Students nourished in
spiritual, educational realms

Work lifts brother

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By Wade Abendanio
Damien High School

It has been 40 years since Damien Memorial High School opened its doors in 1962. Many changes have taken place, yet the presence of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and its mission of creating a supportive spiritual and academic environment, have remained constant.

In early March, Damien participated in the Certified Marine Education trip. On this two-day voyage, a group of students led by science teacher Mike Normand were invited to participate on the educational vessel Rapture.

Students experienced a first-hand look at marine species and their ever-fragile environment. Interactive experiments, live video feeds from the ocean floor and the exploration of reefs and shorelines kept students energized and excited.

The 145-foot vessel traveled to several sites throughout the state, including spots in Lanai, Molokai and Maui. While there, students learned to further support their biology studies.

March 12 was a special day not only at Damien but for the entire Christian world. Ash Wednesday signified the first day in the season of Lent, a time in which the Catholic church marks the 40-day period, minus Sundays, leading to Jesus' death and resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Damien remembered this day by attending mass in the gymnasium.

Students watched a short play on the temptation of Christ directed by religion teacher Father Paul Zaccone.

With faculty members playing the roles of evil, power and seduction, the play showcased the convincing influence of wealth, power and desire and how Jesus overcame and banished these evils.

"The role-play was very effective in getting across the message to teenagers, rather than just preaching at them," said Zaccone.

All who attended mass also were invited to participate in the traditional act of putting ashes on the forehead.

On March 17, Damien students celebrated St. Patrick's Day by taking part in the annual parade in Waikiki. About 150 students participated either as a member of Damien's marching band or as a cadet in Damien's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Under the guidance of band director Siuai Laufou and senior drum major Michael Yago, the band wooed the audience by playing the traditional Irish tune, "Minstrel Boy."

The JROTC cadets, commanded by Army Sgt. 1st Class Edward Bradford and senior cadet Lt. Col. Jonathan Felarca, encouraged the crowd with cheers like "Mama, Mama Can't You See," "Let Me Hear Your Left Foot Drop," and "We're Going For a Ride in a Car."

Leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade was none other than Damien's own color guard team who held the American and Hawaiian flags high.

On March 22, Damien was one of more than 30 high schools that participated in the 2003 Electron Marathon at Ford Island. The marathon is a go-cart competition in which schools compete on the design and quality of their go-carts.

The go-carts undergo an intense 10-lap race only using battery power. Damien's physics club designed and built their own go-cart from scratch.

Under the guidance of science department chairperson Ronnie Guerzon, the club learned techniques in welding, grinding metal, calculating weight distribution and using power tools.

By working on the car, the Physics Club applied their knowledge in subjects such as math, science, English, vocations and teamwork.

Damien's 40th Anniversary Luau is being held on April 6 at Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall from noon to 5:30.

Damien alumnus Frank Delima is scheduled to perform along with other live and local entertainers. Rodney Villanueva will be emceeing at this spectacular event.

In addition to all the delectable kau kau, a country store has been added to feature baked goods, arts, crafts, and other treasures. A silent auction will also be held, with a variety of items including dinner packages and vacation spots up for bid.

Damien Memorial High School is a school that strives on with the importance of a strong academic curriculum, a supportive community and developing a closer relationship with God.

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