#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Dr. Peter Park

Wouldn't you just love a job that encourages you to use your imagination and lets you play with cool gadgets all day? Dr. Peter Park, Sacred Hearts Academy's Robotics and Engineering Teacher, doesn't need to wonder - he lives it every day in the Academy's two Robotics labs. His courses are so popular it isn't uncommon to see the lights on in the lab on weekends and holidays, the room abuzz with chatter from students, parents, alumnae, volunteers and mentors alike - you can't keep them away, Dr. Park's lab is a #STEM playground for all ages!

When Dr. Park isn't in the lab; he often is found traveling the world: Korea, France, Sweden, Italy, Turkey and more! But what many may not know is Mr. Park's love of Harley Davidson motorcycles - his favorite mode of transportation to and from campus. He aspires to go on a few iconic motorcycle road trips; one on Route 66 from LA to Chicago and another in France through their beautiful vineyards.

We all admire Dr. Park's ability to nurture Academy students' interests in engineering, coding, designing and operating robots, through lessons and activities intended to encourage collaboration, research and problem-solving! We wish him and his students the best of luck as they put their skills to the test as they compete in the many local, national and international Robotics and Engineering competitions happening this school year!

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#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Dr. Peter Park

Wouldn't you just love a job that encourages you to use your imagination and lets you play with cool gadgets all day? Dr. Peter Park, Sacred Hearts Academy's Robotics and Engineering Teacher, doesn't need to wonder - he lives it every day in the Academy's two Robotics labs. His courses are so popular it isn't uncommon to see the lights on in the lab on weekends and holidays, the room abuzz with chatter from students, parents, alumnae, volunteers and mentors alike - you can't keep them away, Dr. Park's lab is a #STEM playground for all ages!

When Dr. Park isn't in the lab; he often is found traveling the world: Korea, France, Sweden, Italy, Turkey and more! But what many may not know is Mr. Park's love of Harley Davidson motorcycles - his favorite mode of transportation to and from campus. He aspires to go on a few iconic motorcycle road trips; one on Route 66 from LA to Chicago and another in France through their beautiful vineyards.

We all admire Dr. Park's ability to nurture Academy students' interests in engineering, coding, designing and operating robots, through lessons and activities intended to encourage collaboration, research and problem-solving! We wish him and his students the best of luck as they put their skills to the test as they compete in the many local, national and international Robotics and Engineering competitions happening this school year!

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2nd Graders Explore Warm & Cool Colors

A visit to the Sacred Hearts Academy lower school Art Cabinet display of "Warm & Cool Suns" is the perfect way to brighten your day!

The 2nd Grade colorful sun mosaic art project explored different ways of drawing a sun. Students then turned they’re drawings into a mosaic by painting watered down glue onto alternating colored tissue paper focusing on "warm" and "cool" colors.

"Suns are a fun thing to draw because there are so many variations. The rays can be straight lines, wavy lines, or even triangles!" -Ms. Malia Urie, Lower School Art Teacher

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#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Mrs. Shelly Spence

Prior to joining the Academy as a Sixth Grade English teacher Mrs. Spence served as the first female Rescue Swimmer in the U.S. Navy, and previously taught at neighboring schools Mid-Pacific Institute and Linapuni Elementary. She holds an undergraduate degree in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a post graduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Maryland, and a M.A.T. in Teaching K-6 from Chaminade University.

Mrs. Spence, fondly remembers her first year at the Academy. During a particularly hectic day Mrs. Spence jokingly asked her students to help her "find her sanity". Later that day, her students asked her take a seat as they wanted to present her with something - a piece of paper stating "Here's your sanity". The thoughtful action of her students brought a smile to Mrs. Spence's face, and she continues to proudly display the memento in her classroom to this day. 

Mrs. Spence looks forward to the 6th Grade cross content collaboration activity "Heritage Day" that will take place in October. In addition to her love of teaching, Mrs. Spence also is passionate about keeping active - she is certified in scuba diving and a certified instructor of both yoga and strength and conditioning. 

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Academy Stage & Screen Students attend Ragtime at DHT

Ragtime, Diamond Head Theatre - Preview Night 9/20
Now Showing: September 22 thru October 15, 2017

On September 20th, twenty-five Academy students comprising of Mrs. Chloe Smith's "Stage & Screen" students and Mr. Zachary Moore's choir students graciously accepted the invitation extended by Diamond Head Theatre to attend a preview production of Ragtime. Ragtime is a magnificent and deeply moving musical that tells the story of three ethnic groups in the United States in the early 20th century.

Mrs. Smith established a relationship with DHT several years ago, and ever since then, the theatre has been generously donating preview production tickets to Sacred Hearts Academy girls. Much thanks and gratitude to Diamond Head Theatre for providing these outstanding opportunities for our students to enjoy a high-caliber production at a vibrant local theater in the company of friends.

Get Tickets to Diamond Head Theatre's Ragtime

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Academy’s College Counselor is one of Hawai’i’s finest

Randy Fong joined the Academy staff in 1998 as freshman advisor and college counselor. 

His devotion to his responsibilities, his heart-felt concern for each student and his persistent passion in working towards his mission of ensuring that every Academy graduate has viable options for college is recognized by students, parents, college recruiters and his colleagues throughout the state of Hawai’i. 

