Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Jacqueline Medrano

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter

Senior Jacqueline Medrano enjoys snorkeling and spending time with family and friends. Jackie is on the LIFE team, the campus ministry leadership group of students. She enjoys doing service projects with her church youth group.

All content by Jacqueline Medrano
Mathletics improves mathematics skills

Mathletics improves mathematics skills

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 16, 2014

Mathletics is America’s top math web site used and trusted by millions of schools worldwide. According to the Mathcounts Foundation, Mathletics is...

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St. Louis JROTC students participated in the Waianae Adventure Challenge, a grueling series of physical activities, and took home trophies for their efforts.

JROTC cadets excel at ‘Waianae Adventure Challenge’

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 5, 2014

Seniors Kathryn McKee and Janelle Domanguera and sophomore Haylee Bennett recently participated in the Waianae Adventure Challenge (WAC) as part of St....

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Art + Flea, a moveable celebration, offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to show and sell their products.

Art + Flea features local vendors

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 24, 2014

Art + Flea provides a market place for crafters, entrepreneurs, artists and collectors to sell their handmade creations and vintage goods. A variety of...

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Bishop Larry Silva visited with the seniors on his Bagels with the Bishop tour during which he spoke about faith, love and commitment.

Seniors shares bagels with bishop

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 15, 2014

Bishop Larry Silva visited Academy seniors at the annual “Bagels with the Bishop” on Apr. 7. Students took individual pictures with the bishop,...

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Captivating television shows rally viewers

Captivating television shows rally viewers

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 11, 2014

Television shows enable audiences to leave behind their everyday lives and join a world that is larger than life. TV shows that are unpredictable keep...

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Teenagers enjoy engaging novels

Teenagers enjoy engaging novels

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 9, 2014

A “good read” is more than just a well written story. Popular books among teens often grab the readers’ attention and take them on a compeling journey...

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The five-second rule about food falling on the floor may show that sometimes food can be consumed with no ill effects.

Five second rule may be more than myth

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 2, 2014

According to a recent study done in England, the “five-second rule” may prove to be accurate. The myth states that if food is dropped on the ground...

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‘Stand for Freedom’ show raises funds for Courage House Hawaii

‘Stand for Freedom’ show raises funds for Courage House Hawaii

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 2, 2014

Supporting their project to counter teen sex-trafficking, seniors Nadia Busekrus, Kasandra Kitagawa and Tiare Sadarananda are hosting a talent show featuring...

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Non-Stop features life-threatening flight experience

‘Non-Stop’ features life-threatening flight experience

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 2, 2014

“Non-Stop,” a French-American mystery thriller, captures the chaotic and life-threatening events that happen during a non-stop flight from New York...

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Angela Wong and her family celebrated at the Senior Divisions Ohana luncheon where food, games and entertainment prevailed.

Senior families gather for Ohana luncheon

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 20, 2014

The annual Senior Ohana Luncheon is a time for seniors to appreciate and enjoy the company of their families and classmates. This year, it will be held...

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Food service establishments, including lunch wagons, will have stricter regulations and enforcement beginning on February 24.

Stricter regulations mandate revisions for food safety

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 17, 2014

Many people don’t always think of kitchen cleanliness when dining out. Although a restaurant may have a tidy dining area, the environment behind the...

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Seniors are being notified of scholarship awards by organizations and colleges.

Seniors earn college scholarships

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 17, 2014

Although seniors have completed applications to colleges, many remain busy filling out scholarship applications. In early March, a handful of scholarship...

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Interviews give a quick impression for possible hires. Employers form opinions very quickly and teens looking for jobs must be presentable and articulate from the beginning.

Interviews allow employers to gauge suitability for position

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 3, 2014

Interviews play a key role in determining whether a candidate will fit a situation. First impressions during interviews often determine if one is suitable. Prior...

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Jim Bryan, who owns a media production company, spoke to National Honor Society members about service, one of the four important aspects of membership.

‘Lion Jim’ speaks to students about service

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 26, 2014

The National Honor Society is hosting guest speakers who exemplify the pillars of excellence of service, leadership, scholarship and character for its...

