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Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Shelby Mattos

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter

Shelby Mattos is a senior and third-year Journalism student. She is the Publicity Chair for Division Council and participates actively in the Academy’s band program. As a student journalist, she looks forward to informing people about the happenings at our school and writing articles that motivate change. She enjoys listening to various types of music, editing videos and being around people who make her happy.

All content by Shelby Mattos
Head of School Betty White starts her day with morning flag, where she stands surrounded by Sacred Hearts Academy students. White, a leader in Catholic education, retires in July after more than 60 years at the Academy as a teacher and then administrator. Photo by Kirsten Aoyagi.

Educating generations of girls

Shelby Mattos and Martha Nicholas
March 1, 2019

Ring-a-ding-ding! The morning bell chimes at 7:35 a.m., signifying the start of another school day at Sacred Hearts Academy. A sea of more than 850...

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(Left to right) Academy students Dilbul Floyd, Agnes Brown and Jessica Medrano advocated against flavored tobacco products with colorful signage and art at the Hawaii State Capitol. They are part of the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Hawaii (CTFH)’s youth council, which helped introduce bills proposing a ban on such products. Photo courtesy of Agnes Brown.

Youth push for statewide ban on flavored tobacco products

Shelby Mattos and Noe Nekotani
February 28, 2019

In an effort to end the sale of flavored tobacco products in Hawaii, Sacred Hearts Academy students helped decorate the Hawaii State Capitol lawn with...

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Academy Uncorked 2018

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 11, 2019

The 2nd Annual Academy Uncorked event raises funds for student scholarships and includes a night of wine tastings, silent auction items, raffle prizes,...

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Winter Choir Concert 2018

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 11, 2019

The Academy's choir serenades everyone with their beautiful voices as part of the winter concert. For more information, visit the Lancers Lately at sacredhearts.org/lancerslately or...

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Founder’s Day 2018

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
October 5, 2018

Sacred Hearts Academy celebrated its 109th year with a school-wide assembly. For more information, visit the Lancers Lately at sacredhearts.org/lancerslately.

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C-SPAN visits campus

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
October 5, 2018

The C-SPAN bus, a mobile learning classroom, made a stop at Sacred Hearts Academy campus. The bus has been traveling across the country, educating students...

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Sacred Hearts Academy and other schools around the state close due to category 4 Hurricane Lane. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows the track of the hurricane set to hit Oahu this weekend. Photo courtesy of NOAA.

BREAKING NEWS: Academy to close due to Hurricane Lane

Shelby Mattos, News Editor and Reporter
August 22, 2018

Sacred Hearts Academy will be closed tomorrow and Friday due to approaching category 4 Hurricane Lane, expected to hit the state tomorrow. Head of School...

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On Wednesday, seniors wore ABC Store themed clothing and enjoyed shave ice from Kona Ice.

Seniors enjoy a blast from the past

Lucinda Hu and Shelby Mattos
April 25, 2018

Seniors had a blast from the past for their senior week. Each day of the week had a different theme but the same purpose, which was to reward students...

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After the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, many participate in Easter Egg hunts where children try to find eggs hidden by their family members. All people celebrate Easter, but for Christians it has an empowering meaning behind it. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

The celebrations of Holy Week

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
April 10, 2018

For the past month, you may have noticed that your Christian friends gave up something in their lives or picked up a good habit. Lent is the 40 days spent...

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 At the Washington D.C. March for Our Lives protest, marchers created posters supporting gun control. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Students say “no” during the March for Our Lives

Grace Kim and Shelby Mattos
April 4, 2018

On Feb. 14, students in Parkland spent their Valentine’s Day hiding under their desks in fear. It only took six minutes until the gunman started shooting...

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 Students use marshmallows and spaghetti to create structures. Photo courtesy of Brian Wong.

Academy students learn about engineering from professionals

On Feb. 22, Sacred Hearts Academy held the annual Engineering Day where the school invited workers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)...

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Juniors purchased rings and pins to participate in annual Junior Ring Ceremony. Junior Dallas Martinez, like others, brought her family to the event to celebrate with her. Photo courtesy of Steven Tagupa.

Juniors participate in annual ceremony

Students from Sacred Hearts Academy gathered in the school’s chapel to celebrate the annual Junior Ring Ceremony on Feb. 22. Alongside their parents,...

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Local entrepreneur Shelley Cramer has been working to create opportunities for girls to blossom into strong leaders. With an extensive resume working at high-profile companies and, most recently, at Saks Fifth Avenue (pictured here), Cramer founded a mentorship program at Sacred Hearts Academy called Girls Got Grit. The program allows students to work with prominent women leaders, as well as intern with various companies. Photo by Jenelle Ho.

