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Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their high school. This week's school is Kaimuki High School.
COURTESY OF KAIMUKI HIGH SCHOOL
The members of Kaimuki's soft-tennis team are among the female athletes who have benefited from Title IX.
Female athletes at Kaimuki High believe they can do anything boys can do, and they have the late Congresswoman Patsy Mink to thank for it. Female athletes chase
Mink’s dreamMany take advantage of gender equity rules
School facts
championed by the late congresswoman
Performing arts center draws on many talents
By Yili Ma
Kaimuki High SchoolThe respected political figure played a pivotal role in the enactment of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law prohibits gender discrimination in activities and programs that receive federal financial assistance. It was a bold move on Mink's part that many athletes were not aware of.
In light of her death, the House Education and Workforce Committee passed a resolution on Oct. 2 that would change the name of the law from Title IX to the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act.
"I didn't know that Patsy Mink solved the gender equality issue," said junior Shiho Matsutaka. "I think it is good that girls are able to play the same sports as the guys. Thanks to Patsy Mink, we girls have the equal opportunity to play sports."
Senior Melissa Naula echoed the sentiment. "As a female athlete, I am grateful she passed this law to allow for gender equality in all sports. I think girls are just as equal as boys in sports. We have the same ability, drive and competitive spirit."
To comply with the regulations of Title IX, more sports were made available to female athletes. In the past five years, Kaimuki has seen the addition of varsity water polo and junior varsity tennis, wrestling, softball and soccer.
"I think that it's great what Patsy Mink did, because playing sports is a big part of my life, and it keeps me from doing drugs and other negative stuff," said freshman Marche Reyes.
Freshman Shari Matsudo is appreciative of the opportunity to prove herself in athletics. "I feel grateful to Patsy Mink because I am able to play sports today. Also, it's an opportunity to prove to guys that girls are just as good in certain sports. I feel lucky because, thanks to her, we have equal rights and are judged equally when it comes to sports. If she were still here today, I'd like to personally thank her."
Kaimuki's fall season sports rosters include four females in cross-country, 16 in air riflery, seven in bowling, 31 in volleyball and 12 in soft tennis.
Sports is such a big part of daily life that it's difficult to imagine what athletes would fill their time with if Mink hadn't pushed so hard to have Title IX established.
"I am a member of the basketball and softball teams," junior Kara Hayashida said. "I would feel very angry if I were not allowed to play and display my abilities. I believe that boys and girls should have the same opportunities to participate in sports."
Cross-country coach Weston Willard is vehement in his support of female athletes.
"It is vital for the success of our society that women have equal access in all arenas," Willard said. "It is particularly important that they compete in athletics, as it prepares them for the real world and sets a foundation of physical fitness they can take with them.
"The discipline and dedication the girls have shown in cross-country at Kaimuki demonstrates the benefits to our immediate school community. I believe these girls will endeavor to positively impact their community as Patsy Mink has."
Junior Kelsi Campos said: "I think that Title IX is the best thing that could have happened to women athletes. It gives us the chance to shine in sports along with the guys. Patsy Mink is a great role model."
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Newspaper: The Bulldog Kaimuki facts
Editor: Juliet Kim
Faculty adviser: Barry Matsuo
Address: 2705 Kaimuki Ave., Honolulu 96816
Phone number: 733-4900
Principal: Gary Oyama
Mascot: Bulldog
Colors: Kelly green and light gold
Enrollment: 1,362
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calendars and events.
