from hormone disruption to cancer. In a 2018 Washington Post article, Christy Brissette wrote, “Chemicals from polypropylene can leach into liquids and may release compounds that could affect estrogen levels, especially when exposed to heat, acidic beverages or UV light.”

Some people may not like the idea of banning plastic straws because they can’t drink without a straw. An alternative that they can use is paper or metal straws.

Plastic straws should be banned because they not only endanger sea creatures but hurt humans. Hawaii banned plastic bags, so why can’t we ban plastic straws too?

Infographic by Alexandria Buchanan

WORD SEARCH! Find These Words!

CHEMICALS ENDANGER ENVIRONMENT LITTER METAL OCEAN PAPER PLASTIC STRAWS TRASH

THE PINION / 10

EDITORIALS

REVIEW

by Kelvin Ku, assistant editor Echoes is one of the best mysteries I have read. The roller coaster of surprises throughout the story and the repeated plot twists had me constantly on the edge of my seat. I had so many questions throughout the book, leaving me anxious to find out more. It was one of those books I just couldn’t stop reading. It may seem immature for a few, but if you like mystery and romance, this book is for you.

With so many plot twists and mysteries, my brain was constantly trying to figure them out but never able to.

The book’s two main characters are the protagonist Fiona and her hated rival Miles. Humiliated and called pathetic in the past, she hated his every bone and it didn’t help he was extremely arrogant, causing them to often get into arguments.

One day she was selected for a scholarship to a trip to Britain for a company called Briola Bio Tech but against all odds, she was partnered with Miles. Miles had a reputation of

being intelligent, getting all A’s in school, what we’d call a 4.0 student.

Despite being paired with her hated rival, she was excited to go to Britain as she’d always dreamt of going. As they arrived in Britain, Fiona had received an ominous text from one of best friends. After reading the text, Fiona starts suspecting Miles’s identity and motives.

When arriving they find out that the company that invited them here, no longer existed and when calling their families the calls would always lead to voicemail. Confused they try to leave but soon understand it’s futile and are trapped in a foreign land. As they struggle more Fiona finds herself learning sides of miles she couldn’t have even imagined before. As she understands more she realizes he is indeed trustworthy as misunderstanding from the past become clear, she decides to believe in him. As they begin to confide in each other they discover that mysteriously every night

they go to sleep both of them have the same lucid dream. While, experiencing their dream worlds and reality their perceptions become blurred as it becomes hard for them to differentiate between reality and dream.

Within the dream world, their plane crashes trapping them on a deserted island. Facing hardships together they learn to put aside their differences to survive. Stranded, with hopes of rescue looking bleak, they explore the island to figure answers and a way out of their predicament. As they continue to find more the number of questions only grow greater.

As they approach closer and closer to the truth, their relationship develops more and they start becoming more than just friends. While, they learn more, they despair at their situation but persevere, relying on each other for hope as they trudge towards a sliver of light. Little do they know, the mystery runs far deeper than they could ever fathom.

‘ARE WE DONE YET?’ REVIEW

by Ashanti Brown, staff reporter "Are We Done Yet" is a movie about Nick and his wife Suzanne KingstonPersons, played by Ice Cube and Nia Long. The couple move into a new house to let their children Lindsey and Kevin, played by Aleisha Allen and Philip Bolden, live a better life. They hire a contractor, Chuck Mitchell Jr. played by John C. McGinley to renovate their new home since it is old and breaking down. Later, Nick gets a little jealous because his wife Suzanne and Chuck were talking and hanging out a little too much. Suzanne is pregnant, and out of nowhere her water breaks and they have to do a natural birth.

One thing I like about the movie is that it shows how everyone coordiEDITORIALS

nates together to renovate the house.

I liked the movie because it could help me later in life because it showed how they worked with different types of people but still had a good bond.

Another thing I like about the movie is the humor. Also it's not a long movie or hard to follow. Some movies you have to watch from the very beginning to understand what's going on or you would be lost. This movie is different.

People should watch this movie. You can sit back and watch with your family and bond because the movie gives you happy vibes. They do a lot of silly things and a lot of funny stuff happens throughout the movie. I would rate this movie a 4 out of 5.

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FRIDAY

NIGHT LIGHTS

PRIMETIME

by Alexandria Buchanan, editor-in-chief The Friday Night Prime Time program was created for students with special needs, giving them the opportunity to represent their schools on a basketball team. This allows students who would not be able to play for school’s athletic programs the chance to compete together.

“I loved playing with my team for a second year,” senior player Kahealani Gumataotao said. “[I learned] teamwork is really important. Programs like this [are] really important [for] the community. [It’s] a good experience.”

This is the program’s third year running, and it has expanded to include students and families at eight schools around the island. These teams get the real student-athlete experience and attend multiple practices to prepare for games, and an excited crowd of fans cheering for them while they play.

In this program, the students are helped on the court by peer mentors. These mentors are studentathletes who volunteer to train and play with the team. Friday Night Prime Time allows these stu-

THE PINION / 12

dents to give back to their school and get a new perspective of the game.

“I enjoyed being a peer mentor because I got to work with [the team],” senior mentor Francis Leasiolagi said. “I learned that people should volunteer to be a peer mentor because these kids are fun to work with.”

