McKinley celebrates pride and tradition

Although not always in the same place and not by the same name, President McKinley High School has been around for a while. 2016 is the year in which MHS honors its 150th anniversary. The year has been full of small celebrations like Pride and Tradition Day, in which the student body dedicated itself to learning MHS’s history.

Former McKinley student Jake Hoopai wanted to put together the performance to show his pride that he once was apart at MHS. Hoopai had graduated from this school and wanted the 150th year of MHS to be memorable, so he made this day special for all students and staff. Hoopai came to MHS when the school had made its 100th year. Hoopai had people who graduated from this school come and share their experience and share about how they became successful.

Freshman James Kabjor’s favorite part of the performance was the hula. “The song and the harmony was good,” Kabjor said.

During Pride and Tradition Day, some people told stories of when they went here or what had happen in the school during their days. Students from the chamber chorus had sang, “America the Beautiful” then the JROTC drill team performed their alternative arms.

Guy Hagi was the MC of Pride and Tradition Day; he spoke about what MHS was like before and how much the school meant to him. Hagi had also talked about respecting people around you because they could respect you back.

Dancers performed the hula to “Au’au’ia,” drawing the crowd in with a powerful scene.

Freshman Nathan Wab Neeto said, “The best thing about coming to McKinley is that you have a lot of friends around when you need them.” Over the course of 150 years, MHS has kept up its tradition of school pride. Pride and Tradition Day was a great way for MHS students to learn what it’s like to be a tiger and how those values remain unchanged throughout their lives.