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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

Frances Nicole Tabios

Frances Nicole Tabios, Opinions Editor, Reporter

Junior Frances Nicole Tabios is a third-year member of Ka Leo. She is currently a part of student council as SFA secretary. In her leisure time, she enjoys singing, listening to music, reading John Green novels and cooking. Frances Nicole has yet to decide what to major in but she plans to pursue a career in sociology or biochemistry.

All content by Frances Nicole Tabios

Girls Do It Better

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
March 16, 2016

If you’d asked me a few years ago if I wanted to go to a school with ALL girls, then my answer would have been a big, fat, “NO WAY!” Going to school...

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Attending college now easier with scholarships

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
March 16, 2016

With the continual rise in tuition and college fees, more students today rely on scholarships to help pay their through college. The good news is that...

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The Academy Soroptimist  club helped at the Soroptimist International Annual Gala

on Feb. 13. The women’s organization aims to empower women through financial assistance to 

allow women access to higher education.

Photo courtesy of Randall Fong

S Club supports Soroptimist International gala

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 29, 2016

Ten Soroptimist club members volunteered their services at the Soroptimist International Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Koolau Ballrooms & Conference...

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Sleep should be a priority, not an option

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 10, 2016

Many teens struggle with sleep deprivation due to homework assignments and projects, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities or simply spending too...

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Technology creates new problems for avid users

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
December 10, 2015

The modern age is deemed to have many benefits, especially life-changing technology such as smartphones. With over four billion phone users, smartphones...

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose: The Movement’ presents mix of genres

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 23, 2015

Singer, songwriter Justin Bieber’s latest release, “Purpose: The Movement,”  makes a well received comeback after the last two fiascos. His new...

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Teens must take driving responsibility seriously

Frances Nicole Tabios, Editorials Editor
November 10, 2015

At the age of 15 and a half, teens can apply for a learner’s permit. Shortly thereafter, a license. With a license, however, comes great responsibility....

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Build relationships on foundation of trust

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 30, 2015

As simple as it may sound, many relationships today are difficult to establish and maintain. In any kind of relationship, trust is an important element,...

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Photo credit: theglobaldispatch.com

‘90 Minutes in Heaven’ offers Christian interpretation of life after death

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 19, 2015

Based on a true story, “90 Minutes in Heaven” portrays a story of faith, hope and the power of prayer. Don Piper (Hayden Christensen) is a Texas...

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

College application process can be eased with research and education

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 6, 2015

At this time of year, seniors are busy applying to colleges, but the process can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Getting accurate information about...

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Administration changes dismissal time for high school

Administration changes dismissal time for high school

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 21, 2015

Because of traffic problems on Wednesdays, the administration has changed the dismissal time for high school students. The day has been extended by...

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Freshmen anticipate exciting Initiation Week

Freshmen anticipate exciting Initiation Week

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 17, 2015

The newest Freshman Class is being initiated into high school the week of Sept. 21-25, Initiation Week. On each day of the week, juniors will dress...

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Photo credit: pixabay.com

College process can be eased

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 9, 2015

Choosing the right college is a stressful process for many.   Factors, including school size and location, majors, tuition, student life, sports, campus...

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SHA Welcomes New Teachers from Sacred Hearts Academy on Vimeo.

New faculty and staff 2015-16

Video shot and edited by Frances Nicole Tabios, Celine Arnobit, and Janelle Medrano

https://kaleo.sacredhearts.org

[Video] SHA Welcomes New Teachers

September 5, 2015

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Photo Credit: Aileen Jornacion

Council excited for new school year beginning

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
August 19, 2015

Student Council has been busy preparing for the new school year with fun-filled events and assemblies. The new council members include student body president...

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LIFE team readies new liturgical events

LIFE team readies new liturgical events

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 15, 2015

Campus ministry has selected the Living in Faith Experience (LIFE) team for the next school year. Juniors Kayla Galima, Shayla Trinidad, Nicole Pagdilao,...

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Academy sponsors fundraiser for Bontog family

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 13, 2015

The Bontog family home was severely damaged by fire and family members were hospitalized for a time. Sacred Hearts Academy is holding a dress-down day...

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Senior to represent Hawaii at prestigious science camp

Senior to represent Hawaii at prestigious science camp

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 8, 2015

Senior Leeyanah Santos has been selected for the National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia, a residential science education program that deepens students’...

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Credit: Flickr https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
Taken by Dustin Moore

Solutions to alleviate prom expenses

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
April 17, 2015

Prom is usually an expensive occasion for students with bids from $60 to $125, dresses from $75 to several hundred, and makeup and hair additionally. Prom,...

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Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net. Created by Vlado.