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The Junior Class hosted the annual FAST during which students discussed social issues and created bags of hygiene products for teens living on the streets.

Annual FAST promotes respect for life

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 26, 2014

Every year, the FAST for LIFE is sponsored by the Junior Class, but students in grades nine through 12 can also participate. Each person who attends...

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Swiss exchange student, Adrienne Enz, is spending the semester at the Academy.

Foreign exchange student from Switzerland joins senior class

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 12, 2014

Adrienne Enz, a foreign exchange student from Switzerland, joined the Senior Class in January. Enz attended a bilingual school for nine years in Switzerland...

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Sr. Georgene Perry and English teacher Gaylen Isaacs have taught 100 years in Catholic education.

Academy celebrates over 240 years of service in Catholic education

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 10, 2014

Sacred Hearts Academy faculty and staff are celebrating over 240 years of service in Catholic education. Technology Coordinator Randall Pong, math teacher...

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Four new staff have arrived at the Academy in counseling and teaching.

New faculty on campus to better serve students

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 27, 2014

With the start of the second semester, a variety of new faculty and staff has joined Sacred Hearts Academy. Spanish teacher, Sean Rist, is originally...

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Freshmen participate in the annual Renaissance Fair through projects via social studies classes.

Fair showcases creativity of Renaissance period

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 27, 2014

The annual Renaissance Fair was held on Jan. 22 giving ninth grade students the opportunity to develop inventions, write and film movie trailers and create...

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Speech team members participated for the first time in several years in a neighbor island tournament, coming away with success leading to state and national competitions.

Speech team members excel at Parker School tournament

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 24, 2014

Seniors Danielle Ho and Maria Cashdollar and junior Zoe Sprott competed in the Parker School speech tournament on the Big Island from Jan. 17-19. The three...

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The 20th Annual Science Symposium, scheduled for Feb. 22,  enables girls in grades 5 - 8 to explore STEM fields for possible future careers.

Annual Science Symposium motivates girls to explore STEM fields

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 21, 2014

The 20th Annual Sacred Hearts Academy Science Symposium is a free workshop sponsored by Bank of Hawaii for girls in grades five through eight. The symposium...

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Since college tuition costs rise annually, students may be discouraged from applying to their number one choice because of financial concerns.

Tuition has become factor affecting college decisions

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 21, 2014

With college tuitions rising, students sometimes find themselves settling for affordable colleges instead their “dream schools.” According to Dr....

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Santa Claus, senior Aiona Kava, distributed gifts from Academy families to residents of Loliana Hale, a transitional shelter in Kakaako.

Students celebrate Christmas with children at Loliana Hale

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 13, 2013

Members of the Outreach, Unity and Renewal (OUR) club and National Honor Society (NHS) participated in a traditional Christmas event at Loliana Hale on...

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Distracted drivers create havoc on the road, sometimes leading to serious consequences.

Responsible drivers should refrain from various distractions

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 12, 2013

As children transition into teenagers, there is a handful of new experiences to look forward to. Being able to drive is one of the many perks that teenagers...

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All-girls schools customize learning experiences for girls who learn differently than boys.

All-girls’ schools encourage women to express their ideas

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 8, 2013

At a glance, attending an all-girls’ school may be unappealing for some. The idea of the absence of boys scares some into thinking negatively about single...

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Visitors from all over the world come to Hawaii, the paradise of the Pacific. Residents too should take time to appreciate Hawaii’s beautiful scenery, wonderful climate and aloha spirit.

Residents often forget to appreciate their surroundings

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
November 15, 2013

Caught up with daily routines, we often forget to take time to appreciate our island’s beauty. If locals continue to have an unappreciative attitude...

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Volunteers from the S club manned the pink powder station at the Happiest 5K on the Planet, sponsored by the Color Run.

S Club volunteers at popular 5K race

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
November 7, 2013

Members of the Soroptimist club (S club) volunteered on Nov. 2 at the “Happiest 5k on the Planet,” a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness,...

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Junior Megan Balinowski did body painting at Loliana Hale where OUR club celebrated Halloween with families.

