THE PINION Vol. 89, No. 5
McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSPAPER
January 28, 2011
Okami, Sumida to be inducted Local musician and master craftsman recognized
Dedicated local volunteer receives high honor
Alvin Okami is considered by many to be one of the best musicians Hawaii has ever produced and has distinguished himself as an innovator and master craftsman. It is Okami’s benevolent nature and resilience during times of difficulty which makes him a role model for other McKinley Tigers. In high school, Okami was a member of the school band as well as the “Starlighters” school dance band and became a professional vocalist and bassist after graduation. He played as an oboist with the 264th Army Band and as an oboe soloist with the Royal Hawaii Band. In 1995, Okami founded KoAloha ‘Ukulele, Inc. His business was recognized by CNBC in 2006 as one of the fastest growing and most successful businesses in Hawaii. Unfortunately, trouble arose in 2004 when a competitor copied the designs of his ‘ukuleles to market its own. Through their persistent efforts and support from their friends and fans, the Okamis were finally able to establish contact with the company. The family received a letter of apology promising to cease production of the ‘ukulele. Aside from being a successful musician and entrepreneur, Okami is also a generous man. He and his family work to give back to the community by donating their hand-crafted ‘ukulele to raise money for MHS programs such as Project Graduation.
Since graduating from MHS in 1949, Kenji Sumida has worked tirelessly to serve his community in hopes of improving the lives of those around him. The former Brigadier General for the Hawaii Air National Guard and president of the East-West Center, designates countless hours of his time to serving charitable causes. Of his many awards, Sumida’s most prominent was the Thomas Doig Award he received from the Credit Union National Association. Sumida earned this high honor by passing all 48 modules of CUNA’s Volunteer Acdhievement program. He was the chairman for the Hawaii Federal credit Union Board and Hawaii Credit Union League Government Affairs Committee. He also served as the Secretary General for the North American Committee of the Northeast Asia Economic Forum and as the Board President for the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council. To add to his already impressive resume, Sumida was the dedicated vice-chairman and Program Committee co-chair for the JapanAmerican Society of Hawaii Board of Directors. Sumida is now joining the ranks of other MHS alumni honored for touching the lives of those around them. Through his selfless acts and dedicated work, Sumida has made a difference in the lives of his family, friends, fellow citizens, and even his alma mater. 1/11 RS 11-0757
2 THE PINION January 28, 2011
Tiger Time is here to help Editorial
These days most students are talking about the new policy of MHS - Tiger Time. Students now have 15 more minutes to their regular school day except Wednesdays. Most students dislike the idea of having to spend extra time on schoolwork when they can hit the malls or cruise with friends. But we all need to think positively. Most of us spend more than 45 minutes on homework. Tiger Time just replaces our home studying into the classroom. It allows students to spend time wisely. Think on the plus side. Tiger Time is a good time for students that fall behind to catch up on their work. Students can get tutorial help from their other teachers if they have a pass. Instead of being required to read for 30 minutes, students have the option to visit classes that they need help with. You can also catch up with your AR points; for students who like reading they have a longer time to enjoy DEAR.
MHS Principal Ron Okamura said data shows a high failure rate among our students. Okamura also said that the school must raise the current graduation rate from 82% to 85% and lower grade 9 failures from 21.7% (school year 2010) by 10%. Also on quarterly assessments in language arts and math, less than half of our students scored proficient in quarter one. Registrar,Osa Tui,was part of the committee brainstorming the best way to improve students’ academic success. “We researched different ideas to improve student performance,” he said, “I think the pros for [Tiger Time] will be it gives students more time to improve and it also allows teachers to focus assistance.” If all of us do our school work, pass our classes and graduation rates increase, then maybe we can go back to its old schedule. Then we would have our time after school back. So come on students, we all need
to follow classroom procedures and school rules during Tiger Time. Tiger Time is never a free time to play and that includes chattering, and the use of electronic devices which are strictly prohibited. Tiger Time is here to help folks, and we encourage all of you to make the most of it to improve your grades, and above all, your education.
