Ka‘EleleVol. 79, Issue 3Feb - Mar. 2014

ErdmanClass Standings

Taking a Stand for GodBecoming a Deacon

Biology TripSophomores go to Maui

A Special ValentinesOne Student’s Choice for God

Memo!es

Joy

f!ends

fun

Erdman

laughter

spiri

t

togetherPhoto by jason

Photo by jason

Photo by KelaPhoto by jason

Photo by Lydia

Photo by Lydia

Photo by Lydia

Ka ‘Elele“The Messenger”

Dear Readers;

Welcome to the Ka ‘Elele. This edition is filled with a bunch of pictures from this year’s “Camp Erdman” held in February. There are so many pictures to choose from.

Aside from the sports there are also articles about baptism, journaling and much more.

I hope you enjoy this edition and don’t forget, keep up with us on Instagram at @hma_kaelele. To watch the latest News broadcast you can access it by going to www.schooltube.com/channel/hmanews.

Mahalo Nui Loa for your support and being a reader of the Ka ‘Elele.

Sincerely,

Kela Pereira Editor In Chief

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Photo Courtesy of JordyTop left: Kawena &

Coco Top right: Micah & Yuki

Middle L : Kirsten

Bottom Right: Isa, Caleb, Kainoa

Bottom: R: Riley, Shawn, Junior, &

Andrew

Facing Page: Women’s flag football Juniors vs. Freshmen

Photo by Jason

Photo by Lydia

Photo by Lydia

Photo by Jason

Photo by Lydia

Editor-in-ChiefKela Pereira

Online EditorJoshua Wyand

HMA News Now DirectorLydia Earles

Graphic DesignerKaden Kawakami

Copy EditorNaomi Pickerel

AdvertisingJared Siok

Staff Writers / PhotographersAndrew YamadaAnnie PolinskiCaptain PeterHuy LamMisieli “Mitchel” EmelioKaipo Ben YamamotoKuahiwi “Ku” BredeElizabeth “Lizzy” DoversolaMegan Kalua

AdvisorsJason LoganShelly Graham

Photo by Jason Logan.

The Ka ‘Elele is written and produced by the students of Hawaiian Mission Academy. Opinions expressed in editorials and letters are exclusively those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Hawaiian Mission Academy.

Letters or articles should be addressed to:Editor, Ka ‘Elele1438 Pensacola St.Honolulu, HI 96822

Unsigned letters will not be accepted. Names may be withheld from printing upon request and presentation of reason for that request.

22 3

Using Journalism’s new Canon 70D, Jason captured this shot of Mark Valencia epitomizing the Erdman intensity.

Hawaiian Mission Academy’s annual campout at Camp Erdman, owned and operated by the Young Men’s Christian Association, is anticipated by the student body.

Knowing classes will be competing against each other, students plan, strategize and practice for weeks ahead of time.

According to Jared Siok, a senior, the Senior’s strategy to win against the other classes is “to use our experience to win.”

Erdman StrategiesBy Annie Polinski

Photo by Lydia

Kaden Kawakami, also a senior, shared that seniors practice during class meetings.

The Junior class planned for Camp with a different perspective. According to Andrew Yamada, “We try to make the right team of classmates in the Junior class. We play to our strengths.” Juniors discussed their plans during class meetings. They had a special team call to use when they won and they believed they had chosen the right people for the pyramid, a competition requiring each class to build a human pyramid as fast as they can.

The sophomores were silent, not wanting to give anything away.

The freshmen, however, didn’t know how to prepare. “We haven’t really talked about our game plan,” said Reid Kim. The freshmen planned to work to their advantages when playing. They knew they would have to try hard and play like a team , giving it their all!

Photo by Lydia

Sita & Sharmaine enjoy the day together

4 21Photo by Annie

CONTENTS

01. Page 2 Letter from the Editor

02. Page 3 Staff

03. Page 4 Table of Contents

04. Pages 5 Taking a Stand for God Captain Peter and Kuahiwi Brede talk wtih John Saldevar

05. Page 6 The Goal of Erdman Shawn Realin takes a look at the reasons behind HMA students going to Camp Erdman every year.

06. Page 7 Bible Camp Reignette Antonio shares what happened at Bible Camp and why she thinks everyone should go if they have the opportunity to do so.

