Sophomores, of the class of 2028, held their dress-down days and participated in a retreat during the fourth week of January, continuing a long-standing tradition at Sacred Hearts Academy. Theology Department Chair Leilani Asuncion said the practice has existed since before she began teaching at the school.

Preparing for the week required significant coordination from division dean Rhianna Mata’afa and the sophomore council. In particular, one challenge during the planning process was ensuring the dress-down themes were clearly defined so students would remain within the school’s dress code.

“It was difficult to get everyone on board or in the right manner,” Mata’afa said.

Despite these challenges, Mata’afa said she was proud that many students in the sophomore division were able to participate in the retreat. She said she hopes the experience will help sophomores become more comfortable within their division and feel more confident in themselves during future retreats.

Sophomores Jai Bjorkholm, Hulali Ochoco and Kuulei Martin wear colorful lole for Aloha Wednesday during the sophomore division’s dress-down week at Sacred Hearts Academy. Their outfits feature floral patterns commonly seen in traditional aloha attire.

Six outfits, one shared theme. Sophomores Kalena Low, Kenna Souza, Bella Slagel, Maren Williams, Shelby-Cozy Bertram and Jojo Reyes dress up for Wacky Thursday during the sophomore division’s dress-down week at the Academy. Low, Souza, Williams and Bertram wear matching cat ski masks as part of their coordinated outfits.