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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

Noe Nekotani

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor and Webmaster, Reporter

Noe Nekotani is a senior fourth-year journalist/webmaster/opinions editor for Ka Leo. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, yoga, and hiking. As a student journalist, she believes that journalism is a way to showcase her point of view to others in an informative way. She looks forward to sharing great memories with her fellow Ka Leo staff members.

All content by Noe Nekotani
Sacred Hearts Academy students and teachers helped plant 10,000 trees at Gunstock Ranch in Kahuku. The initiative is part of the Carbon Neutrality Challenge, which aims to make Hawaii the first carbon-neutral state. Photo courtesy of Camilo Mora.

Taking steps toward a zero carbon footprint

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Webmaster, Reporter
February 25, 2020

For Sacred Hearts Academy sophomore Ella blu Pakele to offset her own carbon emissions, she’d need to plant 12 trees. And that’s exactly what she did...

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HIFF HIFF HURRAY!

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Webmaster, Reporter
December 3, 2019

“I noticed that (the film showed) different camera techniques that Mrs. (Alyssa) Myers taught us,” said Sacred Hearts Academy journalism student and...

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(Left to right) Junior Jasmine Lee  and senior Jiarong Wang get situated for their first day of SAT preparation classes. All photos by Noe Nekotani.

Students prep for college-entry exams

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Webmaster, Reporter
November 7, 2019

During this time of year, notifications flood students’ cell phones, reminding them about upcoming college application and scholarship deadlines.  For...

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An actress portrays a Hawaiian citizen in distress, as part of a reenactment of the Hawaiian Kingdom's overthrow. All photos by Noe Nekotani.

Finding personal meaning in historical tour

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Webmaster, Reporter
September 20, 2019

The drive towards the Hawaii State Capitol had been an uneasy one. “Wouldn’t it be strange for Japanese people to show up to a Hawaiian event?”...

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7th grader Darienne Inouye and Sophomores Zoe Chang and Kassandra Chang attract students to their Lion Dance club with the steady beat of their drum along with their vibrant lion dance costume. All photos by Noe Nekotani.

Club Fair 2019

Noe Nekotani, Opinions editor, Webmaster, Reporter
September 5, 2019

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Students make small changes for a sustainable future

Noe Nekotani, Opinions and Blog Editor
March 12, 2019

In an effort to be more sustainable, Sacred Hearts Academy students not only make changes to their everyday lives but also encourage their peers through...

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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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The soundtrack included songs by song artist Tyler The Creator. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

The Grinch ruins Christmas in new animated movie

Noe Nekotani, Opinions and Blog Editor
January 8, 2019

The green fiend that had fans waiting in anticipation this holiday season left many disappointed. “The Grinch,” a 2018 American computer-animated...

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An array of colorful frozen treats decorate the fridge at 8 ½ Desserts, located in Kaimuki. Ice cream sandwiches take up a shelf in the display, while the other half  showcases the various sorbets the store has to offer. Photos  courtesy of Rebecca Meyer.

FOODIE FRIDAYS: 8 ½ Ice Cream

Noe Nekotani, Opinions and Blog Editor, Reporter
September 24, 2018

From shoyu mango ice cream to ume sorbets, local dessert delights can be found at 8½ Desserts on Waialae Avenue. The five-star shop specializes in ice...

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Club Fair 2018

Noe Nekotani, Opinions and Blog Editor, Reporter
September 12, 2018

From the Lion Dance Club to the Eco Club, the annual Club Fair offers more than 30 clubs for students to sign up for. For more information, visit the Lancers...

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Sneezing is a symptom of many common sicknesses.  Photo courtesy of PxHere

Sickness in the springtime

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
April 13, 2018

The common cold is an illness that plagues many during the springtime season. According to LiveScience, “These dramatic temperature changes aren’t...

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Momentos placed near the campus of Stoneman Douglas High School.

Academy students make a ‘Lei of Aloha’ for gun violence victims

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
March 22, 2018

As people worldwide pay their respects to the victims of the recent Florida school shooting, Sacred Hearts Academy has been taking part in a statewide...