Communication vital in parent-teen relationships even during high school

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
April 10, 2015

Parents play a vital role in teens’ lives. Many parents often think that teens no longer need as much guidance when they reach high school. Sometimes...

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Winter athletes continue rise to top

Winter athletes continue rise to top

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
March 16, 2015

This year’s winter sports season has proved to be highly successful with several teams and individuals going on to state competitions. Athletic director...

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Photo credit: Laurel Oshiro

Upper elementary students place in lone track meet of the year

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 23, 2015

Lower school students participated in the only Catholic schools track meet of the year on Feb. 6. Fifth and sixth graders, many of whom had never competed...

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Senior swimmer named Lancer of Month

Senior swimmer named Lancer of Month

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 23, 2015

Senior Hallie Pound has been selected Lancer of the Month for January. Pound swims for the Academy as a member of PAC-5. Pound has swum competitively...

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Colleges search out diligent, well rounded and persistent students

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 18, 2015

When it comes to college applications, admissions directors look at applicants’ academic achievement, class rank, rigor of curriculum, ACT or SAT scores...

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Senior triumphs as Soroptimist award winner

Senior triumphs as Soroptimist award winner

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 15, 2015

Senior Kristen Kate Tumacder is this year’s recipient of the Violet Richardson Award, given by the Soroptimist International of Waikiki Foundation. This...

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Photo credit: Michael Young.

Seniors vie for scholarship in Distinguished Young Women Scholarship Program

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 11, 2015

Seniors Angelyn Tabalba, Angelique Racpan and Megan Garcia represented Sacred Hearts Academy in this year’s Distinguished Young Women (DYW) Scholarship...

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Senior overcomes adversity to win Alger scholarship

Senior overcomes adversity to win Alger scholarship

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 5, 2015

Senior Victoria Lee was recently named one of five Horatio Alger Hawaii State Scholars, by the Horatio Alger Hawaii Scholarship Program. Lee will receive...

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‘Selma’ depicts arduous journey of Martin Luther King Jr.

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 3, 2015

Directed by Ava DuVernay, “Selma” illustrates the story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s journey as an activist. The film focuses on King’s 1965 battle...

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Photo credit: Yoko Harada.

Students welcome Japanese new year

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 20, 2015

Japanese classes welcomed the new year at the Japanese Cultural Center’s New Year’s Ohana festival. The  fun-filled event featured food, crafts,...

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‘Into the Woods’ captivates with enchanting characters and plot twists

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 20, 2015

Disney’s adaptation of “Into the Woods” retells the classic tales of “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk”...

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Sophomores begin college planning process

Sophomores begin college planning process

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 20, 2015

A college planning night will be held for sophomores on Jan. 27. Students will learn how to apply for college financial aid, about the upcoming summer...

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S Club members volunteer at Color Run

S Club members volunteer at Color Run

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 13, 2014

Twelve members of the Soroptimist club provided manpower for the Color Run, also known as “The Happiest 5k on the Planet,” a five-kilometer race that...

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Self-motivation vital for student improvement and success

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 11, 2014

Self-motivation is a key to improvement. Motivation pushes students to achieve their goals and feel more fulfilled. Students who are self-motivated also...

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Academy to celebrate annual Grandparents’ Days

Academy to celebrate annual Grandparents’ Days

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 4, 2014

Grandparents’ Days this year will be on Nov. 21 for lower school and Nov. 24 for junior high and high school. Annually, the Academy recognizes grandparents...

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Booster Club hosts successful golf tournament

Booster Club hosts successful golf tournament

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 21, 2014

The Academy’s newly formed Athletic Booster Club hosted its first golf competition at Kaneohe KIipper Golf Course on Oct. 9 with approximately 100 golfers. Athletic...

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Professional journalist speaks to journalism class

Professional journalist speaks to journalism class

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 21, 2014

Rich Meiers, online news producer at Hawaii News Now, spoke to journalism students about how  to use search engines effectively and the urgency of breaking...

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Counselors attack bullying head on

Counselors attack bullying head on

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 9, 2014

School counselors are participating in a nationwide campaign to support  National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Junior counselor Anna Miyashiro...

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Luncheon strengthens bond between fathers and daughters

Luncheon strengthens bond between fathers and daughters

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 9, 2014

Sophomores and their fathers celebrated at the annual Father-Daughter luncheon, an Academy tradition, at the Pacific Beach Hotel on Oct. 5. Sophomore...

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Proficiency in writing essential to students’ lives and careers

Proficiency in writing essential to students’ lives and careers

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 8, 2014

Although students may not realize it, good writing is a skill that is essential to their  lives. As students move through high school and on to college,...