Inspiring grit in girls

Shelby Mattos and Noe Nekotani
March 3, 2018

The brisk clicks of high heels echo throughout the halls of Sacred Hearts Academy, as local entrepreneur Shelley Cramer confidently strides toward the...

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Students started their day with a sweet start when they received heart shaped notes and candies from their friends. Photo by Shelby Mattos.

Celebrating galfriends with Galentine’s Day

Shelby Mattos and Lucinda Hu
March 2, 2018

Students started their Valentines Day a day early with a special holiday for girls, or gals, called Galentine’s Day. “This is an opportunity for...

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New Semester Assembly (Spring 2018)

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 24, 2018

This year, our Lancers kicked off the second semester with a special assembly that also honored our seniors.

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At 8 a.m., residents and visitors in Hawaii received a false alert of a ballistic missile from the Emergency Management.

Ballistic missile threat sends Hawaii into a state of fear

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 13, 2018

On Saturday, many Hawaii residents woke to a ballistic missile threat alert, which was sent to their mobile devices by Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency....

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Teenagers today have become accustomed to seeing morbid humor, like this, on social media. While some brush it off as a joke, others believe this kind of humor should be put to an end. Photo by Shelby Mattos.

Casually self-depreciative

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 7, 2018

 Oftentimes, in my classes, it’s not uncommon to hear self-deprecating comments casually tossed around by students. “Just kill me now” or “Somebody...

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For the first time in school history, Academy students were allowed to bring female guests to the Winter Ball. Photo courtesy of Steven Tagupa.

Winter ball embraces sisterhood with policy change

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
January 4, 2018

This year, all-girls school Sacred Hearts Academy parted from a longstanding tradition by allowing students to bring female guests to Winter Ball. The...

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Marching band gets new exposure after a canceled parade

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
December 18, 2017

Every year, members of the Sacred Hearts Academy marching band spend months preparing for three major parades on Oahu. This year, however, students only...

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KA LEO KONVOS: Episode 1 – Preparing for a nuclear attack

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
December 7, 2017

In Ka Leo's first podcast, reporter Shelby Mattos discusses Hawaii's first attack siren, tested on Dec. 1, 2017, in preparation for a possible nuclear...

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During our stay at Hwa Nan Women’s College, we bonded with Chinese big sisters. Cherry, one of the big sisters, took care of us from our arrival to departure. Photo taken by Shelby Mattos.

My last sip of coconut milk

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
November 7, 2017

It happened. The last day of our stay in Hwa Nan Women’s College inevitably came. I woke up and knew that today was going to be filled with goodbyes...

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Shelby Mattos and her "big sister" in Fuzhou, China. Photo taken by Rebecca Meyer.

Journalism students go abroad

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
November 7, 2017

During Fall Break, a group of Sacred Hearts Academy students experienced a cultural exchange with women attending Hwa Nan Women’s College in the Fujian...

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The outside view of Marco Polo.

Residents rebuild after devastating Marco Polo fire

Shelby Mattos and Lucinda Hu
October 7, 2017

It has been four months since a fatal fire devastated the notable wave-shaped high-rise, Marco Polo, on July 14. Residents are still trying to cope...

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Percussion section leader Lauren Chung directs members of the tuba and color guard section in a game of musical twister.

Sections bond at band social

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
October 7, 2017

Sacred Hearts Academy’s marching band held its annual social on Sept. 22. Members of the marching band enjoyed activities that are played every...

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Leo Club members welcome students with smiles as they encourage others to sign up.

New clubs offer new opportunities

Shelby Mattos and Lucinda Hu
September 27, 2017

Students gathered to explore more than 20 clubs at this year’s club fair, which included several new clubs. Creative Arts, Girls Got Grit...

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Morning flag line. Photo credit: Taylor McKenzie.

A guide to being a Lancer

Shelby Mattos, News Editor, Reporter
September 11, 2017

Attending a new school for the first time can be overwhelming. For those new to Sacred Hearts Academy, check out this guide Ka Leo put together to help...

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Based upon the popular game "Neko Atsume" follows the life of an author seeking inspiration and finds it in the form of a feline friend.

Highlights of 2017 HIFF Spring Showcase

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
April 24, 2017

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) kicked off spring with its annual Spring Showcase a few weeks ago, recognizing international cinematic achievement...

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a familiar sight for anyone who has traveled to or from America. Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Traveler’s Guide to TSA

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
April 19, 2017

With summer just around the corner, more and more travelers will be headed to the airport. But before they can enjoy a relaxing getaway, they need to get...

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The view from Honolulu to Narita was missed by most who were still on Hawaii time, which is 19 hours behind Japan.

Sakura in Japan

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
March 30, 2017

This spring break, I visited Japan with the Sacred Hearts Academy band. It was not only an opportunity to bond with my classmates, but it was also my first...

