CHELSIE BERNADES
After their loss to Kapolei, Waianae High School students shone during their win against Punahou at the 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu.
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Winning with grace
A Punahou team falls to Waianae's Mock Trial Club
Chelsie Bernades
Kaleo o Waianae
Waianae High School students did the unexpected Jan. 29 when they prevailed over Punahou in a difficult competition at Mock Trial. The 86-80 score left Seariders in shock.
As surprised as they were, they still kept their composure.
Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters tell us about their high school. Today's school ...
WAIANAE HIGH SCHOOL
ADDRESS
85-251 Farrington Highway Waianae, Hi 96792
PRINCIPAL
JoAnn Kumasaka
WEBSITE
www.waianae.k12.hi.us
ENROLLMENT
2,100
KALEO O WAIANAE
Faculty advisers: Lorraine Gershun, John Allen III, L. Candy Suiso, Cat Beaver and Bryson Armitage
Editors: Brittany Gomes and Malie Pine
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"We were shocked when we won, but we had to stay poised and act like respectful lawyers," head lawyer Brittny Kodo said.
"We didn't really want Punahou to feel bad, and we didn't want to think too highly of ourselves," senior Jenson Apana said.
Along with the modesty they enjoyed celebration.
"It was funny: If you looked at Nanea Spencer, he had his hand in a fist under the table saying 'yes' under his breath," Kodo explained.
The Mock Trial Club began after the winter break with coach Michael Anderson. Members needed to act as either plaintiffs, defendants, lawyers or witnesses in a simulated trial held at the 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu. In the trial against Punahou, Waianae played the defendants.
Anderson thought it was funny that they beat the stereotype, but it was no joke when he said the team knew they had a win before they actually won.
"We didn't beat them at the end of the competition, but in the beginning. They knew they could beat them and that they can hang with the rest of the state, and they showed at court," Anderson said.
Before the competition, their minds might have been set on winning, but anxiety took over as the judge took his seat and beat the gavel.
"We were nervous, especially when we saw them, because they were big in numbers. So we had a little doubt," Kodo said.
But by remembering the reason they were there in the first place, which was to win, they pulled their thoughts together and got themselves a victory.
Defeating Punahou wasn't easy. After a loss in their first competition against Kapolei on Jan. 22, they had to make a few minor changes at practice to build their confidence again.
Against Kapolei "they relied too much on the script, and after that I wanted to take them off the script and make them look at the bigger picture and not the smaller picture, and the team puts in a lot of their time and it shows," Anderson said.
The club felt they did more than just prove they can be unpretentious. They proved that students from Waianae can compete on the same level as private schools.
"Us winning showed that not only people from private schools are smart, but it shows Waianae can be intellectual," Kodo said.
Initially, Anderson's plan was to set a foundation for the Mock Trial Club. He sees now that Seariders can defeat any academically prestigious school and keep their heads about them in the process.
[ You Asked ]
How would you describe a good friend?
Daniel Teo-Gibney
Senior
"Someone that's trustworthy, respectful and there to talk to."
Ilisane Huakau
Sophomore
"I'd describe a good friend as someone who is dependable and fun."
Layne Viernes
Senior
"In order for me to see if they're a good friend, I'd test our friendship with a conflict and see if we're able to resolve it."
Leahi Panui
Junior
"Someone who got your back and main support when I'm in trouble is what I'd consider as a good friend."
Melissa Pogia
Freshmen
"A good friend is someone who won't let me down and who is willing to help me with my problems."
Sonoe Pasion
Sophomore
"A good friend is someone who is loyal, to whom I can tell my problems."
Compiled by Brittney Rojo and Reynalyn Ganitano
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