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Camp Erdman experience enhances personal skills

Camp Erdman experience enhances personal skills

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 8, 2014

Seventh graders attended their annual sleepover at Camp Erdman getting to know each better through a variety of fun physical activities. Accompanied...

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Sodexo offers new salad bar to students

Sodexo offers new salad bar to students

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 26, 2014

Sodexo has started a new salad bar for high school students as it attempts to integrate healthier food choices for students. Sodexo manager Erin Awai...

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Juniors sponsor Christmas tree sales for Project Grad

Juniors sponsor Christmas tree sales for Project Grad

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 21, 2014

The annual Christmas tree sale will be held on Dec. 6-7, sponsored by the Junior Class for its Project Grad. Pick-up hours will be from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m...

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Project Grad tea party invites little ones

Project Grad tea party invites little ones

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 12, 2014

The Senior Class will host a tea party to raise funds for the Class of 2015’s Project Graduation. The  proceeds from the fundraiser are designated...

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Junior High runners, Arianna Radona, Jessica Jorgensen and Elizabeth Vinci, were pleased with the results of the August cross country competition at Iolani School.

Students successful in early cross country meet

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 10, 2014

Three young Academy runners placed in the first ILH cross country meet of the season at Iolani School on Aug. 30. Eighth grader Arianna Radona finished...

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Foreign languages increase opportunities

Foreign languages increase opportunities

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 2, 2014

According to studies, knowing a second or third language is advantageous and useful. Students who can speak and use another language are more likely to...

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School year brings enforcement of uniform policies

School year brings enforcement of uniform policies

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
August 28, 2014

As the new school year began, administration began to enforce the policy for school jackets and socks. Vice-principal Linda Debo said, “The policy...

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‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ engages viewers with visual effects

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ engages viewers with visual effects

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 14, 2014

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” a romantic-action movie revolves around Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), who struggles to balance his life as Spider-Man...

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Note-taking is vital in students’ lives

Note-taking is vital in students’ lives

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 14, 2014

With so much pressure in students’ lives, it is sometimes difficult to stay organized and have good time management. Keeping up with assignments and...

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While caffeine can be a tonic for alertness, it also has multiple other effects, including insomnia, stomach irritation and nervousness.

Too much caffeine intake can harm health

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
May 2, 2014

Many teens rely on caffeine to stay awake and energized throughout the day. Caffeine is most commonly found in soft drinks, coffee and tea. Caffeine is...

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'Looking for Alaska' presents life lessons

‘Looking for Alaska’ presents life lessons

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
April 16, 2014

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green involves 16-year-old Miles Halter who has the ability to memorize people’s last words. Upon arriving at Culver...

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Learning to manage time is a valuable skill for teens, especially if they are busy with school, extracurricular activities, athletics and social lives.

Time management essential in students’ lives

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
April 10, 2014

Students often struggle managing their time between school, extracurricular activities and social lives. Sometimes teens forget their priorities and are...

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Teens still need parental guidance and involvement in their lives even when they don't believe they do.

Support from parents vital to teen’s life

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
April 2, 2014

Parents play a vital role in teens’ lives. Many parents often think that teens no longer need as much guidance when they reach high school. Sometimes...

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Although many people enjoy spicy food, studies show such food also provides health benefits.

Spicy foods prove beneficial to health

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
March 25, 2014

Many people enjoy spicy foods for their wonderful flavors. Research, however, is proving that flavor may not be the only reason to consume such food. Studies...

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The CyberLancers placed just below the top 100 teams nationwide in a grueling, six-hour competition.

CyberLancers vie in CyberPatriot state round

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
March 7, 2014

The Academy’s CyberLancers competed against 517 teams nationwide in the state recognition round for the CyberPatriot contest via the Internet on Feb....

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LEO club member Alyssa Kwan volunteers at the Kamehameha Lions Club's spaghetti fundraiser.

Volunteering benefits both community and individual

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 24, 2014

Volunteering is a way to gain life experience, provides opportunities to experience the world through hands-on work and allows teens to meet a diverse...

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The Freshman Class sponsored its annual Mother-Daughter luncheon on Feb. 9 at the Manoa Grand Ballroom of the Japanese Cultural Center.

Luncheon enhances bond between mothers and daughters

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 18, 2014

Freshmen and their mothers celebrated at the Freshman Mother-Daughter Luncheon on Feb. 9 at the Manoa Grand Ballroom, also known as the Japanese Cultural...

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Valentine's Day does not have to mean buying gifts. DIY projects are low cost and affordable.

Do-It-Yourself Valentine treats save money and provides time to bond

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
February 14, 2014

Valentine’s Day is an occasion centered around bouquets of flowers and chocolate. Many have already started to look for treats and cards to purchase....

