Dear editor,

I would love to talk about the “First agenda designed by student.” I was impressed that one of our students in McKinley High School, J.P. Arios (11) designed the cover of our agenda. I was also impressed that he had to go through 5 drafts covers to get it approved. Thank you J.P.! I’m proud of him because he worked his butt off, designing he cover of our agenda, planning the desired design, using different tools to make the cover, and functioning it. This shows that J.P. is a great student, who never gives up, shows a lot of spirit, and dedication to our school. Thank you J.P. and thank you Pinion staff! I love the articles!

-Kendelle Blaisdell (10)

Dear editor,

I really like the article “You Are Not Alone” by Jocel Siapno . Her article on the experiences and hardships faced when a new student enters a new school was a very relatable topic. First of all, I didn’t enter McKinley High School recently as a new student, but I have been through this phase before. In the article, Siapno states that she “was new at this school last year; I came from the Philippines.” I too came from the Philippines, however, I came to Hawaii 9 years ago. I know how hard it is to go to a new country and to go to a school very different from yours. Nextly, Siapno interviewed several McKinley students and Marc Davis’ response “I expected things to be much scary, with all the other kids,” was a dead-on thought that I had when I first went to my school. I was easily intimidated back then, aside from my short height, my inability to find my way around was something that got me insecure. Lastly, Siapno concludes saying “that we should let them feel accepted, that they belong,” I thought this was very heart-warming lesson to many. New students are sometimes misunderstood. As a new foreign student nine years ago, I know how hard it is and this message explains what we all should do to make it easier for the new students. I really liked this article, because how much of a connection I could make with it. Hopefully, The Pinion writes more articles where maybe not only me but where everyone could relate to.

-Paul Santiago (10)

Dear editor,

I would like to say something about Tiger Time. I think that Tiger Time is very helpful because it’s a chance for us to catch up on our work, and maintain a good grade. I think Tiger Time is a great advantage to our school because we have time to catch up or stay on track. My previous schools didn’t give students the opportunity for us to catch up or stay on track. I’m grateful to be at a school with chances to keep up. Failing shouldn’t be an option or an excuse. Every student is and should be responsible for his or her work. I quote one of my English classes used was “80% of success is showing up.” I always say this to myself when I need a little encouragement. I thank this school for giving us Tiger Time! I am able to catch up and stay caught up.”

-Cecilia Aumua (10)

Dear editor,

I really enjoyed the article “Inouye visits McKinley.” I enjoyed the article because I too went to Washington Middle school and currently attending McKinley High School. According to the article, while Inouye was visiting he noticed how much changes were made to the school. I hope one day to visit the school and I myself is shocked on how much changes were made. While reading the article it inspires me. It inspires me because I went to the school he went to and currently attending the school he graduated from. This shows me that it doesn’t matter where you come from, that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

-Kameron Yamada (10)

Dear editor,

I believe and 100% agree that you should make the Pinion more exciting and not only catching the students eye, but also makes us want to keep reading and at the end to be “Wow, that really was a good article.” As a 10th grader, I’m really not very satisfied with the stories coming out of the Pinion. You guys may have a good an informative articles, we can always get that information in the bulletin. What you should have is perhaps a “teen-dream corner” involving a section to describe the newest thing and where. That is sure to get girls to send you guys opinions. An athletic corner, not to say only MHS games but articles on all sports to get guys to read it, instead of playing paper balls. If you guys want educational too, have them put a section for cool experiments to do or even some new easy ways for things. Yes, inform us, but do it in a FUN way that goes for us to relate! The headline is tutoring, so put in places to go for tutoring, or pictures of more than one. Also, spread more interesting & teenage appropriate sections.

– Christian Martin (10)