Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Sacred Hearts Academy  |   Honolulu, Hawaii

Ka Leo

Taylor McKenzie

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter

Taylor McKenzie is currently a senior and a second-year Journalism student. She is the Vice President of Student Council, President of PAAC Club, member of the National Honor Society and the Web Master of Ka Leo.  As a student journalist, she hopes to write about different global issues, community events, good eats and social issues through the use of different forms of media.

All content by Taylor McKenzie
Voting is one way to make a political difference in your state and country. You can also contact your representatives or joining local activist groups supporting the causes that you are interested in. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army.

Three simple ways to make a political difference : How to be civically engaged

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
April 28, 2018

On Friday, students from Sacred Hearts Academy walked out of their classes to protest gun violence and demonstrate their civic engagement. More than 2,600...

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On March 24, students from across the nation came together to protest gun violence and the lack of gun control in the United States of America. In Hawaii, students stopped for a photo in front of the Department of Education main office. Photos by Taylor McKenzie.

The importance of student activism

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
April 4, 2018

“Who’s got the power?” “We do!” These are some examples of chants that could be heard at the March 14 walkout at the University of...

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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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A traditional gravestone found at a Manoa cemetery. Before taking the “Dying and Rising” theology course, many Sacred Hearts Academy students believed that cremation and burials were the only options for the dead. This class prompts students to research other death rituals and to take steps toward planning their funeral and writing their eulogy. Photo by Taylor McKenzie.

How to plan your funeral

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
January 5, 2018

Does “Here lies Taylor McKenzie” or “Endings are always bittersweet” sound better as a title for my eulogy? These were the thoughts distracting...

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A nature-themed gift sure to bring a smile to any plant-loving friend. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

A new take on holiday gifts

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
December 6, 2017

Now that Halloween and Thanksgiving have passed, it’s time to look forward to, arguably, the biggest holiday of the year: Christmas. Make this year special...

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Bastille playing in a secret concert with Sofar Sounds. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

Sofar so good

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
December 1, 2017

Music is going through an underground revolution. Sofar Sounds, a grassroots network of artists and businesses, is coming to Honolulu during late November....

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The sisters are here

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
November 13, 2017

Are you ready for a night full of upbeat music and religious humor? Join the students from Sacred Hearts Academy and Saint Louis in their latest musical...

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The view of the city of Fuzhou, China, from Zhenhai Tower. During the second day in China, the students went hiking with their “big sisters.” While hiking, they were treated to the welcoming sight of several signs with the warning: “beware of snakes,” written in Mandarin. After the hike, the group visited Fuzhou’s natural history museum.

An artistic experience in China

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
November 8, 2017

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We left Honolulu at 11:30 p.m. on an Air China plane destined for Beijing, China. Photos by Jenelle Ho.

A whole new world: the beginning of a cultural exchange in China

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
November 1, 2017

A lost group of girls speaking garbled English bumbled around the Beijing Capital International Airport at 4:30 a.m. After spending 11 hours on a cramped...

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Starting this week, entryways on campus will be locked by 4 p.m. to ensure the safety of faculty and staff on campus.

New rules secure campus

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
September 17, 2017

Sacred Hearts Academy has been taking steps to becoming a more safe and secure campus. Starting this week, all gates and entryways will be locked at 4...

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Tips for when you are feeling stressed.

Got stress? You aren’t alone.

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
September 17, 2017

Do you feel stressed? If you answered yes to this question, then you aren’t alone. In 2015, New York University conducted a study using two...

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During the summer, I traveled to California. My week in the Golden State started with a 13-hour day at Disneyland. One of my favorite attractions was the daily parade, which featured the classic Disney princess floats. These were accompanied by a finale performance by the chimney sweepers from the beloved film “Mary Poppins.”

A week in the Golden State

Taylor McKenzie, Webmaster, Reporter
August 29, 2017

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The council welcomes students and administration during a back-to-school pep rally.

A year in pink

Taylor McKenzie, Media Editor, Reporter
May 18, 2017

The first day of Sacred Hearts Academy’s 2016-2017 school year began with a burst of brightly-colored posters and silly puns, as Student Council cheerfully...

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Bittersweet: Fate of the honeybees

Bittersweet: Fate of the honeybees

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
May 2, 2017

Honeybees are vital to our survival. It’s a phrase that may sound trite, considering its newfound popularity. It’s also something found everywhere...

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Food waste by the numbers. Information from  Hawaii News Now and Hawaii Business

Waste In Paradise

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
April 24, 2017

We live in Paradise. It’s something we’re told from the endless days of summer that grace our islands and the sound of waves just a few minutes...

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller portrays the story of Achilles and his partner Patroclus.

‘The Song of Achilles’

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
April 21, 2017

It’s time to put Percy Jackson back on the shelf and make way for the new star of Greek mythology-inspired novels, “The Song of Achilles.” The young...

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Cold brew coffee is an easy and delicious morning fix. Photos by Taylor McKenzie

A Cold Coffee Competition

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
April 21, 2017

The coffee culture, as we know it, is changing. Instead of rushing to Starbucks or another trendy coffee shop, where a cup of happiness costs a pretty...

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Downtown Portland, a quick 15-minute drive from the University of Portland, offers an assortment of opportunities to express your inner quirkiness.  Photos by Taylor McKenzie.

So You Want To Tour A College

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
March 28, 2017

It’s almost that time of year again. No, it’s not Christmas nor is it birthday season but rather, the bane of all incoming seniors: it’s time...

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The Great Aloha Run Participants from Sacred Hearts Academy.

[Photo] Major Motivators Of The Great Aloha Run

Martha Nicholas, Reporter
March 24, 2017

Seniors Kailanianna Ablog and Shelly Aquino smiling before the 8 mile run.

