Senior Reflection: Akari Hatanaka
Akari Hatanaka
June 22, 2011
Take the advice; go for “it” your senior year, whatever “it” may be. Quitting water polo my senior year to focus on music and join speech and debate was quite possibly the best decision of my life so far. Not doing it sooner is one of my many regrets, such as not trying harder in... Read More
Akari Hatanaka’s book list
Akari Hatanaka
June 22, 2011
To the reader– I really cannot explain the dark, thoughtful qualities of these books, so please forgive me for my poor summaries. 1. Black Like Me (Nonfiction) by John Howard Griffin Black Like Me is the incredible, almost unbelievable account of John Howard Griffin, a Caucasian... Read More
A call for classiness
Akari Hatanaka
June 22, 2011
I was disgusted and appalled when I heard a junior behind me yell at a teacher, “Hurry up, you old (enter four letter expletive here)!” during the film festival. (The teacher was fixing the projector, which was malfunctioning.) As the years go by, ‘Iolani students have definitely lost... Read More
Congress: the gift that keeps giving
Akari Hatanaka
December 15, 2010
As Christmas time comes around, a feeling of general warmth and love is in the air–except in Congress. Instead of pulling out of Iraq, is our divided government focused on winning the battle of Republicans vs. Democrats? While relaxing over winter break, take the time to read a few of... Read More
Fiddler on the Roof(s of Boston)
Akari Hatanaka
December 15, 2010
When the contra dancing band The Free Raisins plays at contra dances, it inspires people to bring– surprise, surprise– free raisins. “Our first gig, someone actually brought a huge box of raisins and passed them out. I was like, man, we should have had [made our name] something... Read More
Cell phone etiquette: What’s appropriate?
Akari Hatanaka
December 15, 2010
Eleven years ago: the shrill ring of the phone announces the call throughout the house, and 6-year-old Marc Fagaragan looks up from playing quietly on the carpet. He clambers to the machine excitedly, picking up the receiver and proudly announcing the well-rehearsed line, “Fagaragan residence!... Read More
Water polo’s perfect season ends title drought
Akari Hatanaka
December 15, 2010
For the first time since 1993, the ‘Iolani boys water polo Division I team has captured an ILH title and gone undefeated; the last time the boys Division I team won an ILH title was in 1999. Seniors Austin Strong ‘11 and David Lim ‘11 were co-captains and elected as ILH co-MVP for the... Read More
Debate lectures held at ‘Iolani
Akari Hatanaka
November 3, 2010
Since the 1960s the answer to the question, “What is your greatest fear?” has remained the same. Most people weren’t afraid of AIDS, or terrorism, or random violence. “Number one was public speaking,” Professor Minh Luong told a group of debaters and coaches in Seto Hall. On Sept.... Read More
Ivy scholars visit ‘Iolani
Akari Hatanaka
October 20, 2010
Since the 1960s, the answer to the question “What is your greatest fear?” has remained the same. People aren’t most afraid of AIDS, terrorism, or random violence. “Number one was public speaking,” Professor Minh Luong told a group of debaters and coaches in Seto Hall. On Sept. 10... Read More
Boys basketball tops in ILH
Akari Hatanaka
February 24, 2010
[video Untitled from Imua Online on Vimeo. Winning shot and interviews] A three-point shot with just seconds on the clock put the Raiders on top in a hard-fought game against Kamehameha on Saturday, Feb. 20. The final score was 50-49, and it wasn’t until the game-ending basket that ‘Iolani... Read More
Select Middle School Orchestra wins Nationals
Akari Hatanaka
February 19, 2010
The ‘Iolani Select Middle School Orchestra took first place on Friday, February 19 in the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in the Middle School Division in California under the direction of Katherine Hafner.
A love note to the symphony
Akari Hatanaka
December 21, 2009
I have been going to Honolulu Symphony concerts since I was 3 or 4 years old. I was apparently quiet, never fidgeting or screaming. Thirteen years later, I am still mesmerized by the Symphony’s musicianship. I enjoy listening to the HSO’s interpretation, whether I am familiar with the piece... Read More
Anderson springs into action
Akari Hatanaka
October 3, 2009
Football fans were in for a surprise during the past few football games not only by well-earned victories, but by a new addition to the cheerleading team: Senior Devin Anderson. When asked why he chose the sport, Anderson said, “I’ve taken a few gymnastics lessons over the summer…and... Read More
Memories of Jana Wang, 1993-2009
Akari Hatanaka
April 15, 2009
Jana Wang, an ‘Iolani sophomore known for her bubbly laughter, kindness, and contagious joy, died March 8 at M.D. Anderson Medical Center in Houston, Texas. She was 15. She had been receiving treatment for osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer which was diagnosed at the end of her eighth grade... Read More