07. Page 8 Student Leadership Kaden Kawakami talks with ASHMA President Micah Chaiprakorb about what leadership means.

08. Page 9 Ukranian Government Annie Polinski takes a look at what is going on in the Ukraine

09. Page 10 Journaling Lizzy Doversola shares why keeping a journal can help keep you sane.

10. Page 11 Going Pro Jared Siok gives us a look at what the Pro Bowl draft was like - up close and personal.

11. Page 12 - 13 Erdman PhotosOne student shares their coping skills when it comes to dealing with divorced parents.

12. Page 14 Film Crew Saved Jared Siok relays a story about a boat that capsized at “Jaws” surf break on Maui

Photo by Megan

Camp Erdman Class Standings

Scrub Olympics! 1st - Seniors! 2nd - Juniors! 3rd - Sophomores! 4th - Freshmen

Wednesday Night/Food Games! 1st - Seniors! 2nd - Juniors! 3rd - Freshmen! 4th - Sophomores

Gimme Gimme! 1st - Seniors! 2nd - Juniors! 3rd - Sophomores! 4th - Freshmen

Top: Students in the “Round”

Center: Jakai, Emily, Lyana & Kristen in the

Junior Class Store raising funds and sharing goodies

Right: Freshmen, Hiroumi Yoshida relaxing13. Page 15 Biology Trip

Monica Guardado writes about the Sophomore’s trip to Maui for a hands-on outdoor experience

14. Page 16 My Running Life Rio Miyata tells why he runs

15. Page 17 A Valentine’s Day to Remember Josh Wyand explains what made this year’s Valentines so special for HMA student Molli Kalua-Elkins

16. Page 18-19 Erdman Photos

17. Page 20 Airforce Makes God an Option

18. Page 21 Erdman Class Standings

19 Page 22 Erdman Strategies

20. Page 23 Erdman Photos

21. Back Cover Erdman Journal Page

Photo by Megan

Photo by Noami

Photo by Megan

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Air Force makes God an Option

The U.S. Air Force Academy has decided to make the phrase, "so help me God," optional in the honor code after an activist group protested that it violates people’s religious freedom. The oath says, "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does, so help me God." Cadets are required to recite the oath when they complete basic training. The Military for Religious Freedom Foundation, a group that often gets into legal battles with the armed services, was upset with the last part of the sentence, saying that no cadets should be forced to make a promise to God. The Air Force Academy released a statement saying they had decided to make the final clause of the honor oath optional.

By Lydia Earles

We all know John Saldevar, sophomore at Hawaiian Mission Academy. But do we really? Recently Saldevar made a life changing commitment to his church and to his God. After much prayer and deliberation Saldevar made the decision to become a church deacon. “I believe that this will strengthen the bond between Jesus and I.” Saldevar not only shows his spiritual authority on campus, he also expresses his love for God in church. His job as a deacon is to be a loyal serviceman to the church and to help inspire others to walk in the path of Jesus.

Originally, Saldevar was hesitant in his decision to be a young deacon, however he gave it some

thought and asked God for a sign. Week after week he prayed to God asking for his help. Soon enough the Central Seventh Day Adventist Central Church committee offered Saldevar the position as deacon. Saldevar felt this was God’s way of answering his prayers.

Saldevar took a step toward God when he dedicated his life to service through deaconship. His attitude is admired and well respected around campus. God gave Saldevar the perfect opportunity to serve Him as well as others. Imagine what He can do for you.

Taking a Stand for GodBy Captain Peter and Kuahiwi Brede

When HMA Senior Kalena Kanekaua was asked to state her opinion on the matter she said, “I think its good that they are treating everyone equal and not forcing them to have a certain religion even if it’s Christianity, but I think they made a really big deal about it.”

Jason Logan Stated, “I believe this is a good change to the statement to present another option to people who don’t believe in God. I believe this is a tolerable revision to the honor code. However, America was built on religious concepts and beliefs, but I do believe this was a good call for the Military and for the Religious Freedom Foundation.

Becoming a Deacon

John Saldevar

Photo Courtesy of John Saldevar

The Goal of Erdman

Camp Erdman, affectionately known to the students of Hawaiian Mission Academy as Erdman, is located on the Northwest shore of Oahu. It is a place for each class to interact with one another and get to know each other better both physically and spiritually.

According to Mrs. Nylen, “the goal of Erdman is about classes competing with each other in the right spirit.” It has always been like that since she first attended Erdman in 1967.

Micah Chaiprakorb, Senior and ASHMA president, said attending Erdman gives classes a chance to bond, play sports and compete against each other.

