Paddling through the finish line

Academy seniors race towards graduation

Joy Gora-Aina, Staff Reporter • February 7, 2025

The Sacred Hearts Academy paddling crew celebrates their seniors, as they finish this season with smiles on their faces. Senior Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo recalls her loving memories and four years paddling for the school. All photos by Joy Gora-Aina.

Kanalui Canoe Club the coming together of both Sacred Hearts and SLS students.

The Saint Louis School (SLS) Crusaders JV 2 race to the finish. Freshman Brock Faufata, in Seat 1, has been paddling for about 10 years but is competing for the school for the first time. Seat 2 is sophomore Dylan Basug, also new to the team. Junior Matt Uong holds Seat 3 in his first season. Freshman Cash Texeira and freshman Tysen Luke Ruiz occupy Seats 4 and 5, both in their first year paddling for SLS. Sophomore Toa-Rai Ellacott rounds out the crew in Seat 6.

This mixed crew, made up of students from St. Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy, brings a strong blend of experience and teamwork to the water. Senior Noah Onato leads from Seat 1 in his third season, followed by senior Maelia Thomas in Seat 2, paddling for her second year. Senior Ethan Villamor holds Seat 3 in his third year, while junior Kamuela Sabina takes Seat 4 in his second season. Senior Mahina Monsarrat-Ohelo, a four-year veteran, powers through in Seat 5, and senior Starlen Wong rounds out the crew in Seat 6 for her second year.

This is the girls JV1 crew representing the Academy. Seat 1 is freshman Miko Cvilikas, competing in her first year of paddling for the school. Seat 2 is sophomore Leilani Freitas, returning for her second season. Seat 3 is sophomore Taylor Minami, also in her second year. Seat 4 is freshman Anne Holt, making her paddling debut. Seat 5 is freshman Jai Bjorkholm, also in her first year. Seat 6 is sophomore Joy Gora-Aina, joining the team for her first season.

This is the boys varsity 2 crew from SLS. They are all juniors and have been paddling together since their freshman year. Seat 1 is Kamahao Bradley, seat 2 is Jonah Gora-Aina, seat 3 is Kahua Mersberg, seat 4 is Kain Faufata, seat 5 is Noah Ishida and seat 6 is Ka’iwi Louie.

This is the Academy’s JV 2 girls crew. Seat 1 is freshman Aazalea Cordeiro. This is her first year paddling for school. Seat 2 is freshman Rilynn Milczarski. This is her first year paddling for the school. Seat 3 is freshman Anaiah Joseph. This is her first year paddling for the school. Seat 4 is freshman Blake Bennett. This is her first year paddling for school. Seat 5 is freshman Kailey Bristow-Canfield. This is her first year paddling. Seat 6 is junior Tyler Beissel. This is her first year paddling for school.

About the Contributor

Joy Gora-Aina, Reporter

Joy is a first-year Journalism student and is a sophomore at the Academy. This year she hopes to strengthen her skills in writing and learn about the process that goes into making and writing an article. Joy enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends in her free time. A fun fact about Joy is that she loves to play sports and be outside.

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