OUR club celebrates Halloween with children at transitional shelter

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
November 7, 2013

Members of the Outreach, Unity and Renewal (OUR) club participated in a traditional Halloween event at Loliana Hale on Oct 30. OUR club has hosted holiday...

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Senior Calera Schlesinger and her mother wrote a cookbook dedicated to the late lower school dean Antoinette Gopaul. The book was featured at the October Scholarship Gala fund raiser.

Senior’s cookbook honors late dean

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 29, 2013

Senior Calera Schlesinger published a cookbook in honor of the late Lower School Dean Antoinette Gopaul. “Cal’s Aloha Recipes--A Teenager’s Family’s...

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Healthy diet can relieve symptoms of monthly cycle.

Right foods relieve menstrual symptoms

Jacqueline Medrano, Journalism
October 25, 2013

During their menstrual cycles, women’s bodies undergo a natural process that may cause bothersome symptoms. Women can experience depressive moods, painful...

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Electric cars or hybrids are increasing among Sacred Hearts faculty who have to weigh advantages versus length of the charge.

Electric cars provide eco-friendly alternative for drivers

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 25, 2013

With the steadily increasing gas prices and the tropical weather, Hawaii is a perfect location for the sale of hybrid and electric cars. Many drivers...

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Composer-singer Makana made a visit to the Select Choir class where he spoke to students about his career as a professional musician since the age of 14.

Composer-singer Makana visits Select Choir class

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 8, 2013

Pioneer of the “slack rock” guitar style, composer-singer, Makana, recently visited the Academy’s Select Choir class to talk about his experiences...

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The Lancer marching band paraded through Waikiki In the 67th Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade under the direction of band director Keith Higaki.

Lancers participate in Aloha Festivals Parade

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 30, 2013

The Academy Lancer marching band marched along Kalakaua Avenue through Waikiki in the 67th Annual Aloha Festivals Floral Parade on Sept. 28. Saxophone...

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Online web sites, such as bosemanscience.com, help students understand complicated theories through videos. Students use these sites as additional resources for their classes.

Online tutorials offer students more ways to understand concepts

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 30, 2013

Interactive videos on Khan Academy and Bozeman Science allow students to learn in a  modern way. With the constant advancements in technology, teachers...

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Sixth graders had their first retreat led by LIFE team members at St. Anthony Retreat Center on Sept. 20.

Sixth graders learn to appreciate each other at retreat

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 27, 2013

“Friends are like flowers” was the theme for the sixth grade retreat on Sept. 20 at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center. Similar to a bud’s blossoming...

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The high school library is in the midst of a renovation, not only of the space itself but also of the contents. One change involves the space formerly occupied by magazines and newspapers. Librarian Kellie Fase has put up a display of yearbooks.

Library renovations modernize space and resources

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 17, 2013

The high school library is revamping to keep up with technology uses and students, teachers and faculty members have been asked for ideas for the renovation. At...

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College applicants are facing greater competition than ever. Students must create histories and applications which help them stand out from the crowd.

Students can take steps to boost their college applications

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 17, 2013

As the number of college applications continues to rise, high school seniors face tougher competition in the college admissions pool. According to U.S....

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The Class of 2014 is sponsoring a car wash for their end-of-the-year Project Graduation. The car wash helps students earn money for their individual project accounts.

Senior class washes cars to raise money for Project Graduation

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 17, 2013

The Senior Class will be holding a car wash on Sept. 22 to fundraise for Project Graduation. Pre-sale tickets are ten dollars. The car wash will be...

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Without protection from Hawaiis intense sun, residents and visitors alike can develop skin cancer, melanoma. Sun protection should have a minimum rating of 30 SPF.

Skin cancer can be lessened by taking certain precautions

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 12, 2013

Melanoma, a form of cancer that begins in the cells that make melanin, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States. According...

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Teens who can do simple basic, everyday tasks, including sewing a hem and cooking a simple meal, can be more independent in college and beyond.

Basic life skills help teens become successful adults

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 6, 2013

Although academic knowledge is important for the future, teens should also take an interest in developing basic everyday life skills in order to be well...