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Physical appearance can affect teens' self-esteem and confidence.

Self-esteem increases confidence and is vital to teens’ life

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 30, 2014

Self-esteem is how a person values oneself. It is how a teen perceives her value to the world and how valuable she thinks of herself in relation to others....

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Academy fifth graders are participating in "PlaySmart Hawaii," a scholastic competition game show, against 14 schools.

Lower School students compete in ‘PlaySmart Hawaii’

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 28, 2014

Fifth graders Alyse Glaser, Jamie Acoba, Kelly Thieu, Laura Gries and Shari Ho will be representing Sacred Hearts Academy on the OC16 TV show PlaySmart...

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Middle school speech participants triumphed at the Sacred Hearts Festival in January, again earning trophies for the highest number of superiors and largest percentage of superiors.

Academy team is successful in annual speech festival

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 24, 2014

Sacred Hearts Academy hosted the its annual middle school speech festival on Jan. 11, in which 23 fifth to eighth graders participated. Categories included...

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Reading teaches not only vocabulary and phrasing, it also improves reasoning, comprehension and creativity in the brain.

Reading strengthens one’s mind and builds vocabulary

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
January 10, 2014

Like the rest of the human body, the brain also needs exercise. Reading can provide such exercise for the brain, stimulating the parts that control reasoning,...

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YouTube videos can be a source of DIY projects for those wanting to be creative and save money.

DIY treats and decorations for Christmas save money

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
December 17, 2013

As Christmas is quickly approaching, many start shopping and decorating in preparation for the holiday. Many people are dreading the time it takes to decorate...

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Early preparation for holidays creates less stress

Early preparation for holidays creates less stress

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
December 13, 2013

For many people, the holiday season is a time filled with excitement, joy and exhilaration. Many love the celebrations, family traditions and especially...

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Emotional triggers can make teens eat at inopportune times or eat more than intended.

Emotions affect eating and can cause problems

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
December 12, 2013

People don’t always eat simply to satisfy hunger. People turn to food for comfort, stress relief or as rewards. Some people turn to food especially to...

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Poor sleep habits can affect all aspects of teens' lives, resulting in poor grades, inattention in classes and irritability.

Poor sleep habits may raise health risks

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 7, 2013

Sleep is food for the brain. During sleep, important body functions and brain activity occur. Not getting enough sleep can be harmful. One can look bad,...

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First graders Emilie Cosseboom, Sophia Martinez, Ellen Ha, Kira Chu-Maxson and Keilani Anderson learned about plant cycles and insect habits on a field trip to the Hawaii Nature Center.

First graders learn about insects and habitats

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 5, 2013

Teachers Keri Sarbida and Wanda Pila took their first graders to the Hawaii Nature Center in Makiki on Oct. 8 to give students a first-hand look at plant...

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Graduate Suzanne Chong Kee is accompanied by junior Aina Katsikas at the Gala.

Scholarship Gala raises funds for scholarships and tuition aid

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
November 5, 2013

The 18th Annual Sacred Hearts Academy Scholarship Gala took place on Oct. 18 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Alumnae who were honored include Suzanne Dods...

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Jaclyn Sakamoto Jordan Kwok

Handicapped bowling helps wheelchair-bound adults enjoy sport

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
October 29, 2013

A project of the Academy Club Med is the Fort shafter Handicapped bowling, a monthly service activity which is being managed and run by an Academy graduate...

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Freshman Initiation Week included "Western Wednesday" when junior big sisters dressed little sisters in appropriate western attire.

Freshmen excited for Initiation Week

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 27, 2013

Ninth grade students are having their traditional Freshman Initiation Week Sept. 23-27 with the theme, “Away We Go.” Junior adviser Leilani Asuncion-Tagupa...

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Teens' risky behaviors often include cyberbullying through text messaging.

Teens’ reckless behaviors endanger all

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 19, 2013

Adolescence can be a difficult time when decisions can affect teens for the rest of their lives. Although it can be stressful for parents, teenagers need...

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The leptospirosis bacterium is found in contaminated soil or water via animal urine. Hikers should be aware that cool mountain pools may contain the bacteria which can cause serious illness or death.

Harmful effects of leptospirosis in Hawaii

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 19, 2013

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is passed from animals to humans. Rats and mice are often sources of leptospirosis in Hawaii. Domestic and wild...

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Senior Madilynne Wiggins spent two weeks in Swaziland, Africa, working on projects to help residents with her youth church group.

Senior travels to Swaziland for service

Frances Nicole Tabios, Reporter
September 9, 2013

Senior Madilynne Wiggins had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Swaziland in southern Africa in June. Wiggins said, “I can’t even begin...

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