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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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Sophomores Amanda Giang and Kaila Kawamura-Jeremiah, along with Junior Tia Sagapolu, drops by one of the event’s informational booths to learn more facts about human trafficking. All photos by Noe Nekotani.

Hearts out for human trafficking

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
February 12, 2018

Last month, the Blue Heart Bonanza kicked off Catholic Schools Week. It was hosted by this year’s The Living in Faith Experience (LIFE) Team and...

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Ka Leo takes to the radio

Ka Leo takes to the radio

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
February 4, 2018

Last week, journalism students from Sacred Hearts Academy visited the Ohana Broadcast Company,  which is home to Oahu radio stations such as, 102.7...

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Academy students give the gift of hope to homeless women in their community. Photo courtesy of Public Domains Pictures.

A Boxful of Hope

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
December 19, 2017

This year, Sacred Hearts Academy’s Interact Club is gearing up for the holidays by giving back to the community through gifts donated to homeless women....

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Junior Jasmine Matsumoto readies her Pocket Campers app. Photo by Noe Nekotani.

Pocket Camp is taking over the gaming world

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
December 6, 2017

In recent months, Pokemon Go has taken a step back with the release of a newer gaming app that seems to be taking over the worldwide web, Pocket Campers....

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Succulents getting prepped for the upcoming sale. Photos by Noe Nekotani.

Plants for Polio

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
December 5, 2017

The Sacred Hearts Academy Interact Club hosted its first-ever succulent plant sale to benefit the Diamond Head and Kaimuki Rotary Clubs. The sale took...

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Sophomores Destiny Carter and EjaLee Chavis  share a strawberry soda from Mexican restaurant Aztec. Photo by Noe Nekotani.

Academy students take on the Friendsgiving tradition

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
December 5, 2017

Nowadays, more and more people partake in the growing trend of “Friendsgiving,” a gathering of friends over a Thanksgiving feast. Although initially...

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Golden Girls take home the gold

Golden Girls take home the gold

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
November 21, 2017

Sacred Hearts Academy’s varsity cheer team, dubbed the Golden Girls, placed first at this year’s Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state-cheerleading...

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Customers brave the rainy weather for the wares sold at Three Lanes and Seven Alleys.

Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
November 1, 2017

Set in the center of the urban city of Fuzhou, the capital of the Fujian province, is the ancient streets of Sanfang-Qixiang, which translates to “three...

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KEEPING UP WITH: New Academy Teachers

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
October 8, 2017

Meet the new teachers at Sacred Hearts Academy. VIDEO BY: NOE NEKOTANI (KA LEO)

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Juniors Rebecca Meyer, Ragelle Lumapas and Angela Tamaribuchi cheer on their little sisters as they perform on stage. Many juniors brandish signs with their sisters’ names just for the occasion. Photos by Noe Nekotani.

Life’s a party with this year’s freshmen

Noe Nekotani, Opinions Editor, Reporter
October 2, 2017

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Beringer Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Exploring vineyards in Napa Valley

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
April 19, 2017

During spring break, my family and I visited San Francisco. In addition to the shopping and countless street performers, exploring the vineyards of Napa...

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Leadership program takes students beyond the classroom

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
April 19, 2017

Sacred Hearts Academy students participate in many extracurricular activities, with one in particular that aims to develop students into Hawaii’s future...

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Counselors at Sacred Hearts Academy celebrate National School Counseling Week. (Left to right) Fiona Hayashi, Marcia Chaddock, Angela Dolan, Randy Fong and Anna Miyashiro.

Counselors help students ‘realize their potential’

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
February 16, 2017

National School Counseling Week highlights the impact school counselors have on students in achieving school success and planning for a career. This year,...

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Freshman Leiolani Faurot about to begin her dance at this year’s Mother Daughter Luncheon. Photo by Noe Nekotani.

Freshmen treat mothers to annual luncheon

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
February 15, 2017

The Mother Daughter Luncheon is an annual event hosted by the freshmen class, celebrating Lancer moms at Sacred Hearts Academy. This year’s luncheon...