POW! WOW! Hawaii connects the artists and the viewers with fan-favorite murals.

POW! WOW! Hawaii brings color to urban Honolulu

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
March 22, 2017

POW! The effect of the sprawling Kakaako murals on viewers. WOW! The reaction from onlookers when the beauty of the art hits them. “POW!...

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Korynn Grennert, Lyric Medeiros and Marlo Nettel in their costumes for “Hairspray.” Photo courtesy of Marlo Nettel.

Altogether Now: ‘Hairspray!’ Wow!

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
March 9, 2017

With the current political atmosphere fueled by racial tensions, many agree that a show like “Hairspray: The Broadway Musical” could not have come...

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Poster by Taylor McKenzie.

Celebrating ‘GALentine’s Day’ with gal pals

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
February 13, 2017

As a twist to traditional Valentine’s Day, Sacred Hearts Academy students will celebrate the bond they have with women in their lives through what they’re...

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The coconut palms that line the island are what gave it its notable name.

Surf, sun and science on Coconut Island

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
February 13, 2017

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Fresh off the boat, Sacred Hearts Academy students are ready for a day of science and discovery.

Surf, sun and science on Coconut Island

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
February 13, 2017

Students from Sacred Hearts Academy’s Advanced Chemistry class couldn’t help but squeal, as water spilled into the tiny boat they were riding. It bulleted...

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Join the new wave of shoppers at South Shore Market, located at Ward Village in Honolulu.

South Shore Market: A new spot for local gifts

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
December 12, 2016

South Shore Market, located at Ward Village, is not only a one-stop spot for last-minute holiday gift shopping but also, a place that’s changing the...

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Don’t stop at the corner of Monsarrat and Leahi Avenue, continue on for a fantastic foodie adventure.

Eat your way through Monsarrat Avenue

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
December 6, 2016

You don’t need a plane ticket to go on an adventure. Instead, this Winter Break, experience a new kind of adventure–by way of your taste buds–via...

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Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Focus on giving, not getting

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
November 29, 2016

Christmas is right around the corner. Instead of focusing on the receiving part of the festivities, why not make this time of year a little more merry...

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This year, Ala Moana Center shoppers will be able to adopt rescue animals from a new pop-up shop. Photo Courtesy: Pexel

Tis’ the season for animal adoption

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
November 22, 2016

The holiday shopping season means good deals and low prices for those in search of the perfect gift. This year, however, it could also mean shopping for...

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Come in for good food and good fun!

FOODIE FRIDAY: Pioneer Saloon

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
November 14, 2016

Monsarrat Avenue, located near Diamond Head, is an up-and-coming area, where clusters of eateries can be found along this street. But the restaurant that...

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Photo credit: The UN Refugee Agency

Hawaii and the Refugee Crises

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
November 14, 2016

The refugee crises is the defining issue for our generation, as the UN Refugee Agency reports that 65.3 million people are being forced to leave their...

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Celebrating the fall in Hawaii

Celebrating the fall in Hawaii

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
November 1, 2016

[slideshow_deploy id='11501'] Contrary to popular belief, autumn can be celebrated without a change in the seasons. The Waimanalo Country Farm Pumpkin...

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The Academy gets ‘Thoroughly Modern’

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
October 25, 2016

Students from Sacred Hearts Academy and St. Louis will soon provide their spin on a six-time Tony Award-winning production. Mamiya Theater’s Fall musical,...

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Juniors Julia Oehlers, Alana Glaser and Celine Arnobit talking with pledgers, who called in to donate to Hawaii Public Radio’s Fall Pledge Drive.

On the Air: A fast-paced volunteer experience

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
October 24, 2016

Over the weekend, several Sacred Hearts Academy students—along with the head of school—were able to experience the fast-paced environment of a radio...

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Youth wants service to be social

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
October 15, 2016

The students watched nervously as the “On Air” signal flickered to life–a cue for an orchestra of ringing telephones begging to be answered. It was...

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A creative mural inside of Glazer’s that combines the joy of music and coffee. Photo credit: Taylor McKenzie

FOODIE FRIDAY: Glazer’s Coffee

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
October 11, 2016

Glazer’s Coffee is a much needed alternative to the onslaught of bland coffee shop chains. With options, such as cold brews, hazelnut lattes and chai...

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Two little sisters decorated with tutu’s, stickers and signs from their big sisters. Photo credit: Taylor McKenzie

Freshmen Initiation Slideshow

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
October 6, 2016

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 The Amine family at this year’s New Parent Social. The annual event welcomes students and their families who are new to the Academy.

New families ‘catch ‘em all’ with Pokemon-themed social

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
September 29, 2016

Families attending this year’s Pokemon Go-themed New Parent Social were on a mission to “catch ‘em all,” as the popular Nintendo game’s slogan...

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Who is ready for the ‘Middle of Here and Now?’

Who is ready for the ‘Middle of Here and Now?’

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
September 20, 2016

What does the phrase “Hawaiian art” mean to you? If palm trees and hula dancers come to mind, then you aren’t alone. These stereotypes plague the...

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Designed By Taylor McKenzie

Lancers celebrate 107 years with a week of birthday activities

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
September 7, 2016

Sacred Hearts Academy celebrates its 107th birthday this school year. That’s more than a century’s worth of memorable moments made by this all-girls...

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Makers & Tasters: An artistic dining experience

Makers & Tasters: An artistic dining experience

Taylor McKenzie, Reporter, Media Editor
August 31, 2016

[slideshow_deploy id='11118'] Nestled in a quaint corner of Honolulu’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a world of food trucks and street art coexists at...

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