Mark Valencia, also a senior said, “the goal of Erdman is about bonding with each class and getting competitive with each other.”

As a matter of fact Erdman, has been a long standing tradition for the students of Hawaiian Mission Academy. This year the goals were met making it another successful Camping trip to Camp Erdman, despite the rain.

By Shawn Realin

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Photo by Annie

Photo by Megan

Elvis getting pumped for the class walk-in.

Center: Savanna makes a play

Right - Back Row: Melanie, Kalena, Chris & Gimuelle.

Front Row: Kuahiwi, Junior, Seth, Mark,

Micah, Trevor, Sharmaine &

Mr. Geigle

Below: Seniors compete in a tug-of-war Photo by MeganPhoto by Megan

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Bible Camp

By Reignette Antonio

Most of the time, as students, we seem to get wrapped up in our many responsibilities. We try to balance school work and socializing with our spiritual lives, but somehow God seems to end up last on our list of priorities.

In the past, Bible Camp has always been a place for me to get reenergized. A place where I can feel the presence of God dwelling amongst His children. Anyone who has ever attended, feels that each person is meant to be there. Each person in attendance at Bible camp has gone through difficulties in their spiritual walk that has brought them closer to the God that they serve.

This year I went to Bible camp as a prayer warrior with a special burden on my heart to

see people with a new perspective without judging them too quickly based on the latest gossip, because we are all God’s children, made in the image of our loving Creator.

During Bible Camp the speaker, Tom Gillespe, shared moving messages about the Image of God playing into our lives, and the role we have of reflecting His image to all we encounter.

God created humans in His perfect image. We fell and became sinful because we wanted to be so much greater. He loved and willingly came to live among men. Our Creator went through all the pain, bearing the sins of the Earth, even if all He could do was save one. Each of us are His one. He has called us to

reflect his image to those we come upon.

Bible camp was a great experience I will always cherish. Students were there from all different walks of life and different spirituality levels congregated together to build each other up and form bonds with each other based on the mutual love for God who so willingly died so we can live.

I hope everyone gets the chance to attend Bible camp.

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16

Friends for Life?

Dylan & James wander the beautiful camp grounds at the YMCA’s Camp Erdman

Reo, Akihito, Satoshi, Fisher, Yuki, Yusuke & Jung-Jei take in the talent show.

Below the Juniors compete in a tug-of-war!

Photos by Kela

Photo by Annie

Photos by Isa

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Student Leadership“Willingness to serve, Responsibility, Flexibility, and willingness to hear people out. These are the qualities of an Associated Students of Hawaiian Mission Academy (ASHMA) president”, says Micah Chaiprakorb, current ASHMA president. Alumnus and previous ASHMA president two years running, JJ Reynolds, said that an ASHMA president needs to be “Reliable, coordinated, outgoing, honest, decisive, and have the ability to ask anyone to do something.” These qualities are some of the necessary qualities that an ASHMA president needs to have in order to do the job.

According to Chaiprakorb, an ASHMA president is a representative of the students to the teachers. The ASHMA president works with students and other ASHMA officers, as well as serves them. He or she maintains harmony within the school by exerting his or her leadership as well as establishing school spirit. Reynolds believes the role of an ASHMA president is to coordinate everyone to accomplish a task as well as come up with creative ideas which enable others to do their jobs to the best of their ability. This title, ASHMA, has been adopted by Hawaiian Mission Academy, and is commonly known as Student Association (SA) or Associated Student Body (ASB) by other schools.

By Kaden Kawakami

ASHMA representatives are chosen to run for election through the nominations of current ASHMA officers as well as the class representatives. However, to be elected into ASHMA, a student needs to have a GPA of 2.8 or above, good attendance, citizenship above 80%, and at least one year of experience in ASHMA or as a class president. This, at first glance, seems like a lot of work. However, the work is rewarding. Students who participate in school leadership positions gain a sense of self-management and find new ways to work and get along with others. Once a leader begins to see their hard work being paid off, they enjoy the smiles on their schoolmate’s faces. In seeing this, student leaders know their service is worth the hard work. While on paper, their actions are called work, when it’s done, their actions are a service. By serving and doing work for others, students set an example for their peers.

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Valentine’s day was celebrated with a very memorable vespers. It was particularly memorable because it was the day Molli Kalua-Elkins was baptized into the Kailua Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Kalua-Elkins , a Junior at HMA, chose the much beloved holiday because many of the major events in her life have happened on holidays, like being born on the 4th of July, and she didn’t ever want to forget the day of her baptism.