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Masks from the masquerade project made of different mediums. The mask on the left is made from newspapers, while the mask on the right mimics a bridal veil. Photo by Noe Nekotani.

Making masquerade masks

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
February 10, 2017

Reading classic novels, like William Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet,” is common for high school students across the world. At Sacred Hearts Academy,...

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An upset Hatchimal displays a bit of road rage, swearing in frustration at the turtle traffic ahead. Many claim this popular children’s toy not only has a potty mouth but also a malfunctioning hatching feature. Illustration by Noe Nekotani.

Hatchimals crack open complaints and lawsuits

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
January 31, 2017

Hatchimals, furry robot creatures hatched from eggs, have become the top-selling toy of the holiday season before even making its way onto shelves. But,...

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Academy Junior Emily Wharton and senior Jassirae Ordonez participated in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as part of Na Maka O Pu'uwai Aloha Hula Halau. Photo Courtesy: Cathy Wharton

Dancing hula through New York City

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
December 6, 2016

An estimated 3 million people were at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, including 200 hula dancers and 400 band members from Hawaii. Of...

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Travelers suffering from jet lag.

From jet-setting to jet lag

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
November 29, 2016

The holiday travel season is upon us. And as travelers begin to pack for warm-weather destinations or snowed-out ones, it is important that they also prepare...

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One of our stops in Tokyo was the Giant Lantern, which was where Japanese people would come to pray for a bountiful harvest.

From Taipei to Tokyo

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
November 29, 2016

Landing in Taipei had been a bit underwhelming for me. It was my first time, but I was feeling under the weather and not really able to focus on much of...

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SAMSUNG CSC

Yamamoto finding her stride in collegiate golf

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
November 10, 2016

Sacred Hearts Academy alumna Zoe Yamamoto is already making a name for herself, as a freshman golfer at Franklin Pierce University. Early in the school...

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Photo credit: Taylor McKenzie

Homeroom Halloween Decorations

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
November 8, 2016

Breaking away from the old tradition this year's halloween celebration kicks off the year with a new surprise from SHA. Classrooms are to decorate homerooms...

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Got the munchies for mochi? There was plenty of it, too–from butter mochi to chichi dango. Photo credit: Taylor McKenzie

More than just baked goods at bake sale

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
October 25, 2016

Banana bread, brownies and butter mochi–all part of this year’s annual bake sale at Sacred Hearts Academy. But the sale is not all about the tasty...

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Senior Chloe Ponimoi works with freshman Hunter-Bailey Kaimikaua during after-school NHS tutoring.

Students take to tutoring

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
October 14, 2016

Although it’s the start of a new quarter at Sacred Hearts Academy, tests, projects and homework will soon be filling students’ schedules. To alleviate...

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Ka Leo reporters Ashley Lardizabal (left) and Celine Arnobit (right) work collaboratively on an article.

Students journalists work under pressure

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
October 5, 2016

Hawaii high school journalism students experienced firsthand–what it’s like to work under the pressure of a real-world reporting deadline. This was...

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For Mini Monday, “big sisters” dressed their “little sisters” in baby accessories.

Freshman Initiation: As told by a Little Sister

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
September 29, 2016

Freshman Initiation is a long-time tradition at Sacred Hearts Academy, and contrary to what it sounds, this “initiation” doesn’t include hazing or...

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Choir teacher Zachary Moore gives a vocal lesson to parents at Back to School Night, an event that gives parents a “feel” for what to expect this school year. Photo courtesy of Allison Miyata.

Parents going ‘Back to School’

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
September 20, 2016

More than 300 parents attended Sacred Hearts Academy’s annual Back to School Night this year. The event gives parents an inside look into their daughter's’...

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Photo courtesy of Lancer Athletics Department

Varsity volleyball undefeated after McKinley Invitational win

Noe Nekotani, Reporter
August 31, 2016

The Academy's varsity volleyball team started the season undefeated–after winning  overall championship at the McKinley Tiger Tournament last week. According...

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