[ HAWAII'S SCHOOLS ]
Castle has
shock and awe
for ‘ice’ issueSchool programs can help
students beat drug addictionsActors strut and fret over dark comedy
More Castle students run for literacy
Classes compete for Knight Pride payoff
About this section | You asked...
We're engaged in a war with enemy soldiers who are addicted, who are craving for more and who will do anything to get the money to satisfy their cravings. They'd steal, kill and sell themselves just to get a little more of that "ammunition."
This is just one battle that has been fought time and again in our society today, and it's always in favor of our main enemies: crime and drugs. They have been allies in this ongoing war, sending a shock wave throughout our community. It will take great effort to put an end to this madness.
One obstacle sent in our direction is crystal methamphetamine, or "ice." It is an addictive drug stimulant that releases high levels of dopamine, which in turn gives the user a "rush" or produces euphoria.
ILLUSTRATION BY RANDY COMPTON / CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
The results from taking even the smallest dose of this drug include wakefulness, decreased appetite and hypothermia. Some of the most serious are cardiovascular collapse, Parkinson's disease symptoms and death.
Ice has captured 10 percent of Hawaii's citizens. Estimates are at 30,000 hard-core users and 90,000 recreational users. Out of 36 metropolitan areas in the nation, Hawaii has the highest percentage of ice users.
The ice epidemic has become a serious matter; because of this, the community finally has started to come together as an army. There have been a number of demonstrations held at different areas of Hawaii.
"This is the first time that the community has taken on the responsibility in saying it is not everybody else's problem, it is our problem," said Principal Meredith Maeda.
We should also keep in mind that crime is still a major issue. The police officers of our community are doing their best in keeping the streets safe, but they can only do so much.
Not only do they have to keep their eye on mature adults, but they also have to look out for teenagers who have become prisoners of crime. Some of these crimes include OVUII (operating vehicle under influence of intoxicants), auto theft and shoplifting.
Honolulu police Sgt. Marie Kanealii-Ortiz's advice to Castle students: "If you're in a trap, be creative to save yourself. If you see a crime, be a good citizen and report it. If you have a bad family environment which could be abusive, involving drugs or not law-abiding citizens, then maybe authorities need to be notified whether it's your teacher, counselor, pastor, etc."
If you're a teen in need of help, there are many places and many people you can turn to. Castle has some programs just for that purpose. One place that you can rely on is Teen C.A.R.E. They've helped mostly those who have problems with either alcohol or marijuana.
"They need somebody to walk them through it," said program counselor Colleen Brady.
'Other wars' concern school
For the past few years, the United States has been wrapped up in wars against Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign battlegrounds. But what about the home front?Na Pali 'O Ko'olau conducted a survey at the beginning of the year to find out what this school thought were the most important "Other Wars," our internal wars. We polled 100 students from each grade and the entire faculty on which of the "Other Wars" they felt were the most important.
These were the results:Students
1. Drugs and crime
2. Terror
3. Poverty
4. AIDS and infectious diseases
5. LiteracyFaculty
1. Drugs and crime
2. Poverty
3. Terror
4. AIDS and infectious diseases
5. Literacy
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Actors strut and fret
over dark comedy
The curtain rises, the first line is spoken, the plot begins to unfold and the main thought in an actor's mind is to have fun and do an outstanding job.
As Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage." A group of drama students have taken those words to heart in the Castle Performing Arts Center's upcoming production of "Arsenic and Old Lace."
Michael Sotelo, a Castle High senior, and Julia Gainey, a new student from Florida, star in this black comedy.
"Arsenic and Old Lace" is about Mortimer Brewster (Sotelo), who finds out that his sweet old aunts are murderers when he discovers their 12th victim in the window-seat of their home.
Bad leads to worse when Mortimer's serial killer brother, played by Kevin McCormick, shows up on the run.
Gainey plays Elaine Harper, the ingenue and Mortimer's fiancee, who is a fiery, take-no-nonsense woman of today.
When asked what he thought about acting in his first major play, Jon Vasquez said, "Acting is easier than I thought it was, but I hate those nerves."
Courtesy of Castle High School
Castle students take part in a 1-mile fun run benefiting literacy on the Windward Community College campus.
KAREN MEYER / CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
Kevin McCormick and Sky Okimoto tie up Michael Sotelo with murderous hearts in Castle’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
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More Castle students
run for literacy
On Nov. 2, 60 Windward families stirred from their slumber to take part in the 2003 Run & Read for Literacy to raise money for literacy and reacquaint families with reading.
This festive Sunday event included a 1-mile fun run where families could walk or run a route through the Windward Community College campus, and a Family Book Festival where families enjoyed storytelling, arts and crafts, a book fair and entertainment.
For a $10 donation each participant received a Pizza Hut Carryout for Literacy card, a Read Aloud Book and a Run & Read T-shirt. The money raised will support literacy activities around the Castle community.
Terry Heckman, one of Castle's librarians, and Parents Community Network Coordinator Kathy Martin represented Castle High, helping administrate the activities.
"We greatly increased the number of students who participated," Heckman said. "We raised more money for the library and made participants aware of the importance of being literate."
Pizza Hut, Windward Community College, Read to Me International, the Honolulu Advertiser and Parents and Children Together sponsored this event.
COURTESY OF CASTLE HIGH SCHOOL
Castle students take part in a 1-mile fun run benefiting literacy on the Windward Community College campus.
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Classes compete for
Knight Pride payoff
Castle High School represents the Kaneohe community, so dressing in Castle clothing and colors shows Knight Pride and commitment toward the school and community.
Participating in Knight Pride days is easy. All students have to do is wear solid Castle colors -- maroon or gold -- or wear Castle clothing.
Participation is vital because the winning class receives a monetary prize. All classes could use the money for class events such as proms, banquets and graduation.
By participating, the students help contribute to better events. The way for the best prom or graduation is by having a large amount of money to pay for all the extras without the students having to clean out their wallets.
There is a Knight Pride day on every first Friday of each month as well as activities during lunch that also show Knight Pride.
At the end of each period, which lasts about three months, all of the scores from the activities and the Knight Pride days are added up for each class. The winning class receives $350.
Over the years, there have been many participants showing Knight Pride; however, it would be fantastic for more students to wear clothing that represents the school and community.
Students should either start to participate or continue to participate in Knight Pride days and activities to show support for their class.
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About this section
Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their school. This week's school is Castle High School.
Newspaper: Na Pali 'O Ko'olau Editor: Devin Elting Adviser: Joel Flor Next week: Waiakea High School
Knight facts
Address: 45-386 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe 96744 Phone: 233-5600 Principal: Meredith M. Maeda Established: 1951 (formerly known as Ben Parker High School) Motto: "Knight Pride," demonstrating character, competence and commitment Colors: Maroon, gold and white Nickname: Knights Vision: A learning and caring community that works together for the benefit of its students and where all are committed to excellence. Enrollment: 1,800 Teachers: 125
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You asked
In your opinion, what is
the worst drug out there?Michael Donahue
Sophomore
"A drug is a drug -- it affects people differently. The thing that you must remember is that they are all bad."Mari Fujioshi
Senior
"Crystal meth, because it's expensive for the amount that you get, and you don't have time to eat."
What do you think
is the worst crime?Tennae Andrade
Junior
"Rape, because you're forcing someone to do something they don't want to do."
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