OPINION POLL
Do you support the ban on fireworks after 2010?
Vote at myhsj.org/pinion
Previous Opinion Poll Results
Do you expect to spend less on Christmas shopping than last year?
Yes- 46.15% No- 53.85%
HSA Results from Round 1
Test Subject
Mathematics Reading Science
% of Students Proficient 38% 58% 16%
Target AYP Proficiency % 64% 72% TBD
% of Students Tested 96% 96% 94%
Illustration by Freshman Yunqi (Wiky) Han
The second round of HSA testing takes place February 14 through February 18. Do your best Tigers!
Target AYP Participation % 95% 95% TBD
3 THE PINION January 28, 2011
Student enjoys Winter Ball By Amanda Muramoto
“A Tale as Old as Time” created lasting memories for those who attended Winter Ball, held at the Pacific Beach Hotel, December 17, 2010. To get things started, MHS singers performed in pairs, singing carols like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven was played on the grand piano. The piano playing gave me goose bumps. After the performances , it was time to eat. Entrees included garlic chicken and pork. The desserts were what you expect to find at a Christmas party: red velvet and guava cake. On top was a tiny sugar snowman in the center. The games related to the Disney theme. “Cinderella Shoe” required everyone to take off one of their shoes and put it in a bag. We were randomly given another student’s shoe and had to search for our “Cinderella”. Once the activities were finished, we hit the dance floor. The lights were turned down low, and colorful lights filled the room. Loud music blasted from the stereos. Then for a moment, all attendees danced in unison to the “Cha cha slide”. Slow songs were played too. People who did not dance, competed in a gingerbread house competition, held in the ballroom next door. Groups of students had to create the best looking gingerbread house in 30 minutes. Some houses looked like they came straight out of a Candy Land game! Winter ball was fun, so if the event is scheduled again, make sure to pick up a contract! If you don’t, this spectacular event will canceled like before due to a lack of participation.
Pinion Staff
Adviser: Cynthia Reves, Editor: Oliver Lam Reporters: Peiru Lu, Stacia Mahi, Amanda Muramoto
Publication Information
THE PINION is published by the Newswriting Staff and printed by the Reprographics Learning Center. The Pinion McKinley High School 1039 South King Street Honolulu, HI 96814 Email comments or questions to mhspinion@gmail.com
4 THE PINION January 28, 2011
2010-2011 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony Program Opening Music
McKinley High School Band Directed by Ms. Donna Hesch
Welcome
Stacie Tamaru, Student Body President
Presentation of the Colors
JROTC Color Guard Commanded by Cadet 1st Lieut. Garriden Santos
National Anthem Hawai’i Pono’i History of the Hall of Honor
Jasmine Chun-Fat McKinley High School Band
JROTC Sabre Squad
Commanded by Cadet Commander Daniel Pajardo
Induction of Mr. Alvin Okami Class of 1962 “Divergents” W. Francis McBeth
Rio Kwon, Student Body 2nd Vice President Mr. Ron Okamura, Principal Escorted by Cindy Le
“You Can Do It, If You Try” Alvin Okami Induction of Mr. Kenji Sumida
Mr. Alvin Okami and group
JROTC Drill Team
JROTC Girls Unarmed Armed Drill Team Commanded by Cadet Sgt. 1st Class Gloriah Miah
Lion Dance
Wah Ngai group
Inductee’s Message
Mr. Alvin Okami Mr. Kenji Sumida
Mahalo Oli
Troy Alika Hussey
Black and Gold
The McKinley Band and Audience
Alma Mater
The McKinley Band and Audience
Recessional
Ms. Donna Hesch and the McKinley Band
Troy Alika Hussey McKinley High School Band Cindy Le, Student Body 1st Vice President
The McKinley Symphonic Wind Ensemble Directed by Ms. Donna Hesch
Vivian Pham, Student Body Treasurer Mr. Ron Okamura, Principal Escorted by Stacie Tamaru