Ever since her freshman year in highschool, Kalua-Elkins has wanted to be baptized. She attributes this to an introduction by Mr. Lee to the idea and by the support of others. With help and encouragement from her mom, grandfather, and many others important to her, she decided to make her decision to be reborn into Christ in an act of public faith, baptism.

Kalua-Elkins originally planned her baptism to be at a majestic waterfall but because her mom wanted to Facetime with her through the event and because she wanted the location to be

A Valentine’s Day to RememberBy Josh Wyand

accessible for people she decided to have it at Magic Island. For Kalua-Elkins this great inspiring act of faith of accepting Christ in her life is a bold step and new beginning for her.

An international student at Hawaiian Mission Academy, Rio Miyata, was very inspired by Kalua-Elkin’s baptism. Miyata has expressed a strong desire to pursue baptism and has begun his studies with Mrs. Madsen and Mr. Lee and hopes they will bring him more closer to Christ and His love.

Seth, Micah, Yuki & Jared Photo by Kela

Top: Pastor Jesse Seibel, Molli and Mr. Lee.Below: Molli with her Auntie Shelly & Uncle Roland

Photos by Jason

16 9

My Running Life

Running is a big part of my life these days. I have always enjoyed running but the reason I started running can be traced back to when I was a child.

In elementary school in Japan we had sports days. These days were filled with track and field events. I loved running the sprints. I was really good at the 50 m and 100 m runs. Eventually competitive running was really fun for me. In elementary I was the top of my class. In junior high school I entered into the same races as elementary and continued to try my best. I ended up winning the 50m race, 100m race, and got 2nd in the 200m race!

After junior high school, I came to Hawaiian Mission Academy (HMA). Since arriving in Hawaii in 2012, my first race was the Great

Aloha Run. This was my first distance run and I was a little worried about it. The day came and went and I tried my best. I finished the 8-mile run in about 70 minutes. I also ran a 5k race that year and I ended up with a 2nd place finish for my age group. My mom was very proud of me and my HMA family was very proud too.

Continuing to train I entered the Honolulu Marathon. This was the full 26.2-mile race. This is the farthest I’ve ever gone in one day! It took a lot of determination and courage but I ended up finishing in 5:58:13. It felt so good after I finished. That raced tested me physically and mentally. There were many times when I wanted to give up, but God helped me get through it! I am proud of my accomplishments and will enter into many more races in the future.

By Rio Miyata

Ukranian Government

Ukranian President, Vicktor Yanukovych helped unleash his countries fury when he decided to abandon a partnership with the European Union in Frebruary 2014.

The Ukrainian government has been in complete chaos because Russia has gained more control over the Ukrainian military bases and facilities in Crimea. At least four Ukrainian military bases, including one that was stocked with missiles, were overrun by Russian soldiers. Now everyone in Ukraine is trying to decide who to side with, most going to support the Ukrainians who don’t like the government and how it is being run.

Crimea is at the center of the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War and is a peninsula

By Annie Polinski

on the northern coast of the Black Sea. This is now the center of where the fighting is. The Ukranians have even ousted their own president, Viktor Yanukovych, and made Oleksandr Tuchynov their new president. Now Russia has 30,000 Russian troops ready for the command to invade Ukraine.

Russia has to stay in Ukraine until the Ukranian political problems are fixed. The Ukraine needs Russia’s military power to help them. The role of the U.S. and the U.N. seems to be providing help to Ukraine in order for them to re-gain their independence from Russia and limit further conflict.

Photo by Naomi

Photo by Jason

10 15

Journaling

Journaling can be used as a method of self-expression. “I express my feelings,” says Lydia Earles, a Sophomore at Hawaiian Mission Academy.

Personally, when I am writing in a journal I do not think about a specific topic or outline, I just sit and write. Some days I write about how my day was and other times I write about my deepest feelings. One of the many reasons that I love to journal is because when I journal, there is no right or wrong thing to say, it is almost like you are in a world of your own.

Keeping a journal can help people cope with traumatic events that have happened in their lives. Several studies have shown that writing about traumatic events and your feelings can boost not

Hawaiian Mission Academy’s science department treated Biology students to a hands-on learning adventure on Maui.

According to students who went, the trip was full of class-bonding, a few obstacles, joy and glee. Despite the weather providing lots of rain, students went to the Maui Ocean Center, horse back riding, the beach and much more. They were even treated to whale sightings on the way to the beach!