The Friday Night Prime Time is an inspirational experience; not only for players and mentors, but for the audience watching as well. For junior Malachi Iaea, it was an eye opening experience to sit in the stands and watch the teams play.

“I think it’s important because it shows that anyone can play a sport despite their [disadvantages],” Iaea said. “My favorite part was hearing the crowd go crazy when a shot was made … getting to play a sports game is something everyone should experience.”

Friday Night Prime Time is an inspirational and motivating experience for many. Participating in this program is something both players and mentors won’t forget.

“This program is important for schools to have because it opens your eyes,” Leasiolagi said. “I would definitely do it again if I could.”

SPORTS

LOOKING BACK AT HIGH SCHOOL

TRACK STAR

CHRISTOPHER

MARTIN

by Amoreena Godoy, staff reporter It was 1990. Christopher Martin was a high school track star, getting attention in his local paper. “’He was ready to go,’ said Wheaton North hurdle coach Don Helberg. ‘He wanted to double-dip that York kid.

Chris rose to the occasion.’ Martin says the weather didn’t bother him at all. ‘I think it’s (the rain) great,’ Martin said. I let the rain psyche me up.’” wrote Craig Cole, Daily Herald Sports Writer.

Today, English teacher and track coach, Martin instructs students in the classroom and on the track using his own knowledge and experiences.

He has coached track at McKinley for five years and also coached at Kaimuki High School for seven years. Martin ran track for one year in middle school, four years in high school and four years in college.

Martin said he still enjoys running but doesn’t run often anymore. In his free time, he finds less strenuous pastimes.

“Now I swim ‘cause it’s a lot less impact on the legs. I surf, swim, hang out with my daughter, do stuff with her outside,” he said.

After years of running track himself, Martin said he does not miss running because he likes to imagine he is still able to run as he did at 19 or 20 years old. He now uses his skills SPORTS

and experience to help others.

“I’ve been told I’m a lot meaner out on the track, a little more strict, but I think that’s important because it’s extracurricular. I think we have to.

I have to have a few rules,” Martin said.

His main goal is to help people improve.

“I’m there to help people get wherever they need to go,” he said.

Martin said he tries to talk with each team member to set at least one goal for themselves at the beginning of the year to challenge themselves to improve over the season.

“I try to make workouts that will help them improve at the ability level they are at now ‘cause not every runner is gonna be running 50 seconds in a 400-meter dash, but everybody can improve so try to get something that pushes them beyond what they did at the beginning of the season,” he said.

Martin said he enjoys watching the sport and working with the teenagers since they contain many possibilities and lots of hope for the future.

“Seeing a kid, especially if they come out their freshman year, and then they run four years, I really enjoy seeing that kid do what they did the first year and then just develop and develop,” he said.

Martin said he appreciates the growth of his runners even if they don’t win races. He wants the team to see that they have improved over the year and hopes they have fun throughout the season.

“For Narayan, he’s been at states already two years in a row. I want him to win states; that’s my goal for him. But for other students, it’s just, have fun, enjoy yourself out on the field.” he said.

Being a former track star himself helps Martin to push the team to do more than they thought they could. Senior Dustin Kaneshiro has run track throughout all four years of high school and feels that Coach Martin has helped him to individually improve.

Kaneshiro said he enjoys having Martin as a coach.

“He wants you to succeed,” Kaneshiro said.

He described Martin as caring, hardworking and dedicated.

“Most of all I just like to see kids be successful,” Martin said, “find something, whatever success is their success. That’s what I enjoy seeing. You know, maybe they’ve improved like a second or they’re still getting dead last, who cares? They’ve improved and they’re happy. That’s what I like seeing.”

THE PINION / 13

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Editor-in-Chief Alexandria Buchanan

Assistant Editor Kelvin Ku

Design Editor Thompson Wong

Reporters Ashanti Brown Mari Faufata-Pedrina Amoreena Godoy Kevin Lee Trent Pham Hannah Rouillard Ryan Vanairsdale

T

hank you all for supporting The Pinion this year! We hope you have enjoyed our content and the changes we have made this year. The staff appreciates all comments you have made which have improved our product and motivated us to work hard. For more content, check out our website mhspinion.com for more stories and to cast a vote in our Tiger Tally.

Adviser Cynthia Reves

Mission The Pinion staff strives to provide and maintain accurate, entertaining and informative news for the students, staff and alumni of McKinley High School. We strive to show diligence in creating all our content so that we can make a positive contribution to the public.

The Pinion staff attended the Hawaii High School Journalism Awards Luncheon on April 17 and earned multiple awards for the work produced this school year. The staff won third in layout/design and third in website in the public school divisions.

Publication Information The Pinion is published by the Newswriting class and printed by Reprographics Learning Center.

The Pinion McKinley High School 1039 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96814

Email comments or questions to pinion@mckinleyhs.k12.hi.us

Congratulations to design editor Thompson Wong who won Most Valuable Staffer this year!

With his hard work, we were able to change the look of the print issue.

Special congratulations to Qianman Wan who contributed an editorial cartoon to The Pinion this year! Her art won second in illustration and first in state in editorial cartoon.