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Seniors in AP Spanish excel in college placement exam

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 16, 2013

Many colleges mandate students with prior language experience to take a placement exam. Seniors in Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish recently took the placement...

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Students get head start on community service learning in summer

Students get head start on community service learning in summer

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 13, 2013

Every year, Academy students complete 25 hours of community service. Many do their service learning during the summer. Here are opportunities for students...

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Victims of identity theft can limit damages by taking immediate action

Victims of identity theft can limit damages by taking immediate action

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 13, 2013

When one’s identity is stolen, it is important to take immediate steps to limit the amount of damage to one’s credit score and finances. Once it...

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Uncertified supplements put people at risk of health issues

Uncertified supplements put people at risk of health issues

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 13, 2013

Americans spend 26.7 billion dollars on dietary supplements believing that they will become healthy, lose weight or increase vitality. However, many...

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Teenagers should take safety precautions to be less vulnerable in the streets

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 9, 2013

Most strangers are not dangerous and would not do anything to hurt others, but some strangers can be harmful. Often, dangerous people do not look scary...

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Baby Safe Haven law protects babies

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
May 9, 2013

Hawaii’s “Baby Safe Haven” laws allow an unharmed infant to be relinquished to proper authorities without questions being asked. Mothers can leave...

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Teens may be at risk of abusive relationships

Teens may be at risk of abusive relationships

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 23, 2013

The basics of a relationship are to work as a support system for one another and to gain comfort from each other. The difference between healthy and abusive...

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Student playwrights successful in Hawaii’s first Play Writers’ Slam

Student playwrights successful in Hawaii’s first Play Writers’ Slam

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 12, 2013

Freshmen Emma Mcleod and Maya Mathur and seniors Katherine Wong and Paris Johnson participated in Hawaii’s first Play Writers’ Slam at the Kumu Kahua...

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Students improve language skills by communicating with Osaka Scouts

Students improve language skills by communicating with Osaka Scouts

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 10, 2013

Annually the Osaka Scouts visit Hawaii where they have to navigate through Honolulu solely with the help of their guides. The purpose is to give them the...

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Leos serve as role models for children with intellectual disabilities

Leos serve as role models for children with intellectual disabilities

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 4, 2013

Leo club members spent a busy morning on Mar. 23 with participants of the Young Athletes Program (YAP). The YAP is a unique sport and play program designed...

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JV precision riflery team goes undefeated

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 4, 2013

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) Junior Varsity Precision Riflery team went undefeated at 7-0. At the end of the season, the team was able...

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New rising American indie rock band attracts audience with unique beats

New rising American indie rock band attracts audience with unique beats

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
April 3, 2013

"Imagine Dragons," a rising American indie rock band, released "Night Visions" in September 2012. The band is composed of frontman Dan Reynolds, guitarist...

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People have interest in tracing their lineage

People have interest in tracing their lineage

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 28, 2013

Today many people are interested in discovering their roots. Often, the main motive of tracing one’s lineage is curiosity. In the mid-19th century,...

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Students who care for school succeed in future endeavors

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 4, 2013

For some teens, high school may not seem important or relevant, but the high school years go by quickly. Students who want to be successful in college...

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Lower school students pursue their passion for making movies through Digital Media Club

Lower school students pursue their passion for making movies through Digital Media Club

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
March 4, 2013

Digital Media Club students have a passion for making movies. Christina Abelardo, the previous lower school librarian, began in 2009. In August 2010,...

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Self-harm signs are not always easy to see

Self-harm signs are not always easy to see

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 28, 2013

Teens who hurt themselves often try to keep it secret from family and friends. Recognizing signs of self-harm is important to ensure loved ones are not...

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Christians are asked to observe religious practices during Lent

Christians are asked to observe religious practices during Lent

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 15, 2013

Lent is a period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. For Christians it is a time to repent and fast in order to prepare for Easter. Lent is...

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FAST for LIFE helps students appreciate their comfortable lives

FAST for LIFE helps students appreciate their comfortable lives

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 14, 2013

The FAST for LIFE is sponsored by the Junior Class, but other students also participate. Every person who attends the FAST is asked to bring two canned...