His role as a college counselor begins when students enter Junior High, and he works with the school’s counseling team to prepare them for thinking about career possibilities, strengths, interests and goal-setting. 

However, at junior year, efforts shift to a “higher plane.” Then, he not only assists families “find the right fit” for college, but he also helps them decipher the complicated layers to financing higher education. 

In addition, Fong spearheads the Academy’s Early College Program, which allows students to take classes to earn college credits towards a degree while in high school; this year 47 students are enrolled. 

He also is the “force” behind the success of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Program at Saint Louis and Punahou Schools. And who is he as a person? No matter what the task, the University of Hawai’i and University of San Diego graduate always has a positive and joyous disposition that genuinely impacts his students. 

His colleagues jokingly tell him he never walks, he is always running! Fong’s reply is always, “It is my passion to see students succeed, and I have to move quickly!”

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#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Ms. Alyssa Okimoto

Growing up without a television in her household, Alyssa Okimoto spent a great deal of time at the local library, which fostered her life-long love for books and literature. 

Prior to joining the Academy, Okimoto served as a Librarian at Punahou School, where she is an alumna and also participated in track and field. Her work experience includes stints at the Hawai’i State and various other Public Libraries around the Island. 

Okimoto holds an undergraduate degree in History from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

An avid lover of being outdoors, she can often be found diving, fishing or surfing and even traveled to Indonesia to “catch waves.”

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Coming Soon: Sister Act

Sacred Hearts Academy will bring to the stage the Broadway musical “Sister Act” at the Dr. Richard T. Mamiya Theatre this November. 

Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that had audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. 

When a disco diva witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, she breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. The gang soon chases after her, only to find themselves up against the power of her newly found sisterhood. 

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave you breathless. Experience this sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship. Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

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Legacy Members Celebrate & Paint The Night Away

Toni Maurice, '87, and daughter Tehana Maurice, '25

This year’s Legacy Dinner on September 8 differed from the formal programs held in years past, with participants able to “Paint the Night Away.” The evening was interactive with the Legacy members – students and their mothers and grandmothers who are Academy graduates – receiving step-by-step instructions to paint a beautiful ocean scene featuring a mermaid on canvas.

Pupu refreshments and the canvases, acrylic paint and other supplies were sponsored by the Academy’s Parent Organization and Development Office, with the art lesson instruction provided by Paint The Night Away Hawai’i. Some of the 80 participants worked on solo projects while some relatives worked together to contribute to the family’s final product.

Avianna Cook, '28, and her mom Kimberly Delos Santos Cook, '00

No matter what colors or technique attendees employed, all were thrilled not only to foster fellowship with other Legacy honorees, but to have a one-of-a kind masterpiece to take home as well!

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#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Mrs. Elizabeth Gabriel

#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Elizabeth Gabriel, '97! After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education and Masters in Private School Leadership from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Mrs. Gabriel returned to her alma mater, #SacredHeartsAcademy, where she has taught for the last 15 years. 

This year, Mrs. Gabriel can be found teaching Geometry and Pre-Calculus in addition to serving as the Class of 2018 Senior Class Advisor. But former students may recall her as their 7th Grade Math teacher, Algebra 2 or Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry teacher. She looks forward to showing off this year's Academy Math Department Halloween costume and "Christ-math TShirt"; both fond favorites of students, faculty, staff and alumnae alike!

Outside of her work in the classroom, Mrs. Gabriel is an avid swimmer. She is no stranger to the water having competed in distance swimming while at the Academy in High School, completed the Waikiki Rough Water Swim 14 times, and paddled in the Na Wahine O Ke Kai six times - impressive! 

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#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Ms. Clarie Thompson

#FunkyFridayFaculty Meet Clarie Thompson! Ms. Thompson’s Academy roots run deep, with many of alumnae among her family members.

This year, in addition to teaching fifth grade Theology, Language Arts and Social Studies, she will serve as a “school mom,” with three daughters on the Academy’s class rosters. Her son is a seventh grader at Saint Louis School.

Prior to joining the Academy, Thompson taught at Saint Ann’s Model School for 13 years and at Maryknoll School for four years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theater with a minor in Journalism from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Thompson also completed additional studies in teaching and instruction at Chaminade University.

Her resume includes auditioning for the role of “Nani” in the Disney’ film “Lilo and Stitch” when she was younger. Welcome to #SacredHeartsAcademy!

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Give Aloha 2017

Have you heard about Give Aloha 2017? Did you know that if you shop at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms store from September 1-30 with your Maikaˋi shopping card, spending between $1 to $249, your total expense will count as a donation that goes directly toward Sacred Hearts Academy! 

Something new to the  Give Aloha 2017 campaign will be bag credit donations! Currently customers who shop using their own reusable bag have the option of receiving a 5¢ credit or 3 HawaiianMiles for each reusable bag they bring and use. During September, customers may choose to donate their 5¢ bag credit to the Give Aloha 2017 matching gifts fund!

Even more exciting is that your donation will be matched by Foodland and the Western Union Foundation! Say you spend $50, the foundations will match your donation with $50, so your total donation will count as $100! All donations will remain anonymous and are tax deductible! 

Upon check-out have your Maikaˋi card ready and provide Sacred Hearts organization number: 77123. Happy shopping and thank you for giving back to our community! 

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