After more than a century of JROTC instructors at McKinley High School, Chief Charletta Burke has broken new ground as the program's first female instructor.
But what makes her story noteworthy is not...
Cheska Orias, Editor-in-Chief
• September 23, 2025
Acoba Seeks To Learn
Carla Acoba first started teaching science in the Philippines for six years and then taught in Maui for a year before finally coming to McKinley to teach physical science and...
After forfeiting every game last season because they could not field a team, the Tigers are starting fresh this year with a new softball coach. Francis Takasaki, who taught strength training since 2009...
This year, McKinley alumnus Sikhota Gnouilaphi (c/o 2003) returned to his alma mater as a special education teacher, dedicated to helping students achieve both personal and academic growth. Before becoming...
Reid Embraces Change
This year, Chasity Reid has joined McKinley High School as the new photography teacher. Originally from Louisiana, Reid has a background in science education.
Reid did not...
From 2020 to 2022, McKinley High School did not have a health aide. Students with medical issues had to go to the secondary health room, which was in the main office. Principal Ron Okamura said he struggled...
If Denice Laws wasn't a teacher today, she would be a Broadway actress.
“[A] failing Broadway actress,” Laws clarified.
Laws would have liked to be a Broadway actress, but she was afraid of failing...
Zoe Smith wanted to become a teacher because of her past teachers in school that influenced her.
“I had some really good teachers in high school and they had a huge impact on me and the person that...
Mary Shook-Starsinic has taught at all kinds of schools, such as elementary, middle and high schools. She’s also taught on the mainland and loved teaching at the schools she’s taught at before.
“I’ve...
Aulii Mafi, an emergency hire teacher who used to be an occasional substitute and attendance clerk at McKinley, recently got the opportunity to teach special education classes in W223. She has taught at...
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