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Students and chaperones will wear a red shirt designed by junior Sola Nagaoki. Photo courtesy of Keith Higaki.

One-thousand paper cranes to fly with band students

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
March 10, 2017

As spring break approaches, Sacred Hearts Academy’s band program is preparing for its biennial band trip, and this time, they’re not going empty-handed. One-thousand...

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Student volunteer and Academy junior Megan Mattison helps with the “World of Veterinary Medicine,” a workshop at this year’s Science Symposium that explores the life of veterinarians. Photo by Shelby Mattos.

Symposium inspires girls in STEM

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
February 25, 2017

The welcoming wags of a few furry visitors signaled the start to this year’s Science Symposium at Sacred Hearts Academy. The dogs were part of a veterinary...

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Female filmmakers find home in Kaimuki

Female filmmakers find home in Kaimuki

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
February 21, 2017

Just a block away from Sacred Hearts Academy, Hawaii Women in Filmmaking is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking gender stereotypes and giving...

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Celebrating the Season of Lent

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
February 15, 2017

On the last Tuesday of February, one might have noticed students on campus eating sugary treats, like malasadas or churros. The reason behind the overflow...

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A romantic drama where love is rekindled at a coffee shop called Blue Jay. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Romantic flicks to watch this Valentine’s

Shelby Mattos, News Editor
February 13, 2017

With the sales of Valentine’s Day chocolates, teddy bears and balloons taking over grocery stores and shopping malls, it’s easy for single people to...

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Students at Carolina Friends School video chatting with Melody Coloma’s third grade class. They learned about life on Hawaii, while Coloma’s class got to learn about what life is like on the mainland. Photos courtesy of Laurel Oshiro.

Chatting with friends in North Carolina

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
February 10, 2017

While the Sacred Hearts Academy high school students prepared for semester exams, some lower school students connected with a school in North Carolina....

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Academy graduates gather in the band room to share their college experiences with the junior high division.

Alumnae visits to share experiences

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
February 10, 2017

Every year, Sacred Hearts Academy welcomes alumnae back to campus to share about their college experiences. This year, graduates from the class of 2013...

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Poinsettias lined up in the front of the Sacred Hearts Academy campus to help expedite distribution.

‘Sell’-ebrating the holidays with flora

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
January 5, 2017

For the first time, Sacred Hearts Academy’s annual Christmas tree sales were not held on campus but rather, at various locations around Oahu. Due...

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Sophomore division member Rin Inuzuka organizes 400 books donated by the sophomore class, as part of their service project.

Sophomores celebrate to the tune of giving

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
November 29, 2016

Sophomores at Sacred Hearts Academy got into the spirit of giving by celebrating others for their division week. The theme of their week was “iTunes:...

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The lower school library transformed to fit all of the books for the book fair.

Finding the treasure of literature

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
November 22, 2016

This year, Sacred Hearts Academy’s lower school library raised more than $3,200 from its annual book fair. The theme was “Pirate Book Fair: Where...

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Junior Sola Nagaoki shows her artistic abilities with this sketch she posted online for last year’s Inktober.

Drawlloween: 31 drawings, 31 days

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
October 27, 2016

October is a time for Halloween tricks and treats. But for artists, it’s a time to get inspired and showcase their talents through an online challenge...

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Band brings Disney magic to campus

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
October 18, 2016

Sacred Hearts Academy will soon be filled with magical songs from classical Disney movies, as band students host a Disney-themed dinner concert this weekend. This...

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Teens nationwide are sleep deprived. The likely culprit? Staying up late to finish school work. Photo Courtesy: Static Flickr

Sacrificing sleep for school success

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
October 12, 2016

More than 90-percent of high school students nationwide are sleep deprived, according to a 2014 survey conducted by the University of Utah. One likely...

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Launching into projectile motion

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
October 11, 2016

If you peeked into the AP Physics classroom recently, then you might have seen small balls launching across the room. It was part of a lab on projectile...

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FOODIE FRIDAY: Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

FOODIE FRIDAY: Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
September 26, 2016

[slideshow_deploy id='11243'] There’s a new bakery in Kaimuki that might be giving Leonard’s some competition. Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery...

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Photo courtesy of Shelby Mattos

Move over kimchi, tteokbokki’s in town

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
September 15, 2016

Hungry customers at the 15th Annual Korean Festival got more than their fill at the event. But it was the tteokbokki and hotteok dishes that got the...

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Academy enrollment similar to recent years

Shelby Mattos, Reporter
August 31, 2016

Sophomore Grace Kim has been a student at Sacred Hearts Academy for 10 years. And she says that every school year, it feels like there are more and more...

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