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Juniors transition into upperclassmen through ring ceremony

Juniors transition into upperclassmen through ring ceremony

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 7, 2013

Juniors become official upperclassmen through the annual Junior Ring ceremony in the Academy chapel. Junior Greer Smith said, “Although I am new to...

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Sophomores celebrate their division week through food and competitions

Sophomores celebrate their division week through food and competitions

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
February 7, 2013

Sophomore Week, “Forever Our Outstanding Division,” or “F.O.O.D,” began on Feb. 4. Sophomore Jaclyn Sakamoto said, “The council this year...

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SAT prep courses do not always result in greater scores

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 30, 2013

As a new year begins, students progress into the second semester of the school year. This second semester is especially crucial for juniors going to college....

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Quick remedies for cold season

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 30, 2013

Around this time of year, many people catch colds and need quick remedies to alleviate symptoms. Consuming warm liquids prevents the drying of the throat...

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Martin Luther King Day celebrates life of influential civil rights leader

Martin Luther King Day celebrates life of influential civil rights leader

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 18, 2013

The nation observes Martin Luther King Day every third Monday of January to commemorate the legacy of a man who helped to heal a troubled country. Martin...

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Emotional health is key to better relationships and lifetime of genuine happiness

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
January 18, 2013

The definition of emotional health is the degree to which a person feels emotionally secure in everyday life. Those who are emotionally healthy possess...

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Seniors take a day off instead of having a Senior Week

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 11, 2012

The class of 2013 decided that instead of having a Senior Week, it would skip school and go to Sea Life Park. Senior Day allowed students to have fun...

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Project-based learning  equips students with skills for the technological future

Project-based learning equips students with skills for the technological future

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 6, 2012

Project-based learning, also known as inquiry learning, is a dynamic approach to teaching which asks students to explore real-world problems and challenges....

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Fruit smoothies conceal unhealthy calories and ingredients

Fruit smoothies conceal unhealthy calories and ingredients

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
December 6, 2012

Although fruit smoothies consist of a mixture of fruits, smoothies are not as healthy as they appear. Theology teacher Cristina Smith said, “As a...

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Loud sounds listened through earphones may disrupt one’s future ability to hear

Loud sounds listened through earphones may disrupt one’s future ability to hear

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
November 29, 2012

Loud noises are known to lead to hearing problems such as temporary deafness or tinnitus. Research on the effects of loud music through earphones shows...

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Lingle responds to student questions at special forum

Lingle responds to student questions at special forum

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
November 1, 2012

Former Governor Linda Lingle visited Sacred Hearts Academy on Oct. 17 to speak to students and faculty. Currently running for the U.S. Senate, Lingle...

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Dedication and blessing for Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center completes student center plans

Dedication and blessing for Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center completes student center plans

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 15, 2012

Sacred Hearts Academy held a dedication and blessing for the Clarence T.C. Ching Student Center on Oct. 4. The Sacred Hearts sisters, alumnae, parents,...

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LCC helps students express their faith through gatherings

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 3, 2012

Sacred Hearts Academy’s Lancer Christian Communities (LCC) sponsor monthly gatherings to enrich students’ faith and to create fellowship. The communities...

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Texting requires precautionary measures to protect safety

Texting requires precautionary measures to protect safety

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
October 1, 2012

Text messaging has become a major trend for communication without face-to-face interaction. Although one may believe texting is safe and secure, some information...

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Wellness Festival encourages Sacred Hearts’ families to live healthy lifestyles

Wellness Festival encourages Sacred Hearts’ families to live healthy lifestyles

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 20, 2012

Sacred Hearts Academy held its first 5210 Wellness Festival, promoting healthy dietary habits and fun exercises to promote the overall theme of living...

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Smartphone applications impact modern world

Jacqueline Medrano, Reporter
September 4, 2012

Twenty-seven percent of the four billion mobile devices in the world today are smartphones. Smartphones fuse computation and communication needs into a...

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Jacqueline Medrano