Participants felt the biology trip was a success and would like to thank all the sponsors who helped with preparation and assistance during the trip. “I hope the upcoming classes will enjoy it just as much as we did,” Lydia Earles.

Biology TripBy Monica Guardado

Sophomores

Top Left - Class of 2016 at Mendes Ranch in Kahakuloa, Maui

Left - Nathaniel, Shione & Monica enjoying Maui Golf and Sports Park

Bottom Right (L-R) - Caleb, Sarah, Mizuki, and Shione in Iao Valley

by Lizzy Doversola

Photos Courtesy of Yearbook

only your emotional health but your physical health as well. I know I feel better when I journal.

For some, journals become heirlooms that are passed down to preserve their own history. The people who didn’t have the opportunity to know them, like grandchildren and great grandchildren, can learn about a person by reading their thoughts written in a journal.

There are many positive reasons to keep a journal and there are many places where journals can be purchased. Several of our teachers and students at HMA keep journals even if they don’t write in them every day. If you haven’t yet tried it, you may find that you really enjoy it.

background photo by Lizzy

Going Pro

Every year the best players in the NFL are honored with a trip to Hawaii where they play a laid-back game of football, the Pro Bowl. However, this year offered a special twist to the original format of the game. Players were chosen in a schoolyard-like draft instead of just being placed in teams according to their conference. The draft was held at Ko’olina on Wednesday, January 22 and the NFL broadcast the event on live TV. Two students from Hawaiian Mission Academy were lucky enough to be invited to be a part of the live audience of this first time event.

After all the long lines to get in, seniors Mark Valencia and I, eventually reached our seats. About 500 people showed up and every one had their football gear on, one fan painted his face black and yellow and wore a giant spiked hat in the Steelers colors. “Excitement was in

By Jared Siok

the air, as we waited to go on the air,” Valencia explained about the anticipation he felt before everything started. We sat near the back but only 6 seats away from where the players came out of their air-conditioned tent. Cameras were everywhere and the producers of the show kept everyone in line while giving specific instructions on how to act. Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders took their seats on stage, under the bright lights while the crowd cheered. As each player went by, the crowd would burst with excitement. After the show was over everyone tried to get autographs, but the players expertly left early to avoid it.

After the experience Mark said, “It was awesome to see the players in real life and off camera!”

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Film Crew Saved Peaking at 40 feet, the waves at a surf spot on the island of Maui know as Jaws were pumping on March 4, 2014. With an average size of 30-40 feet. The surf was big and clean attracting many big wave surfers. News crews, helicopters, and jet-skis accompanied the surfers for both news and safety purposes. Riley Kim a senior at HMA and an experienced surfer said, “Jaws is notorious for it’s big waves, I’m amazed by the people who surf today.”

During the surf session a 22-foot powerboat got too close to a wave and was capsized. There were eight people aboard when the boat tipped over. One account given by a member of the news crew quoted them as saying, “I dove to the floor of the boat and locked my

arms underneath the rail and by the motor because I knew the propellers were moving.” “I held myself in (the boat) until I felt the boat go completely upside down and capsize” (Hawaiinewsnow.com). The boat, fortunately, didn’t roll with the wave, just overturned from the water surge that accompanied the wave as it went by.

Witnesses rushed to help the crew off the boat. One man jumped off his jet ski and looked under the boat to make sure no one was near the still moving propeller. All eight people on board were pulled to safety and no one was hurt. However, the crew lost thousands of dollars worth of camera equipment. The boat only had minor damage. Of the account, Kim said, “I’m glad no one was hurt, I dream of trying to surf there.”

By Jared Siok

One Student’s Look at First NFL Pro Bowl Draft

Photo: huffingtonpost.com

Photo by Jason

12 13Photo by Megan

Facing Page - Top left: Uncle Roland Yusuke & Mr.s Nylen

Top Right: Mana, Kalena, Bella & Serenity

Mid Right: Elvis bellyflopsBottom: Seniors

Top Left: Kawena, Coco, Takahiro, Jung Jei, KosukeTop Right: Juna

Center: Kalena, RIley, Rei, BellaLower left: Kyohei, Tyler & Reo

Lower middle: JoeyLower right: Mr. Coffey & Logan

Bottom: Fossils vs. Students

Photo by Lizzy

Photo by Megan

Photo by Lydia

Photo by Megan Photo by Megan

Photo by Megan

Photo by Jason

Photo by Megan

Photo by Jason